Up this week is Jo Wood!  Co-owner and Director of Paragon, Jo is a qualified recruiter with a background in relationship management, sales, advertising and PR.  Jo’s recruitment expertise, connections and contacts are legendary – surpassed only by her ability to craft bird noises with her bare hands.

• Key skills – relationship management, sales & business development, advertising & PR, financial management
• Key account management, day-to-day management of Paragon’s team, finance and operations
• Strategy, business oversight, staffing and planning 
• Outsourced recruitment, talent sourcing and selection

What did you want to be when you were younger?

After doing my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, my community service was around the police force, it inspired me to want to join the force, but I’m colour blind and this was a sticking point. I then decided to travel the world and bought a one-way ticket to Turkey, donned a rucksack with my travel book The Lonely Planet (no internet or mobiles in the olden days) and travelled over land ending up 18months later in New Zealand.

What is your favourite movie?

This is a tough one, I have eclectic tastes and love anything from Sci-fi through to a good old tearjerker, but I can reveal that my ultimate fav is………drum roll please…….. The Life of Brian, it’s the only film I’ve watched 10 times over and it still makes me laugh now. 

Where will you be found outside of work?

Mainly running a well-oiled Uber service for my 2 children!  

I feel so lucky to live on the Isle of Man, I love being outdoors, so a good stomp in the countryside with my 2 year old Lab is normally where you will find me. In the summer, it’s all about beach life with SUP boards, I may even venture in for a sea swim (with a wetsuit because of my fear of them pesky jelly's). Mountain biking, skiing, good food, fine wine and laughter are all things that nourish my soul.

Early riser or night owl?

Definitely a night owl. The one exciting thing about the winter is I get to enjoy the sunrise; this natural beauty passes me by come the summer.

Do you have any party tricks/ talents

A few things of the top of my head;                     

I can do an eskimo roll in a canoe.

I can juggle.

I can mimic a dove sound through my hands (well I think it sounds like a dove!)

I feel I could continue to make a long list of my ‘certain set of skills’ but I don’t want to bore you.

Best thing about working for Paragon?

The team - I get to work with a wonderful bunch of human beings that are passionate and genuine about helping people find their next role. Being a recruiter is a demanding role and no two days are ever the same, so it’s very important to make sure you have a supportive and professional team around you. I particularly like the fact we all love CAKE!