Jo Wilson, Managing Director Gunn Talent 

How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time?

I believe that effective leadership is about really knowing your team – what’s important to them in their lives – both professionally and personally. Only then can you provide them with the growth opportunities that align for them as individuals, and encourage them to be the best they can be. Like many leaders, I’ve made mistakes – which has given me plenty of learning and reflection over time. These days, I’m immensely passionate about providing not only professional coaching, but also external guidance for my team, to support their mental health and wellbeing.

What strategies do you use to build and inspire a high-performing team?

I set high standards and support my team to meet those expectations. I’ve learned over time to let go of the need to be all over everything! My team of ‘Gunn Girls’ take ownership of their work, and I trust them to make decisions. Celebrating wins, both big and small, as well as getting out and about to encourage good times outside of the office, goes a long way toward maintaining and developing an amazing team culture.

Can you share an example of a leadership challenge you faced and how you overcame it?

I think one of the biggest leadership challenges I’ve faced is learning to adopt a different approach for different personalities over the years. How I’ve overcome this is by making an ongoing effort to understand my team and their individual drivers, and giving them the confidence to let me know if they need something from me they’re not getting – and not being afraid to do so.

What role do mentorship and networking play in your approach to leadership?

Mentorship and networking have become cornerstones of leadership for me. I believe strongly in paying it forward and offering mentorship to younger women in business. Networking with like-minded, ambitious women in senior positions is equally crucial, as it allows for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.

How do you balance maintaining authority while fostering collaboration and inclusivity?

I think it’s all about respect. I maintain authority by being very direct and clear about expectations whilst encouraging my team to present their ideas and challenge my thinking. Age and experience have been incredibly valuable for me in terms of my own growth in this regard. 

What is the most challenging obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how did you navigate it?

Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced have been dealing with economic downturns, which always have a significant impact on the recruitment industry overall. Team collaboration and leadership become more important than ever in these times, helping to navigate through tough periods. I always fall back on good old sales activity – focusing on new business, maintaining existing relationships and networking – mentoring my team to know that even during times when resilience is tested, increased sales activity always improves outcomes.

How do you maintain resilience and focus during periods of uncertainty or failure?

I maintain resilience by staying grounded in my purpose and remembering why I started my journey. During tough times, I focus on the small wins and always remind myself that setbacks are a part of the process. I surround myself with a supportive team and network of people who inspire me and lift me up. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial.

What are your go-to strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout?

I thrive in a pressure-based environment – so ensuring I have work/life balance is crucial. I’m fortunate in that I really enjoy quiet time alone to re-energise, but there’s nothing like spending time with friends and family to balance out the potential for burnout.

How has your perspective on resilience changed as your career has progressed?

Early on, I viewed resilience as simply pushing through challenges. Over time, I’ve come to realise that resilience also involves recognising when to pivot, ask for help, or take a step back to reassess. It’s not always about endurance – it’s equally about strategy and flexibility.

What habits or routines have been instrumental in your personal and professional growth?

Consistency has been the key to my growth. I maintain a routine that includes setting clear goals, reflecting on my progress, and ensuring I interact with amazing people every day.

How do you stay motivated and continually strive for improvement in your career?

I stay motivated by always setting new challenges for myself and my business. I look for ways to innovate and improve processes to ensure we remain competitive. Additionally, I stay inspired by collaborating with other ambitious women who share similar goals and values. I’ve recently started my own networking group of incredible businesswomen alongside a wonderful friend, something I’d been intending to do for a very long time. This is key to ongoing motivation, drive and opportunities for growth. 

What advice would you give your younger self when you were just starting out?

I would tell my younger self to trust my instincts! I’d also reiterate to my younger self that it’s okay to fail as long as you learn from it, and don’t be intimidated by other people’s success. Always remember your worth and be unapologetically ambitious.

What role does feedback play in your journey of self-improvement, and how do you approach it?

Feedback is essential for growth, which has been an ongoing learning curve for me. I now actively seek feedback from my team, mentors and peers, as it helps me understand  what I’m doing well, and where I can improve.

Photo By: DANILOPHOTO