Five Reasons Why Five Clients Is Enough

… And why that’s good news for everyone.

When I launched The Shortlist, I knew I wanted to do things differently. Not just for the sake of being different but because I’d seen, time and time again, how the traditional recruitment model can fall short. Too many roles. Too little focus. Too many half-matches. Not enough time to really understand the brief.

So, I made a decision: I would only work with five clients at a time. No more.

Here’s why that choice has been a game-changer for me, for my clients, and for the brilliant candidates I work with.

1. Quality over quantity - every time.

With five clients, I can give each search the attention it actually deserves. I’m not juggling a dozen roles or racing to fill jobs I barely know anything about. I’m focused, informed, and able to go deep understanding not just the skill set you need, but the kind of person who will truly thrive in your team.

2. You get a true partner, not just a recruiter.

When I say I’m invested, I mean it. I’ll be there to shape the brief, challenge assumptions if needed, and make sure you’re thinking not just about filling seats, but about building culture. And because I’m not stretched thin, I can be proactive - sharing insights, checking in, being present.

3. Candidates feel the difference too.

For the people I represent, it’s a better experience all around. They’re not one of many; they’re not being pushed into a role that doesn’t fit. I have the time to prepare them properly, communicate clearly, and guide them through opportunities that make sense for their goals and values. It’s not about speed,  it’s about right.

4. It aligns with how I want to live and work.

I’m a mum now and that’s changed the way I think about time, energy, and purpose. I want to work smart. I want to do work I’m proud of. I want to show my son that it’s possible to build a business that’s values-led, people-first, and built on quality relationships.

5. This isn’t just a model. It’s a mindset.

The five-client philosophy isn’t about being exclusive. It’s about being intentional. It’s about building long-term partnerships that are grounded in trust, honesty, and shared goals. When I commit to a client, I’m all in, and I want them to feel that.

So if you're looking for someone who will treat your search like it's the only one on their desk, you're in the right place. That's The Shortlist way.