Introducing our brand new series, More Than Just a Job: Life at AD Offshore, a collection of interviews with the people that make up our business!
We’re always striving to be as transparent with our customers and clients as possible, so we thought it’d be a great idea to take a look behind the curtain and see what makes AD Offshore tick – the people, the culture and our approach to life across the islands.
This week, we’re sitting down with Emilia Bianco, Regional Manager at AD Offshore. Let’s dive into his story:
What inspired you to join AD Offshore and how did you first hear about us?
“It was a matter of fate and how it just naturally came to be. Myself and my partner were in the middle of travelling through central and South America for 6 months and we were roughly 6 months through our trip when my previous employer offered my old role back to me which was lovely, however, I just felt that I wanted to challenge myself and do something new.
Chris (my better half) suggested I have a chat with his recruiter about my options back home and little did I know that I would be speaking with Andy Partlow, MD of AD Offshore. Next thing I know we are talking about the option of me working in recruitment and boom! A few chats with the team from remote parts of Colombia, I was offered the role to join as a recruitment consultant and the rest they say is history!”
Can you share a standout moment from your first week/month here?
“Starting any new role can be super daunting, and especially moving industry, there was a little bit of imposter syndrome. As soon as I started it just felt like I had been here years, just got stuck in and everyone was just so welcoming and fun, time just flew as soon as I started.”
What were your first impressions of the team and the company culture?
“Having worked in the travel industry previously with such a great team, I knew whatever I did next had to be with a great culture and team, and that is exactly what AD has! A warm, welcoming and dynamic atmosphere. We are all so different but it works so cohesively and is well balanced, but most importantly it is family like. Everyone supports each other and keeps driving each other forward, couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere else.”
How has working at AD impacted your life?
“In so many amazing ways. I love working with people from all walks of life, and this career as really opened up so many new relationships, meeting so many wonderful people from clients and candidates alike. I have developed so many new friendships and seeing the positive impact what we do can have on someone’s life has been so rewarding.
“Don’t get me wrong, this role can be challenging, but without the support of the team and business, and I wouldn’t have been as successful as I have been since I joined AD. I am so lucky to be part of such an incredible business and group where I genuinely feel valued.”
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How has your role evolved since you started?
“Joining as a consultant in April 2023, I was promoted to Senior Consultant in April 2024 and most recently being promoted to Regional Manager in January 2025, where I now support candidates and clients across the Channel Islands and beyond.
“The last 2 years have been a whirlwind in the best way. Whilst I have progressed quickly, my role and the approach to my job is no different to how I started out ensuring I provide the highest standard of service to clients and candidate alike.”
What skills have you gained or developed during your time with us?
“Gosh, if I had to pick I would say, I have developed that mindset of ‘you can only control the controllables!’ That was something I have come to experience, the world of recruitment is ever-changing and working with people means there is always an element of change in people’s experiences/circumstances.
You come to terms with the fact, that there are sometimes instances where you cannot control everything and as long as you stay level-headed and continue being proactive things will always work out for the best in the end.”
Tell us about a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?
“Supported in building and developing some strong client relationships! I feel so pleased that I could be part of helping establish some wonderful relations with some of our valued clients across both Guernsey and Jersey, and help provide a consistent and proactive service to them, understanding what they need and how best we can support them. It is rewarding to see how by really going above and beyond, listening and providing a bespoke approach to relationships you can see them flourish!”
How has working here helped you grow personally or professionally?
“Both for sure! You learn a lot about yourself and your capabilities from personal perspective. Coming from a completely different industry, the growth at AD has been so quick, which has certainly crept in some imposter syndrome but seeing the consistent positive feedback from leadership and peers reassures me that I am doing well and this has certainly given me that confidence boost with my personal ability.”
What’s your favourite part of your job?
“Too many things to mention, but I would say, that moment when you are speaking with a candidate once they start their new job and you hear how much they love what they are doing and who they are working with, it really does make the hard work worth it!”
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How would you describe the culture at AD in three words?
“Fun, driven, passionate.”
What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned while working here?
“How incredibly generous this business is. By putting in the hard work, and effort, you don’t just get the verbal praise and support, it is shown by their actions and never have I worked somewhere, where I genuinely feel valued from the very top to across the business. There was never a truer saying as ‘actions speak louder than words.’
Can you share a time when the team or leadership made a difference to your day?
“You could be having a tough time and things aren’t quite going the way you’d hope, and you just get that supportive comment and chat with colleagues and it just continues you to keep persevering and overcome those challenges!”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone joining AD, what would it be?
“Just be your authentic self, and enjoy the ride that is recruitment! We have the best team who will be riding that wave with you!”
What’s your favourite team tradition or event?
“Getting together with all my colleagues is great, but our Highflyers quarterly trips are just an amazing way to celebrate everyone’s achievements and successes.”