WIB | Spotlight on Tracy Hurst

Tracy Hurst is the Global Head of Sourcing Operations at Alexander Mann Solutions. Based in Belfast, together with her team, Tracy is responsible for an operation that encompasses the talent attraction and engagement activities that support over 80 blue-chip clients globally.

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Tracy Hurst is the Global Head of Sourcing Operations at Alexander Mann Solutions. Based in Belfast, together with her team, Tracy is responsible for an operation that encompasses the talent attraction and engagement activities that support over 80 blue-chip clients globally.

Over the course of her 15-year career, Tracy has worked across the Healthcare and Investment Banking sectors across the UK & Ireland and mainland Europe, holding a number of positions from EMEA Head of Client Services to Head of Global Client Service Centre (Belfast).

What is your advice for women starting out in their career?

From the start and throughout my career I think developing a strong self-awareness has been hugely important. Without seeking out and listening to honest and constructive feedback about how you are perceived, you may be held back without quite knowing why. So I would recommend reaching out to those whose opinions you value and who will be willing to tell you the nice and not so nice things about how you come across. This will give you something to work and improve on. And remember, when comparing yourself to others that you can only be you, so just work on being the best version of you..

How do you manage your work life balance?

I travel a lot for work and I have two young children (ages 4 and 8), so this is something I have to think about. I have strong family support, especially from my husband who also works full time and my Mum (I can never say thank you enough for all she does for us). As well as this my employer, Alexander Mann Solutions, offers me flexibility in my working hours and location, meaning I can focus on getting my job done, rather than where I am while doing it, which makes life that much easier to balance.

What are your tips for being resilient in the face of adversity?

Well firstly I’d say that you are unlikely to become resilient until you face difficult times and deal with them. Worry can be your enemy here and my tips would be to make sure you go in to situations prepared, get enough sleep and keep in mind that in time issues pass. All of this is easier said than done of course and your body won’t ever let you get rid of stress completely – it’s nature! Helping yourself in these ways will give you an advantage and at the end of it, as a sort of bonus, you are likely to then be more resilient.

How do you define success in your career?

A lot of people, including me, strive to be happy. So career success to me is about what makes me happy. In my career that comes from seeing that my contribution at work has a positive effect on my team, my clients’ and my employers’ success and is balanced with the health and happiness of my loved ones outside of work.

What is one characteristic that you believe every successful business woman should possess?

It’s hard to pick something universal as everyone is different. I will tell you what I think has always helped me in my career and that is open-ness – to giving and receiving feedback, to learning, to new ideas, to considering diverse perspectives and to making the most of opportunities. As an added benefit, I think being open also has a powerful way of making life more interesting and enjoyable.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge facing women in business today?

I don’t personally think about challenges in business in terms of gender. I’ve worked with amazing men and women throughout my career so far, and working in a people business I meet and have had the pleasure to lead lots of people. The idea that someone’s job performance is related to their gender seems bizarre to me. Every day I see how focussing on the skills individual women and men possess and what they can contribute allows organisations to attract, engage and retain the best talent.

Wednesday 30 November 2016