Meet Sammy: From Senior Consultant to Account Director

Sammy joined MAYDAY in 2021 and has since built an impressive career journey, rising from Senior Recruitment Consultant to Team Leader of the Temporary Division, and now to Account Director. Her authentic, grounded and purpose-driven approach has helped her lead teams, deliver high-volume recruitment across multiple industries, and build long-lasting partnerships with clients and candidates alike.

Below, she shares her career progression at MAYDAY, her leadership approach and insights into thriving in a people-first, high-performance culture.

1. Sammy, tell us about your first role at MAYDAY - what was your starting point?

When I first joined MAYDAY, I started working across both temporary and permanent roles, diving into every task and learning the ropes along the way. It was an opportunity to explore different areas and discover where I could make the biggest impact. After a few months, it became clear that my passion and strengths lay in the temporary recruitment space. I was then given the incredible opportunity to take over some major accounts from a division manager going on maternity leave.

This was a pivotal moment in my career. It gave me the chance to stretch my skills across multiple areas, managing high-volume accounts, leading project teams and gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in a fast-paced environment. I also partnered with global companies, acting as a trusted recruitment partner to streamline onboarding, offboarding and serve as the first point of contact for escalations. Every challenge became a learning opportunity, and every win reminded me why I love this work.

2. What drew you to MAYDAY in the first place?

I was genuinely inspired by MAYDAY’s leadership and vision. It was clear from the start that the business was built on strong values, ambition and a genuine care for people. The culture really stood out - collaborative, supportive and full of energy. Having direct access to the directors was a huge drawcard too; learning from them firsthand accelerated my growth from day one.

3. You’ve progressed from Consultant to Account Director, what’s helped you get here?

A mix of opportunity, support and the right environment has been the foundation of my progression. I’ve always had guidance when I needed it, but also the autonomy to learn, stretch myself and trust my own decisions. That balance helped me grow quickly and confidently. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and support I’ve had. It’s shaped not only my career path, but how I approach challenges, development and collaboration today.

4.What opportunities or experiences helped you step into your current role?

A combination of being given real responsibility, strong mentorship and space to step into new challenges. I was trusted to lead major accounts, build project teams and work across areas I hadn’t been exposed to before. This helped me understand where my strengths are and what I truly love doing. And underpinning it all is a values-driven culture that shapes how I operate every day.

5. Any standout moments along the way?

Absolutely. A major turning point was stepping in to lead several high-volume accounts while a division manager was on leave. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me I was trusted to handle big responsibility. That moment stretched my capability, accelerated my confidence and ultimately set off the chain of progression that led me to where I am now.

6. What skills or habits made the biggest difference in your career progression?

A few standouts:

Curiosity: I asked questions, tried new things and took on both temp and perm roles early in my career.
Resilience & adaptability: Recruitment moves fast; being steady under pressure has been crucial.
Relationship-building: Long-term trust with clients, candidates and colleagues has shaped everything.
Strategic thinking: Shifting from “fill the role” to “be a partner” was a game changer as I moved into account director work.

7. How visible and achievable do career paths feel at MAYDAY?

Very. MAYDAY recognises that careers aren’t one-size-fits-all, and my journey reflects that. My role evolved around my strengths, even when they didn’t fit a traditional path. I never felt boxed in. Instead, I was supported to carve out a direction that aligned with what I’m good at and what I enjoy. That flexibility has been a huge part of my growth.

8. How does merit-based progression work in practice?

Progression here is about impact, initiative and living our values - not just tenure and targets. Opportunities go to people who show ownership, consistency and the ability to meaningfully support clients and the team. Having direct access to the directors meant clear expectations, honest feedback and a shared view of what “next level” looked like. I was trusted with key accounts and projects because of performance, and that trust fuelled my development.

9. What’s the most rewarding part of your role now?

There are so many, but a few things stand out:

Impact: I get to shape how we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, adapting our approach to each client and seeing the results firsthand.

Mentorship: Supporting others the way I was supported is incredibly meaningful. I love helping people grow, learn and find their confidence.

Continuous development: I’m still learning every day - giving and receiving feedback is a huge part of that.

Connection: Travelling interstate to meet clients builds deeper relationships and adds a lot of fulfilment to the role.

10. What advice would you give someone considering a role at MAYDAY?

If you’re thinking about a career at MAYDAY, here’s what I’d say, from my heart and experience: Bring your whole self - this is a place where your ideas and ambition matter. Stay curious, ask questions and embrace challenges; they’re where the real growth happens. And invest in your relationships. Clients, candidates, your teammates - the connections you build here are what make the work meaningful and your impact lasting.