‘Women increasingly respected’

Women are more sought after than men, as they are able to multi-task, and have more empathy towards certain situations, though too many women in one company can be problematic if there is no male influence to balance things out, believes managing director of Tiger Recruitment, Terri Smith. “I have always worked in the freight industry, and find it easy to work in a male-dominated sector. I do feel that men are more and more respectful of women with each passing year, and take our experience and knowledge more seriously,” she adds. And it is hard work, perseverance and drive that helped her succeed in business, despite having established her freight recruitment agency just ahead of the recession in 2008. “Combining my experience in freight with the knowledge of HR and recruiting was the best choice I made. With many contacts in the industry, this was beneficial to the successful start of Tiger Recruitment,” says Smith. She started the business soon after her divorce. – and with her daughter already having left home, its was easier to focus 100% on growing Tiger Recruitment, said Smith. She admits, however, that balancing work and family life has always been a challenge, as she tends to be a workaholic – though she adds humorously that she enjoys her occasional beach bum status. “I have built strong friendships that allow me to enjoy the journey of life.” INSERT ‘Hard work and a good attitude, along with a combination of perseverance and drive, will make you succeed.’ CAPTION Terri Smith ... perseverance.