As International Women’s Day approaches, conversations often focus on leadership, confidence and opportunity. Yet many careers are shaped less by defining moments and more by steady commitment over time.

Recruitment is a demanding profession. It is target-driven, relationship-led and requires resilience. Some periods move quickly; others require patience and consistency. Credibility is built gradually, particularly within financial services, where trust and long-term relationships are essential.

It is this steady progression that defines Lorraine Bateman’s journey at Skillfinder.

When Lorraine joined over twenty years ago, her priority was balance. With two young children, she was looking for flexibility, and the opportunity to work part-time made that possible. What began as a practical decision evolved into a long-standing career.
As her family commitments changed, so did her focus. She invested more time in developing her desk, strengthening client relationships and delivering consistently. Over time, that reliability created new opportunities.

In early 2022, her role shifted from supporting accounts to owning them, including taking responsibility for the Luxembourg market. “I didn’t feel ready,” she says. “It was very much headfirst. I was learning every day. At first it was overwhelming, but then it started to fit together.”

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Luxembourg is a distinctive market. While geographically close to the UK, its business culture is nuanced and highly relationship-driven. Its financial services sector is well established and competitive, making local knowledge and trust particularly important.

Taking ownership of her market meant building on the strong foundations already in place, while continuing to deepen relationships and maintain consistent delivery.

Reflecting on one of her early visits in this new capacity, she recalls: “I remember having six or seven meetings in a day and every single client spoke so highly of Skillfinder and the great candidates we had placed there. It was hard not to get a big head,” she laughs. “I was very proud of myself.”
That pride was less about individual recognition and more about representing the wider team’s work in the region. Over time, regular visits, open communication, and a long-term approach helped to further strengthen those partnerships.

Today, Lorraine works with a wider team of consultants based in Luxembourg, managing key accounts and supporting delivery across the region. She’s also been one of Skillfinder’s standout performers for the past five years, delivering exceptional results with consistency. “Total surprise,” she says. “I wasn’t chasing a title, I was focused on doing the right things day-to-day. To achieve what I have, and to be the first female top biller in Skillfinder’s history, made me really proud.”

Her approach to performance remains grounded in consistency and preparation.
“Every person is different and unique,” she explains. “My approach is to try and bring out the best in them and help prepare them. It’s about giving them confidence to do the best they can.”

Throughout different stages of her life and career, that steady mindset has remained constant. What began as a flexible role became a career built on long-term relationships, resilience and continued growth.

“I always remember that what I do can be life changing,” she says. “Giving candidates advice and support to achieve their ambitions is important. And seeing my team grow and succeed makes me proud.”

In revenue-driven industries, progression can require stepping into responsibility before you feel fully prepared. Confidence often develops alongside experience rather than before it.
Lorraine’s journey reflects that reality, learning in real time, building trust gradually and growing into leadership through delivery.

Her advice to women starting in recruitment is clear:
“Don’t be afraid to do things differently. Women have a different nature and in recruitment that can really work for you. We’re empathetic. We nurture. I want my clients and candidates to feel special and know I’m truly focused on them.”

And if she could speak to her younger self:
“You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Always be yourself and believe in the decisions you make. Don’t ever change.”

There is rarely a single moment when a seat at the table is handed to you. More often, it is built over time, through balance, through perseverance and through consistent contribution.

This International Women’s Day, Lorraine’s story highlights that leadership does not always arrive with fanfare. Often, it grows steadily through commitment, teamwork and the willingness to keep progressing.

And over time, that consistency speaks for itself.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the consistency, resilience and leadership that shape careers over time. Lorraine’s journey reflects the value of long-term partnerships in financial services. If you’re hiring in Luxembourg or exploring your next opportunity, reach out to Lorraine to start the conversation.