At MAYDAY, “Recruitment with Care” is a lived daily practice, not just a slogan. And no one brings that philosophy to life more than Kat, Co-Founder and HR Director. From mentoring future leaders to shaping the programs that support our team’s wellbeing and progression, Kat plays a pivotal role in building the people-first culture we’re so proud of. We sat down with her to talk about what care looks like behind the scenes, how we support long-term growth and the little moments that make it all worthwhile. 1. What does “recruitment with care” actually mean for you day-to-day? It means treating people like people. Picking up the phone, being honest, keeping promises and remembering that every candidate is a real human with a real life. Care is in the micro-moments - the follow-ups, the empathy, the effort to really listen. 2. How do you support career growth at MAYDAY? By actually listening. We talk openly about goals, strengths, ambitions and the parts someone might want to develop. From there, we build a pathway that feels achievable and personal. Our approach includes: Clear expectations and structured progression plans Regular check-ins Access to senior mentors across the business A robust internal training calendar designed around real needs. We want every team member to see a future here and feel supported getting there. 3. What initiatives are you most proud of implementing? For me, it would be creating and implementing our people focused initiatives - the ones that genuinely make a difference in someone’s day, not just look good on paper. Things like: Stay interviews that help us understand what keeps people at MAYDAY Our return-to-work support framework The wellness program built around Move, Money, Munch and Mind Our mentoring and internal training programs The clarity of our progression plan. These are foundations, not add-ons. We’re in a constant pursuit of creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and set up for success. 4. Leading a growing team can’t be easy. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned? Communicate everything, even the small stuff. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds teams. And be kind - to yourself and to the people around you. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up consistently with empathy and clarity. 5. What gets you out of bed in the morning (besides coffee and 4 children)? Usually my one-year-old… or my husband returning from the gym! But professionally, it’s watching people grow. I love bringing new people into the business and seeing them settle, succeed and surprise themselves. Watching existing team members step into new challenges or progress their careers is the most rewarding part of my job. 6. Can you spill the secret sauce that makes MAYDAY such a great place to work? Our people. We hire genuinely great humans, trust them, support them and keep the ego out of the room. We genuinely want the best for every person. Want to learn more about Life at MAYDAY? Inspired to learn more about Life at MAYDAY? Connect with Kat for a chat or head to our Careers page to see where your next step could take you.
Client Overview A leading private healthcare provider, specialising in surgical and outpatient care. The organisation employs specialist staff across multiple departments and prides itself on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. The Challenge The client needed a confidential executive search for a Director of Nursing. Their existing DON was relocating interstate, and the organisation required a seamless transition with minimal disruption to operations and patient care. Finding a candidate with the right leadership experience, cultural alignment and clinical credibility was critical. Our Approach Conducted an in-depth job briefing with the two owners to define essential skills, leadership attributes and cultural fit. Developed a targeted job ad and social media collateral in collaboration with the client. Initiated a strategic headhunting campaign, leveraging our national network of senior nursing leaders. Maintained regular, transparent updates with the client, ensuring alignment at every stage of the process. The Impact 4 days to deliver a shortlist of high-calibre candidates. 2 weeks total turnaround from brief to placement. 100% compliance checks completed before the candidate started. Zero operational disruption reported during the transition. A highly skilled Director of Nursing was successfully placed, bringing immediate leadership impact and cultural alignment. The client could focus on their clinical responsibilities, confident that the transition was managed seamlessly. Client Feedback: The two owners, both surgeons, praised the process as efficient, low-disruption and professionally managed end-to-end. They highlighted our proactive communication and sector expertise as key factors in the successful outcome.
Many healthcare professionals delay making a move because they fear starting from scratch. New systems. New expectations. New risks. But a career change in healthcare doesn’t have to mean starting again - it often means redirecting your experience. You’re more transferable than you think Clinical skills, communication, adaptability and decision-making travel well across healthcare settings. We regularly help candidates move: From hospital to community or aged care From residential to home care or NDIS From clinical roles into leadership, education or coordination From full-time burnout to flexible contract work Your experience still counts; it just needs the right setting. The smartest way to explore options You don’t need to resign to explore what else is out there. Start with: A confidential conversation Understanding how your skills translate across sectors Exploring short-term or trial roles Getting honest insight into pay, workload and expectations A good recruiter won’t push you, they’ll guide you. What candidates tell us after making the move “I didn’t realise how much better work could feel.” “I still care just as much, I’m just not exhausted.” “I wish I’d done this sooner.”  The right role doesn’t drain your passion but it does protect it. Your next step doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes the best career move is a small one: a different team, better leadership, more flexibility or a role that fits your life now, not five years ago. If you’re curious, we’re here. No pressure. Just a team that cares about your career.
