Finding purpose through connection: Rose Guise’s story

As Senior Director at Robert Walters Melbourne, Rose has been part of the business for more than a decade. Originally from New Zealand with a background in theatre and the arts, she never expected to find her calling in recruitment. What started as a happy accident has turned into an ongoing journey filled with growth, collaboration, and purpose. She recounts her story below.

I’m a Kiwi with an arts degree who once dreamed of working in advertising, but recruitment proved to be a career where I could apply my curiosity, creativity, and people-focused approach in meaningful ways. This unexpected path has developed into a journey marked by learning, challenges, and professional growth.

Before joining Robert Walters, my career path took a few unexpected turns. I started working as a babysitter at 14, spent years in retail while studying, and later moved into corporate admin roles while pursuing theatre. I also worked in central government before moving into an account management role, selling tax and accounting solutions to small business owners across New Zealand. That role taught me the importance of listening, building relationships, and delivering results through genuine conversation.

I enjoyed collaborating in teams, meeting deadlines, and solving problems. Recruitment brought all of that together. When I joined Robert Walters in 2014, I had no idea how much I’d learn, not just about recruitment, but about business, leadership, and myself. 

I was always searching for a role that combined my passions: working with people, being naturally curious, and having space to be creative.
 

My candidates taught me about the world of business transformation and project delivery, while my colleagues and leaders showed me what collaboration and growth really look like.

Over the past 11 years, I’ve held eight different roles, including a relocation to another country as part of my career progression. I started as a consultant specialising in contract recruitment, and supporting senior members of my team as a candidate manager. Each new role has brought challenges, learning, and immense satisfaction.  Looking back, I feel fortunate to have developed so much within one business.
 

When I look back, it feels like a dream. I feel so fortunate to have grown and developed so much within one business.

What I value most at Robert Walters is working in a collaborative, supportive team. I believe in our model. The camaraderie, the support, and the shared sense of purpose make every challenge worthwhile.

Recruitment is a job that’s never really “done.” For someone who’s naturally competitive, that can be hard to reconcile. Over time, I’ve learned to set personal boundaries and build self-discipline both inside and outside of work.  I prioritise balance through regular exercise and time in nature, which helps me maintain focus and effectiveness both professionally and personally

I still love it after all these years, and I have just as much fun today as I did when I started.

For anyone curious and driven to succeed, recruitment offers continuous challenges and opportunities for growth. Robert Walters provides a platform to develop, lead, and make a real impact, regardless of where you are in your career.  

Like Rose, if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you. Click here to learn more.