62

November – January 2017

63

CAREER

Career profile

CAREER

Career profile

Get to know your peers through our career profile series. This issue, Ruth Penfold reveals how the power of networking helped her to land a dream job, and why showing a little bit of love – for ourselves, as well

as for other people – goes a long way.

| Sarah Clark

Ruth Penfolddirector, talent acquisition, Shazam

Read Clare Gates’ full career profile, plus many more, by visiting: changeboard.com/content/career-profiles/

Why I love what I doShazam (the app best known for its music identification capabilities) is an amazing place to work and one of the best-loved apps, which makes my job incredibly rewarding. I love having a tangible, positive impact on the people I interact with, helping them to find their next best role, – and sometimes helping them to realise that might not be with us.

I want people to go away feeling good about their interaction with Shazam, whatever the outcome. The most challenging part of my role is its pace and the agility needed. We operate in an agile environment and that methodology permeates everything we do. You have to think and act fast and engage the right people.

My typical dayI wake at 5am and arrive at work between 7:30-8am. I use my time in the early hours for self- development – for mind, body and soul. Days are a mix of planning, meetings and interviews. I ensure I have a lot of face time with the business, so we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to people planning. I aim to leave the office by 6pm.

Perks and downsides to my roleI have a tremendous amount of freedom and autonomy, but also responsibility. You have to be great at self-management and learn when to say yes – and when to say no.

Essential skills for my roleYou have to love people. Some argue that’s not a skill, but to work with people in such a direct way, I think it’s essential. The ability to form trusted, valued relationships across the board comes next.

I landed my role at Shazam By networking – and owning the role as soon as I got here. Before that, I had a reached a professional plateau, so I made it my mission to meet as many interesting people as I could, ranging from artists/musicians and creatives to corporate folk. I had no agenda beyond connecting and finding out about their world. One of those people called me when they started at Shazam and everything happened from there.

I haven’t followed a set career pathBut that’s a wonderful thing. I find myself working in a space where my favourite thing is at the heart of what I do: people.

How to overcome obstaclesLove is a great foundation – for ourselves and others. We can enrich our daily interactions simply by being more loving. Connection to self is also important. Be honest with yourself, and with everyone else. From that place of truth, connection and love (with a slice of positivity), we can overcome just about anything.

My career advice would beWork hard and jump for every opportunity. Be brave, reach out to people who interest you and make them part of your network. People will be your biggest asset as your career unfolds. Always be yourself. For a long time, I made the mistake of trying to fit myself into boxes. Now I am abundantly and unapologetically me.

Be brave, reach out to people who interest you and make them part of your network

Read Ruth Penfold’s full article, plus many more career profiles, at: changeboard.com/content/career-profiles

CV IN BRIEF2013-present: Shazam, director, talent acquisition

2013: Colas Rail, HR project advisor

2011-2013: Tucker Stone, managing consultant

2008-2011: Bullet Search, senior consultant

2001-2007: Anna Gillett Recruitment, director

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FAVOURITESApp: Shazam of courseBand: Currently, Anderson PaakSong: Rush Of You – Oyinda Thing to do on a Friday night: Psycle, smoothie and a stroll from the West End back to Notting HillPlace to eat: Redemption, Notting Hill

Career moment: Being named one of the 11 most influential recruiters by Recruiter Magazine in 2016 Holiday spot: Ibiza, New York or Los Angeles