​Last but certainly not least, we’re wrapping up our Day in the Life series with none other than our incredible Managing Director – Lisa Cooley.

As an industry leader, Lisa’s contributions to the recruitment world are far-reaching, with involvement in a variety of ventures. But at the core of it all, recruitment is her true passion—she lives and breathes it every day. Here’s a sneak peek into what a day in Lisa’s recruitment life looks like.

How Do You Start Your Day?

Like most of us the day doesn't begin without at least one cup of coffee! Lisa’s morning often includes the school run on her way to the office. However, with her stepson heading to intermediate next year and planning to walk to and from school, she’s excited about having the chance to get to the office early from now on. Once in the office, Lisa starts her day by catching up with the team, clearing emails, and preparing for the day’s meetings. While she’d love to say her mornings include a long dog walk or a gym session, Lisa admits she’s not a natural early riser.

What Sets You Apart From Other Recruiters?

Lisa doesn’t spend much time thinking about what other recruiters are doing (except for her team of course)—instead, she focuses on how she can be the best recruiter and leader she can be. Her genuine passion for people drives her. For Lisa, recruitment is about far more than matching talent with companies; it’s about changing lives. Whether it’s finding someone their dream job or guiding them to realize they’re best off staying in their current role, she ensures the people come first.

Founding BrightSpark allowed Lisa to center her work on people rather than chasing revenue for a board. The team is agile and able to quickly implement changes that benefit candidates and clients. Lisa believes treating people with the respect they deserve naturally leads to business success.

In addition to leading her team and recruiting, Lisa sits on an IT Advisory Board for a tertiary organization, runs job seeker and graduate readiness workshops, mentors other recruiters, champions Women in Tech, and strives to be a thought leader in the industry. As someone who is neurodivergent, she’s especially passionate about fostering inclusivity.

What Are the Most Challenging Aspects of Your Job?

On a day to do basis the toughest part of Lisa’s day is delivering bad news, whether it’s letting someone know they didn’t get a role they wanted or speaking with those who’ve been made redundant in a challenging job market. Another challenge is helping people understand that recruitment is so much more than sending CVs—Lisa describes the role as an iceberg, with most of the hard work happening below the surface.

What’s Your Favourite Part About Working for BrightSpark?

Her team, without a doubt. Lisa feels incredibly lucky to work with such talented, hardworking recruiters who share her passion for people. BrightSpark’s team dynamic is one of collaboration and camaraderie—they’re friends as well as colleagues, always supporting one another and pooling their networks to deliver the best outcomes for clients and candidates alike.

What’s Your Favourite Lunch Meal?

Lisa doesn’t have a specific favourite, but during summer, a variety of fresh salads are her go-to. She also has a soft spot for high-quality sushi.

What Sparks You Up When You Aren’t Recruiting?

Family, friends, and her dogs, Groot and Drax, are Lisa’s greatest joys. She’s a water lover who thrives when living near the ocean—swimming every day after work in the summer is her way to de-stress and recharge. Lisa also has a passion for travel, always keeping something planned to look forward to. In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights and has recently embraced hiking and camping. Over the coming years, she’s looking forward to completing New Zealand’s Great Walks.