My career began client-side, in audit with KPMG, then financial reporting and FP & A roles. But I craved an environment where the more you put in the more you get out, so switched to financial recruitment. After a few years with a large agency, I wanted to start my own business. I saw a massive gap in the market here: for a specialist financial recruiter that really knows the industry, and treats people with absolute professionalism and respect. That inspired Alchemy, and the company we are today.

I never wanted to be glued to a desk. I thrive when things are interactive and engaging, and that's recruitment. I probably spend more time in other people's offices than ours, continuously meeting candidates and clients, building rapport and hosting events like 'Women in Business'. What makes Alchemy special is the way we value our candidates. We're not transactional recruiters. There's a culture of bringing everyone close together rather than creating competition.

Having been in a candidate's shoes, I know how it feels to be on the other side. So I ensure Alchemy is a safe space to be open and honest. We aren't a typical sales recruitment company. I like the feeling of truly helping and making a positive impact in someone's life. Recruitment can be a cold environment, where people work in silos to make as much commission as possible. Not here. We help each other, and we want to succeed as a team. That culture is so important to me.

I've always had an outgoing personality, and like helping people in any way I can. I chose to become a recruiter because I get great satisfaction out of placing a candidate, and helping a client source the best candidate for their company. I love the workplace culture in Alchemy – this is a strong close team, all working together towards the same goals. We also have a great business model, an excellent rapport and relationship with clients and candidates, and an effective recruitment process. It's great to work in a team that has great ambitions, and that strives to give the best possible service.

I've lived in Dubai since I was seven, and like to think this gives me an intuitive sense of what makes this region tick, and what companies and candidates look for here. After achieving my CFA, I wanted to leverage my skills by helping others in the sector. This region is an ideal place to do this, as you meet so many different people. I also like the way that that diversity is reflected in the team at Alchemy. This is a place that celebrates variety and opportunity, and I honestly think that spirit makes recruiting here special.

Opportunity, development and career progression matter to me, and that's what I appreciate most about Alchemy. Alchemy has empowered me to be my best. This is a genuine people company, built on trust, respect and honesty I can see that in the way I see my colleagues helping candidates, sharing genuine advice with them, not just saying what they want to hear. I know a lot of other recruitment companies don't even always get back to candidates, but we're the total opposite.