Employee Highlight: Laura Maike

I didn’t; Willory found me! I was an internal contract IT recruiter at Cliffs Natural Resources (now Cleveland Cliffs) and we worked with Willory. I worked with John when he had one employee (Bob). We went out to lunch a couple of times. I always respected their professionalism.

I left Cliffs when I had my son. John called me a few months later to discuss a mutual connection we had. He asked what I was up to and the rest is history.

HOW HAS BUSINESS IN OUR MARKET CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED? 

There is a greater awareness of the need for change in the HR world. Times have changed and human resources has always seemed to be a step behind. Professionals and clients are more aware of the need for a focus on analytics, technology, and business partnership, than they have been in the past. The many facets of HR are more definable today. Clients are giving more attention to the needs and changes of these different areas.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS/STRONGEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM WORKING AT WILLORY? 

Working at Willory has given me a greater strength in not only managing my time more effectively, but my overall efficiency and quality of results. I feel I am a more competent and confident professional from my time here.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT SEPARATES WILLORY FROM OTHER RECRUITING/CONSULTING FIRMS? 

Our overall quality of services and level of professionalism we provide. Whether it be through the consulting practice or the staffing services, Willory always delivers superior results. Many of our internal employees have had some background related to our field of focus. Which means we’re more than sales and headhunters; we’re professionals with a history in the same field we’re serving.

Our culture is also notable. We strive for a team, collaborative environment. To find one that actually exists in the third-party staffing world is pretty rare.

WHAT ARE THE 3 MOST SIGNIFICANT LESSONS THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER THUS FAR? 

• Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Have a plan, then have a backup plan.
• Know your value. It shouldn’t matter if you’re on the phone with a CFO or their janitor. Your time is just as valuable as theirs, even the C-suite folks.
• Multi-tasking is a lie, one that will sap your energy and scatter your focus. Concentrate on your priorities, making note of what distracts you from completing your top tasks and taking ownership of eliminating those interference’s.

HOW HAS WILLORY HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT? 

The training’s have also been very helpful. Some of the topics we review are These topics aren’t typically covered in most professional environments, even though they’re badly needed!

Christine’s presentation about multi-tasking has stuck with me unlike any other in the past. The facts she laid out, along with the advice given, have been revolutionary. I am a better organized professional as a result. [Payroll professionals, want to see Christine present a payroll-focused version of this presentation? Attend her presentation at the October 19 Cleveland APA event.]

The challenges that have been given to me, have also shaped the professional I am today. Giving me an environment that is conducive to taking risks and encouraging a forward-thinking, never-settle attitude, has opened the doors for me to expand my professional skills.

HOW IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE? WHAT DO YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME DOING OUTSIDE OF WORKING AT WILLORY?

Being remote has opened the door for optimal flexibility. I love having the ability to start my days before business hours and likewise, be able to log in after hours, without the necessity of a commute. I appreciate the amount of time I can save not worrying about “getting ready” for work.

We spend a large amount of our time with the kids. With 2 (and another due very soon), most of our evenings revolve around their activities. In warmer weather we spend a ton of time outside in our yard, working in the garden or taking walks.

In the little amount of spare time I have, I also enjoy writing and reading (novels and biographies).