Celebrating the Women of Grada

Recruitment isn’t often a career people plan for, but for those who step into it, it quickly becomes more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real impact. At Grada, the focus isn’t just on filling roles; it’s about helping people shape their careers, supporting businesses in finding the right talent, and ultimately contributing to stronger industries.

“Recruitment is one of those careers you tend to fall into, but once you catch the fever, it’s hard to let go. There’s something incredibly satisfying about matching someone with their dream role – especially knowing they might become a future client.” – Lucy, Principal Consultant, Engineering

For Georgia, Associate Director in Architecture, the rollercoaster nature of the job is part of what makes it so rewarding.

“It’s definitely a bit of a rollercoaster with ups and downs, but the ups are well worth it. The people we work with are genuinely passionate about their industries, and when we help them find the right opportunity, it’s something really exciting for everyone.”

With strong female leadership at Grada, the team has built an environment where support, mentorship, and growth are at the heart of everything they do. Many of the women in the team credit their success to the encouragement and guidance of those around them, creating a workplace where lifting each other up is second nature.

“The females around me every day influence my career. It sounds cliché, but I do feel inspired by the women I work with. We’re a company where positivity and lifting each other up is a constant, and that support is a direct reflection of the amazing women in this industry.” – Georgia Barr

For Ella, Senior Consultant in Engineering, having a strong female mentor has played a key role in her professional growth. Under the leadership of Lucy, she has developed confidence in her abilities and learned to embrace her strengths.

“Lucy has been a great mentor in the growth of my career. She has taught me how to be a strong, independent woman who is confident in the field of engineering. She is great at giving advice and leads with grace.”

Strong female leadership at Grada isn’t just about guiding careers, it’s about fostering an environment of diversity, individuality, and confidence.

“The environment at Grada allows people to thrive in their own way – and a lot of that is due to the women if the office. I’ve learned to hone my strengths and use them to my advantage, creativity is powerful and can push you far.”

Recruitment has historically been a competitive and fast-paced industry, but over the years, there’s been a shift towards greater inclusivity and flexibility, something that’s made it an increasingly attractive career path for women.

“There’s been a real shift towards inclusivity and flexibility, which has made it easier for women to thrive in recruitment. The industry is becoming more supportive and balanced, making it an exciting time for women to enter recruitment.” – Mackenzie, Senior Consultant, Architecture

And it’s not just recruitment, across sectors like architecture and engineering, more women are entering the field. While challenges remain, progress is clear.

“Architecture was once a heavily male-dominated space, but there’s a push to change that. More women are coming through, and companies are actively working to get them into senior roles. There’s still work to do, but the momentum is there.” – Georgia Barr

We asked our consultants what advice they’d give to women looking to enter the recruitment industry. The response was clear: back yourself.

“Be confident in yourself and remember the value of what you do. You’re adding enormous value to companies and positively impacting both candidates and clients, so believe in your impact.” – Georgia Barr

“Trust your instincts and build strong relationships. The more you push yourself, the more you’ll grow. And don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, whether it’s career growth, flexibility, or a seat at the table.” – Lucy Lyttelton

“Imposter syndrome can creep in, but you are an expert in this field and hold important market insights. Back yourself and your knowledge.” – Ella Moore

At Grada, success comes from more than just great leadership: it’s about being in the trenches together, fostering a culture where collaboration and shared wins are key. While there’s a clear structure in place, there’s no sense of hierarchy when it comes to respect, everyone’s contributions are valued, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie across all levels. Leaders at Grada don’t just manage; they mentor, support, and work alongside their teams to create an environment where everyone can grow.

“I focus on creating an environment where women feel empowered, supported, and heard. Whether it’s through regular check-ins, development opportunities, or simply being available for guidance, I aim to help them grow in confidence and capability. Leading by example and fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing is key.” – Lucy Lyttelton

For Mackenzie, returning to work after maternity leave has given her a new perspective on balance and workplace support.

“The transition has been a learning curve, but it’s also given me a new perspective on time management and the importance of supportive workplace cultures. Many organisations are recognising the value of flexibility, but true support is about fostering a culture where working mothers feel empowered to succeed without guilt.”

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women of Grada who make it what it is. Their passion, resilience, and leadership inspire not just their colleagues but the entire industry.

Here’s to the women of Grada, the impact they’ve made, and the progress yet to come.

Want to connect with the women of Grada? You can do so below!
Georgia Barr – Associate Director, Architecture
Mackenzie Dalton – Senior Consultant, Architecture
Lucy Lyttelton – Principal Consultant, Engineering
Ella Moore – Senior Consultant, Engineering