About Joel:
Joel joined InfoSec People as a Senior Information Security Recruitment Partner, building high-quality GRC teams. Based in the Black Country, Joel lives with his fiancée and their (four!) cats, plays guitar in a band called Slow Tapes and is an avid Aston Villa fan.
Joel’s first six months at InfoSec People:
“It’s been 6 months since I started at InfoSec People. It feels like I’ve been here years, but also, it’s passed in the blink of an eye.
I first came across InfoSec People a couple of years ago, I was working for a different agency heading up the Cyber Security team. I went to meet a client for a service review, while asking the normal scoping questions they told me that they have a great relationship with InfoSec People.
This became a common occurrence over the next few months, when I was asking who my competitors were- virtually every business I was talking to had nothing but praise for InfoSec People. This built up a picture in my mind of a 200-headcount agency, delivery teams and business development managers working to dominate the Cyber Security marketplace. Granted I did not do much in the terms of research into them at the time, but I had an idea in my mind. ‘Corporate’ (how wrong was I?!).
Fast forward a couple of years and I was looking for new opportunities, that’s when InfoSec’s Director, Chris, first messaged me and after a conversation I realised how wrong I was. InfoSec People was not a huge corporate faceless agency. They’re a small team doing a fantastic job.
My first month was incredible; the welcome that I received was more than anyone could imagine. I felt that from day one I was integrated into the team. I got working on requirements and managed to make my first placement within my first month. Starting any new role is a difficult time for anyone, but with InfoSec People, it was an amazing experience and one that will stay with me forever.
The thing that surprised me most in my first few months was the team spirit. Everyone was pulling in the same direction and everyone’s opinion mattered. I can remember sitting in our boardroom to do our vision orbit; our business plan for the next 5 years. I sat down thinking that I was invited into it as I perhaps overheard a conversation, and it would be awkward for everyone but me to go in. Again I was wrong, I was asked my opinion and had valued input into the business’ plan.
Starting a job is difficult no matter when, but a sales role in the middle of a national recession and worldwide pandemic was basically hard mode. I was set up to fail, and I’m sure that I would have anywhere else. But the support each member of the team offered me was invaluable. So billings and commission etc. aside- the true highlight really has been my colleagues. I have learned something from everyone I work with, and when times have been tough, we’ve really been there for each other. Whether it’s been Whisky recommendations and DJ Khaled memes, an ear to vent to, sales advice or system help. There’s always someone there to lend a hand.
It would be hard to write about my first few months without mentioning the effects of COVID-19. Living 50 miles away from the office has been tough, especially when lockdown hit and my partner was classed as high risk, I’ve never really had to work from home before, and it definitely took some getting used to. But the communication from head office was fantastic, so I’ve not once felt out of the loop.
From a working standpoint, I count myself lucky to have had a steady job flow since I’ve joined. Finding new businesses to work with is one of my favourite aspects of my role, and InfoSec People’s reputation on the market has been a huge enabler of the successes which I’ve had.
2021 is shaping up to be a huge year, professionally and personally. I feel like I’m in a great place in my career where I can really push on and build on the foundations we have in place to become the best Cyber Security and IT recruitment consultancy in the UK. We have big ambitions, but also the tools to exceed them.
Personally, it’s going to be a wild one, my fiancée and I are expecting our first child in the summer, which we’re trying our best to prepare for!
All in all, my first 6 months has been incredible. I couldn’t imagine working for another agency, the leadership team here are the most inspirational people I’ve met in the industry and I’m positive that whatever happens we are set up to succeed in 2021 and the future.”
Joel has already had some fantastic feedback from clients and candidates, for example:
“Joel is hands down the best recruiter I have ever dealt with. He is knowledgeable about the industry, well aware of the challenges one might meet in it and attentive to the expectations of both sides, which makes for great matches. Throughout the recruitment process, he kept me well informed, providing helpful advice and preparation for the various meetings as well as great feedback. His manners, enthusiasm and remarkable professionalism reflect great credit upon himself and Infosec People ltd.” – Edouard Viguier
Lauren Thompson, InfoSec People’s Operation Manager, commented:
“InfoSec People are going through a ‘growth spurt’ at the moment and I’d always heard that growing a team rapidly while maintaining culture and avoiding dilution of quality was a challenge. However, we are dedicated to hiring individuals like Joel who join us as natural high-achievers and embody our company values, which makes it happen instinctively. Growing in this way enables us to partner with businesses from high-growth scale-ups to FTSE100 corporations, who believe in the value of a quality recruitment service, just as we do.”
Joel is currently working with a FTSE100, recruiting several roles within the Cyber Risk, Governance and Resilience teams.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity, give Joel a call on 01242 507102 or email him on Joel@infosecpeople.co.uk for a confidential chat.
InfoSec People are still looking for more recruiters to join the team, if you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity get in touch with us at info@infosecpeople.co.uk
InfoSec People provide Contingency and Executive Search solutions across cyber security and technology. All our actions are underpinned by our core values:
- Always do the right thing
- Be the best we can be
- Add value
Working with exciting cyber scaleups and FTSE100 corporates, we find the cyber leaders today who enable secure business tomorrow.