Get To Know Team TM: Jordan
Q. Tell us about your career background?
A: I was never really one for school. I enjoyed it as best I could, played sports, did well in exams, but I've always had such a strong work ethic instilled in me from my parents at a young age.
My career in recruitment however came in my early 20's in the hustle and bustle of London working for the (at the time) leading London venue and nightlife business Novus Leisure. Hospitality recruitment well and truly ate me up and spat me out, so whilst wanting to continue my recruitment career stepped away from the intoxicating London scene and joined a smaller boutique agency called The Fix Creative in my home town of Windsor, who specialised in design, creative, marketing, PR and branding. It was there were I truly learnt the agility, resilience, persistence and determination of what it takes to be an agency recruiter.
My bosses at that time were incredible mentors and I learnt so much from them, to which this day I still practice most of my teachings. It's from there I got itchy feet, and wanted a bigger leap to fulfil my desire for more. Having travelled Australia at the young age of 18 I had always felt a pull and yearning to go back but on a more permanent basis.
After securing a job and sponsorship only a few months prior to turning 30 I hopped on a plane to start my new life in Sydney under TSHR where I remained for nearing 6 years learning everything I could about the fashion and retail space to which they had successfully catered to for a number of decades, and despite a turbulent and unexpected first year (COVID) I still managed to get through the dark times and emerge unlike many others unscathed. This brings us to present day where I have recently joined the ranks of The Talent Mill, and to say it's been full on from the get go would be an understatement. The team I feel as though I've had the pleasure of working with for years, the day to day support encouragement and momentum we each deliver to one another is like nothing I've ever experienced before, but above all else the sheer passion for what we do should be bottled and marketed because it's a true testament to each of the teams ongoing success with a portfolio of clients who have genuine care and devotion for. It's so unique and incredibly refreshing.
Q. What is your most valued career achievement?
A: Without giving too much away in terms of names, company etc. I received an InMail on LinkedIn back in 2022 from quite a senior candidate who was exploring the relocation of himself and his family to Australia but with the added layer of his partner being an Australian citizen, which meant to complexities around visas, sponsorships etc. Having had a peruse of his LinkedIn it was evident this profile has dedicated their life to their area of specialism and it showed vividly. Not wanting to waste any time I responded as soon as the InMail had been received and within minutes I was sat on a teams call with this particular candidate unknown to me that despite the AU UK time difference we were both available and ready to go! 45 minutes later I felt buzzed. This guy wasn't only impressive in career but so warm and approachable in personality I knew exactly who to put this profile Infront of and had every confidence they wouldn't resist saying no to a meeting. Without hesitation and having dealt with this particular client in the past I brazenly bypassed my POC and went straight to the founders, with the POC cc'd of course as to not ruffle feathers. Within hours i'd lined up first stages. Within the week I had an out of this world offer to deliver and this is when the nerves set in. Was it too fast? Should I have explored other clients with this candidate as to not count my chickens before they hatched? No. I was confident all along this process albeit swift and somewhat effortless for such a senior profile. Ready to share the incredible offer my WhatsApp starts calling and it's the candidate in the UK... ''Jordan hi, tell Mike I've received the offer and accept. I'll have signed contract back within the hour and thank you again for your help and support with this. See you in a month with the wife and kids!'. I was blown away. For me this was so far my biggest career achievement and not from a revenue perspective, but because I understood what the candidate wanted, the type of profile the client would always have time for, where they would be best positioned entering an unknown market, and striking whilst the iron is hot because had I not had done all of that the outcome could have been incredibly different.
Q. What is your go to work playlist to get you through the day?
A: Anything country, I love anything Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Patsy Cline, I can't get enough and frequently have my impressive playlist built up over time on repeat.
Q. What about you makes you great at your job?
A: Well, being from the UK I'm quite blunt, direct, and I say what needs to be said. That helps me build trust quickly and get to the point without wasting anyone’s time. My favourite quote to use is 'I'm not going to promise you the world and deliver you an island' because it does no one any favours least of all you by overpromising and under-delivering. I take pride in doing things the right way, not the easy way. I may be a bit slap dash at times with admin, but it always gets done in the end. I believe in following through, staying accountable, and holding others to the same standard. That combination of strong people skills and no-nonsense.
Q. What is your idea of success?
A: To me success isn’t just about hitting targets or climbing ladders, it’s about the impact I have on people along the journey because rightly so we are all on a journey. Real success means building trust, uplifting others, and creating a space around you where people feel seen, valued, and supported. It’s when I can look around and see a world that’s growing, collaborating, and proud of what we’ve built together. If I’ve helped others succeed, stay true to their values, and feel a sense of purpose in what they do then I've done my job, not just in a professional compacity but personal.
Q. Tell us 3 things that are most important to you!
A: Personal growth and development - every day we're living we're learning whether it's noticeable or not.
The value of family - despite having lived overseas for 6 years now I still have moments of melancholy when it comes to my family back in the UK, so making sure I keep up to date with them and making myself as available as possible is a key factor in my life.
Mental and physical health - This is something that's been of ever-evolving importance for me, and by no means have I perfected the right balance for me I know I'm taking all the right steps in bettering it which is just as important. Rome wasn't build in a day, nor was Jordan!
Q. What brands are you loving right now?
A: You can't not love Ralph Lauren. Time and time again Ralph Lauren pairs heritage and fantasy, the brand channels a sense of classic luxury and the unmistakable spirit of a life well-lived.
Q. Describe your perfect day.
A: I'd fill up my coffee keep cup (I have it black, I can make it at home), chuck on some activewear and head down for a few laps of Rushcutters bay because there's something about getting some hard steps in before the days underway that's just unbeatable. I'd then take myself off to a class or workout at the gym, meander around the shops before heading back home to make a protein fueled brunch or meet a friend for a bite at a nearby cafe, and maybe some dinner plans in the evening. I'm here there and everywhere during the week so the weekend really is my time to recharge and do as much or as little as I choose. That or a weekend trip to Melbourne to see my sister and nephews because despite being run ragged by them all I love making memories with them.
Q. If you could have anyone in the world be your dinner guest, who would it be?
A: Being Windsor born and raised I've always had a deep love for the royal family. One in particular who was a sensation during her time was Princess Margaret. You just know after a few wines with dinner she'd be loose lipped about all sorts of royal scandal and I would be all ears!
Q. Tell us something we would never guess about you
A: I am petrified of anything that lurks in the depths of the ocean, but above all else orcas.
Q. Give us a life hack!
A: Scrambled eggs in the microwave. No time for pans!
If you’d like to connect with Jordan to find your dream role or to become a new client of ours we would love to connect, please email Jordan@thetalentmill.com.au today.
By Jordan Mcleod // Edited By Shannon Parsons