HR & Finance Executive: Rachael Garvey’s 5-Year Growth Journey at Insight Recruitment

From Office Manager to HR & Finance Executive: Rachael Garvey’s 5-Year Growth Journey at Insight Recruitment

 

Celebrating International HR Day

At Insight Recruitment, we know that great people are at the heart of everything we do — and that includes the people behind the people: our HR and operations team. To mark International HR Day, we’re celebrating one of our very own. Rachael Garvey joined Insight as our Office Manager and, over the last five years, has evolved into a strategic HR and Finance Executive. Her journey reflects not just personal development, but the growth of our culture, values, and operations as a business.

 

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

For many professionals, moving from a large organisation to a smaller, fast-paced company is a bold step — but for Rachael Garvey, it was the opportunity she was looking for.

“I’d always worked for large organisations, so Insight felt like a great opportunity to step into something smaller where I could have more autonomy and really see the impact of the work I was doing.”

 

Joining as an Office Manager, Rachael was immediately struck by the company’s energy.

“It felt driven, ambitious, and collaborative. There was a real buzz about growth, and I knew I’d joined at a time where I could really make a difference.”

 

Wearing Many Hats — Then Building the Team

Starting as a one-person operations team, Rachael handled just about everything, putting key processes in place and laying the foundation for future growth.

“After a year, we expanded the team, and I moved into more of a strategic role — mentoring our new hire and shaping how we worked as a function.”

 

Now, Rachael works in a HR and finance-focused role, aligned with her strengths and long-term ambitions.

“I love working across all levels of the business, using data to inform decisions (and I do love a good spreadsheet!). But my main focus is building strong, scalable people processes that support where we’re headed.”

 

Growth, Development & Mentorship

Rachael’s time here at Insight has been filled with opportunities to grow.

“The biggest skill I’ve developed is learning how to adapt depending on who I’m working with. It’s taught me a lot about how people work differently — and how that influences the way the business moves forward.”

 

With support through Insight’s EVP offering, Rachael is currently working toward her CIPD qualification. She’s also received mentorship from external coaches who helped her clarify her career direction.

Her proudest achievement?

“It’s seeing the ops team grow. Watching people come in, build confidence, develop their skills and thrive — knowing I’ve helped support that is something I’m really proud of.”

 

A Culture That Inspires

Rachael describes Insight’s culture in three words:
Connected. Inclusive. Collaborative.

And it’s that environment that’s made her stay.

“I’ve been able to shape my own career here. I’ve had the chance to explore different areas, take on new challenges, and have always felt supported in doing so.”

 

Advice for New Joiners

“Be curious. Learn from everyone around you. Don’t be afraid to challenge how things are done. Our vision is to empower sustainable growth — and that only happens when we stay flexible and innovative.”

 

And her biggest personal learning?

“That failing at something doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Some of the best changes I’ve been part of came from learning what didn’t work the first time.”

 

Looking Ahead

With her CIPD studies underway and a clear focus on her future in HR, Rachael is excited about what’s to come.

“I’m looking forward to carving out a real niche for myself and continuing to build on the work we’ve started — helping the business and our people thrive as we grow.”