Growing Globally: Azelia Pizzuti's international recruitment career

Introducing Azelia Pizzuti, one of Meet's NYC Leaders! Here she charts her personal career journey with Women in Recruitment.

Tell us about your current leadership role?

 Hi, I'm Azelia! And I'm currently a Division Manager here at Meet Recruitment, based in the NYC office. I've been apart of the Meet team for the past 3.5 years and now head up three markets for the permanent business; Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. As well as managing a team of four, across all of these divisions. During the last 3.5 years, I have organically grown all three of these key markets, with the help and support of my team. And am proud to have developed two of my team from Resourcer to Senior Recruiter in the space of two years.

And the career journey that led you there? 

In total, I have spent 9.5 years working in the Recruitment industry. I interviewed for my first recruitment role in 2011, it was my 21st birthday, so I remember the day vividly! I've been fortunate enough to have travelled the world with my career and work across various industries, including; Oil and Gas, Internal Talent, Rec to Rec and most recently the Life Sciences industry. I started my journey in London, my hometown. Then I had the opportunity to move to Singapore, but after a few years in Asia, I was ready to start something new and experience a new place. Once I had decided on NYC, I interviewed with a number of agencies here. Meet Recruitment was the front runner from the very beginning and I haven't looked back since!

Are there any career defining moments or people that helped shape your career in recruitment?

 This is a tough one.. there have been a few. I would say my early years in Recruitment were definitely crucial in helping me to mature and realize the importance of a strong work ethic and mindset. I was thrown into a 360 desk in a booming yet competitive market. I was the only female on the team at the time, so I really had to work on being assertive and committed to achieving my goals. 

I have also had the opportunity to work with some incredible female role models throughout my career. My last two CEO's have been women, who have both grown their businesses organically. If that isn't something to inspire you, I'm not sure what is…

What would your advice be to your younger self? 

I would say the best advice that I would give my younger self and what I often share with my team, is that this job is what you make it. You are in charge of your own destiny (a lot of the time). But you also have to take the rough with the smooth, and learn to pick yourself up when things don't go to plan. If I could go back nine years, I would tell myself to stop feeling down about things we can't affect and to focus on getting back on that horse!

What’s your biggest ambition / what inspires you?

My biggest ambition is to continue to see my team grow and develop. I've loved having the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to them over the past couple of years, and to see their success and development. Of course, I am incredibly money-motivated too. Being top 10 across our Global Business is a great achievement, but I'm the kind of person who is always focused on achieving more. 

Has Azelia's story piqued your interest in a recruitment career? You're in luck! We are hiring at various levels across our New York, San Francisco, San Diego, London and Berlin offices. Get in touch with careers@peoplewithchemistry.com for more information.

This article was originally published on Women in Recruitment's website in October 2020.