Kate Gerald
Hello! I’m Kate Gerald, Founder and CEO of K.A.G. Recruitment Consultancy, Business Coach, and a passionate advocate for women in business.
With over 25 years in Recruitment, I have channelled my expertise into not just leading a successful business but also empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
1. Tell us a little bit about your business… / or the organisation you work for.
K.A.G. Recruitment Consultancy, founded and led by Kate Gerald, has carved a niche in the recruitment industry, specialising in Engineering, Manufacturing, IT, and Logistics. K.A.G. stands out for its bespoke recruitment strategies, deeply understanding both client requirements and candidate aspirations. The company’s ethos is rooted in a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, with a particular emphasis on supporting women in sectors where they are underrepresented. This approach has not only garnered respect and trust from clients and candidates alike but also positioned K.A.G. as a leader in innovative recruitment practices.
2. How did you get into the industry?
I started in Recruitment nearly 30 years ago having walked into an agency for support in finding employment and was offered a position internally. I spent 10 years in Logistics recruitment working initially for the Franchisee before buying the Franchise myself and being 1 of 5 females during that time, also being the youngest at 21. I went through some extreme challenges, changes and hurdles and eventually sold the business to try to find some work life balance 10 years later when I met my now husband. During the period of 2007 -2017 I was made redundant three times, once when I was on maternity leave and subsequently a further two times when my son was very young. I had some great experiences across Graduate Recruitment and thoroughly enjoyed recruiting in sectors that were predominantly male and being able to showcase how females can also work in these industries. Starting K.A.G. Recruitment I wanted to be able to give working mums more flexibility in their lives whilst also being able to be successful in their careers.
3. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
There are so many recruiters in the market and with it being a service led industry where we deal with people, people have no guarantees so the only guarantee that you can give is the commitment you will give to represent your client in the best way. We are very true to our values and never dilute our service which in return enables us to have a very loyal client base where our retention has been supported year on year and we continue to not only retain our client base and reputation but also growth year on year.
4. How would you describe your leadership style?
(if not in a leadership role talk about your working style) Firm but fair. I don’t expect anyone in my business to do anything that I am either not able to do or continue to do myself. You can’t fully understand the challenges that your team experience if you are distanced from your business and by continuing to work this way I am aware of both challenges, changes and areas of development, to me leading from the front and by example is key.
5. How do you get the most out of the people who work for you? (or work with you)
K.A.G Recruitment was set up as a fully remote business when we started in 2017 so the team has always worked from home and will continue to do so. They are able to work around their own schedules to deliver what is needed to fulfil their role. I feel by setting clear targets and expectations but also giving flexibility on how or when this is delivered allows everyone to work to their own unique styles and you get the best from everyone
6. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Attention to details, understanding your clients values and what makes the right person for their business. We conduct both 3 and 6 month reviews with every candidate that we place so this provides security for our clients and candidates that we are committed to them and also are aware of how they are progressing and is so rewarding when you see individuals develop through the organisation that you have placed them with.
7. How has the past 12 months been for you?
In 2023 we won two awards, one for most innovative Recruiter for the West Midlands and also the British Recruitment Awards for Candidate experience. This is testament to what we stand for and has made me so proud that as a team we have been able to achieve this. Our “Knowledge” Coaching services have continued to grow offering, onboarding, Interview Training, Graduate/Mentoring Support, Retention and also 121 coaching to show that we are not just a Recruitment business but are committed to our clients and truly work in partnership with them.
8. What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
We are going through another period of growth currently and have a new Graduate trainee joining us this month, we plan to continue with this method now going forwards and very much train our own talent for the future which is extremely exciting. We have also been nominated for a further two awards this year for Rising Star and Champion in business and I have also been a Co-Author of ‘Rise of the Female Entrepreneur’: My dedication to female empowerment is further exemplified by my contribution as a co-author to ‘Rise of the Female Entrepreneur’, a book that explores the journeys and insights of women entrepreneurs, offering inspiration and guidance to aspiring female leaders.
9. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Starting a business from my kitchen table on my own with no money in the bank, no funding, and being let down by people that were going to initially join me to now being a team of 6 and being an award winning business that is recognised in the industry that we service for excellence.
10. What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Don’t trust everyone that you meet, as difficult as it sounds this needs to be earnt not everyone will want what’s best for you but the people that trust you and you have created relationships with will.
11. What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
Don’t ever be told you can’t do something or aren’t good enough, if you have a passion and want to strive for better in your life don’t let anyone hold you back or tell you there are easier options as easy just isn’t exciting or challenging and that’s what continues to drive me forward every day.
