Sam Spoors, founder and MD of Talentheads, shares her insights with Portfolio North.
My morning routine is….
Always kickstarted by letting our gorgeous two toy poodles, Holly and Rose, into our garden. We flick the fairy and fish tank lights on before turning the radio on for a bit of background noise. Eventually we wake the kids – and always encourage the little ones to make their beds and open their curtains – before we all head downstairs to enjoy breakfast together.
What puts me in a good mood?
Music! If I’m at home or in the office, there’s always music on. Nothing lifts my mood like belting out a banger such as Inner Smile by Texas.
What makes me angry?
Bad manners. If someone pushes into a queue or doesn’t say thank you, I can’t ignore that. Greed also makes me angry – there’s just no reason for it. Both are super frustrating traits in people.
Values I try to live and work by…
Loyalty, honesty, gratefulness, appreciation and respect. My value system is integral to everything that I do, to the point where I’m prepared to make important decisions based on whether it fits with my personal and business values.
Bad habits I try to break…
I convenience eat too much. My home and work life are so busy, so I tend to rush and pick up food that is easy and convenient. I then encourage others to do the same for ease. It’s not great and as a result there are lots of negative consequences.
What motivates me most?
Making a difference. I want to make an impact and leave something positive behind. Doing something different, changing perceptions, challenging what has always been done – that makes me get out of bed each morning.
My sources of joy are…
My children, my relationship with my husband, the success of my business, my two toy poodles, music, food and dancing.
I relax and de-stress by…
Reading or listening to a good book. I like a good mixture between crime fiction, a meaty autobiography and a business book on scaling successful businesses or leadership.
What most people don’t know about me…
I ran for England Schoolgirls’ and absolutely loved it. Cross country was my event and I have fond memories of grassy spike running shoes and foil wraps on completion of a run.
If I didn’t do my current job, I’d like to be…
A home-maker. I never had the opportunity to consider being a mum who could stay at home when I had my children. Although my kids would hate me being at home (they say I would run the house like a business), I would love to be part of the school activities, be there when they come in on an evening and to keep on top of running a household of four children and two dogs. I say this as it’s completely the opposite of what I currently do. However, I wouldn’t change being a business owner. I love the pace, challenge and disruptiveness and I’ve definitely found my calling.
Talentheads is a specialist recruitment consultancy. For more information visit talentheads.co.uk, email [email protected] or contact 0191 300 8688
