Vol.2 – New Challenges in the HR Consulting Business
Continuing our “Meet the Team” series, today we’re talking to Mayo Yoshino, CPA’s first ever HR Consulting Business Lead! She’s been working hard for 3 years as a Recruitment Consultant, so we sat down with her to find out her motivations, and what this new role means to her and the company, going forward.
Briefly, how did you get started in recruitment?
“Well, I started working in Japan as a Sales Planning Administrator for a manufacturing company, but I felt I was more interested in the HR side of things, and how the people benefitted the company. So, after studying an HR Masters in the UK, I thought I could do HR or recruitment, but in recruitment I can work with a lot of different companies and a lot of different people – and I just like talking to people!”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I like nature, so I like to go out, walking, hiking. My favourite place was Scotland, it’s so peaceful and pretty. I try to go there, or to the Peak District every year.”
What’s something your clients and candidates might be surprised to learn about you?
“I think no one really expects me to be a nature or outdoor person, I think I come across as more of a quiet person that likes to stay indoors and read. I don’t come across as athletic, but I did a half-marathon in Manchester!”
Why did you choose to study HR at university in the UK?
“I studied in America for one year for my Bachelors, but I felt like they are more focussed on the business side of HR, often overlooking the employees themselves. But in the UK, there seems to be a better balance including the employee’s happiness and safety. The culture in the UK is more like Japan too, I feel.”
Taking on this new HR role at CPA, what are you most excited about?
“Previously we’ve only focussed on recruitment, but now we’re able to provide support from an HR perspective. I’m excited to see when our candidates join a company, we know they’re joining a good company. Starting something new is a bit difficult, but it’s exciting too. I’m lucky to have support from our Associate Director and Deputy Director, they’ve been doing this for a long time and are there to help me – I’m definitely not alone in this.”
How do you envision this initiative benefiting our clients?
“A lot of Japanese companies have to reflect Japanese headquarters’ ideas, but also consider European culture, and we understand both – so we’re tailoring our services to help create a comfortable work environment for all people in Japanese companies, providing a better hybrid culture.”
For you personally, what challenges do you foresee in taking on this challenge?
“Like any new project, we’ve been finding out what would be beneficial to the clients, as well as making it attractive to the companies. They know us from recruitment and they trust us, but they’re unsure what sort of HR services we can provide. I’ve also been balancing it with my recruitment activities, and they’re different. Recruitment can a little more reactive sometimes, but in this role I’m coming up with my own ideas and creativity, it’s purely proactive.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your work at CPA?
“It might sound odd, but I really like seeing my colleagues make placements and be successful, especially the newer recruiters. As a Lead Consultant, I’m glad when I make placements, but for some reason I feel a lot of joy from seeing others succeed.”
We’re lucky to have Mayo on our team. Feel free to connect with her and follow us to meet more of our fantastic consultants!
