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Real networking
for women in business
Specialist Search and Recruitment for Financial Services and Legal markets.
A bit about me...
Working with a carefully selected mix of clients whom we believe genuinely offer outstanding opportunities to their sector's top talent.
Our client base includes Independent Financial Advisers, Wealth Management, Mortgage Advisers, Commercial Finance and Legal Practices.
Most frequently we work with our clients to quickly and discretely fill mid-board level roles, generally not advertised on the open market.
Please get in touch if you want to know how we might be able to help you:
Recommendations
"Jo was really helpful and great at providing the information needed through the recruitment process, if you are looking for help to move roles don't hesitate to contact Jo for a friendly informative chat!"
Recommended by Francesca Webb- M & G Wealth Management
"I cannot speak highly enough of Jo Rolliston at The Progress Shed! Jo has consistently delivered exceptional candidates for our mortgage firm, Windsor Hill Mortgages. Despite our relatively short time working together, Jo has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our firm. Her dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail have surpassed my expectations. Jo's ability to understand our specific needs and provide us with top-tier candidates has been invaluable. She truly goes above and beyond to ensure that we are connected with the best talent in the industry. I am immensely grateful for Jo's expertise and commitment to excellence. Her impact on our team and the quality of candidates she has brought to us have been nothing short of outstanding. I wholeheartedly recommend Jo Rolliston to any firm seeking exceptional recruitment services. Thank you, Jo, for your outstanding work and dedication to helping us thrive at Windsor Hill Mortgages"
Recommended by Elliot Cotterell - Director of Windsor Hill Mortgages and C & C Group
"Jo was one of the first recruiters I spoke with when we initially began creating our own Inhouse Recruitment desk to take over the Central Business Unit recruitment. We wanted to maintain recruitment specialists to continue to support bespoke roles for the wider company and Jo came on board and is still succesfully recruiting on our behalf across the business unit. Her advice and support have been crucial in our success to date and we look forward to our continued successful working relationship in the future."
Recommended by Polly Austen- Perspective Managing Wealth -
My blogs
Conducting Successful Interviews: Tips for Employers #recruiting
by Joanne Rolliston on 10th Feb 2025
Hiring the right talent is a critical aspect of any organisation's success. Conducting interviews as an employer can be a challenging but rewarding process. To make the most of this opportunity, it's essential to have a structured...
A bit more about me
What's the most enjoyable thing about your work?
I get a real buzz from helping businesses find the right person to join their team—seeing both the company and the candidate thrive is incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with business owners to build strong teams and support the growth of their businesses
What is your vision for your business?
My vision is to build a strong reputation that attracts inbound inquiries, allowing me to focus on what I do best—recruiting top talent for businesses. From there, I would like to build a support team around me to expand my reach and provide even greater value to my clients.
If you could give one single piece of advice to a new start up business, what would it be?
Ask for help. Starting a business can be a rollercoaster, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your network for support, guidance, and advice. Stay resilient, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who can help you grow.
Which business person or company do you admire most and why?
I admire Richard Branson for his entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and people-first approach to business. His book Losing My Virginity offers an inspiring insight into his journey—showing how he built the Virgin brand by embracing risk, learning from failures, and staying true to his vision. I particularly respect how he was often found walking through his offices, checking in with his team, and staying engaged with every level of the business. His hands-on leadership style and commitment to innovation demonstrate that success isn’t just about great ideas but also about building strong relationships and staying connected to your team
Which one phrase or quote sums up your attitude to business life?
One phrase that sums up my attitude to business life is: ‘Find balance, embrace the journey, and enjoy what you do.’ Life is too short to get lost in the grind without making time for what truly matters. Business is important, but it’s just as vital to find joy in the process and to make room for the things that keep you grounded—whether that’s family, passions, or simply taking a step back to recharge. In the end, true success is about creating a fulfilling life, not just a thriving business.
What made you join WMB and how do you plan to make the most of the network?
I joined WMB because I believe in the power of community and collaboration. Connecting with like-minded professionals who share knowledge, resources, and support is invaluable. I plan to make the most of this network by actively engaging with others, offering my expertise in recruitment, and learning from the diverse experiences of fellow members. By building meaningful relationships, I hope to both contribute to the group and grow professionally, while also exploring new opportunities for collaboration and business development.
What do you do at week-ends?
At weekends, I love staying active and spending quality time with my family. You’ll often find me on the tennis court, cheering on my daughters at weekend championships, or cooking together as a family. We also enjoy beautiful walks, making the most of time outdoors. Balancing family time with staying active helps me recharge for the week ahead.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 luxury items would you take?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d take a solar-powered e-reader full of books—so I could escape into new worlds and keep my mind occupied. The second item would be a portable speaker with a playlist of my favorite music to help set the mood and keep me upbeat while waiting for rescue!
What book are you currently reading?
Business Book - Taming Tigers Jim Lawless
Go as a River - Shelley Read
What book(s) would you recommend?
Love Is Letting Go of Fear - Gerald Jampolsky
After more than thirty years, Love Is Letting of Fear continues to be among the most widely read and best-loved classics on personal transformation. Both helpful and hopeful, this little gem of a guide offers twelve lessons to help us let go of the past and stay focused on the present as we step confidently toward the future.
Renowned all over the world as the founder of Attitudinal Healing, Dr. Gerald Jampolsky reminds us that the impediments to the life we long for are nothing more than the limitations imposed on us by our own minds. Revealing our true selves, the essence of which is love, is ultimately a matter of releasing those limited--and limiting--thoughts and setting our minds free.
Who's your personal hero and why?
My personal hero is my husband. He’s a great Dad and as a business coach who has helped many businesses achieve their goals, which in turn has benefited their families. He’s always been supportive of my business as well, offering advice and encouragement when needed. His calm approach, work ethic, and dedication to both our family and his clients inspire me every day
What is your worst experience in business or work?
My worst experience in business was during my time as the Overseas HR Manager at Inghams Travel. I was part of the crisis management team and led a group when we faced the aftermath of a major coach crash, in which 5 people tragically lost their lives. It was incredibly hard, especially with everyone looking to me to lead the team while I also had to communicate with families desperately seeking news about their loved ones. I didn’t leave the office for two days, and I even slept in the uniform cupboard for a couple of hours to be there for the team. It was a deeply emotional and challenging time, but it taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of supporting people during crises
What was your first ever job?
My first ever job was working with my mum, who was the pharmacist, in the pharmacy. It was a great introduction to work, as I learned a lot about customer service, responsibility, and the importance of being part of a team. It was also a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my mum while gaining some early work experience.
Where is your favourite place in the world and why?
I honestly can’t choose my favorite place in the world because I love both skiing and snorkeling. There’s something magical about skiing in the mountains, feeling the rush of the cold air and the beauty of the snow-covered slopes. On the other hand, snorkeling in clear blue waters and exploring vibrant coral reefs gives me a sense of peace and awe. So, my ideal magical place would be a blend of the Maldives and Zermatt—where I could enjoy the serene waters and coral reefs one day, and hit the slopes the next!
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