The Nightingale Placement Agency has built a name for itself in the recruitment industry, providing talented manpower to diverse sectors spanning healthcare, IT, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. Under an able leadership, the business has branched out into Nightingale Homecare Services, Serenity Care with HIQA approved facilities, PCRJ Property Management and embraced charity advocacy of My Lovely Horse Rescue, which provides sanctuary and care to rescued animals. In an interview, Daisy Mauhay, Managing Director of The Nightingale Placement Agency, opens up about her humane leadership style and how it helps infuse her business with compassion, allowing her to cultivate a diverse and empowered team, promoting open communication and collaboration to find solutions.
Q1. Tell us about the opportunities and challenges you encountered during the infancy of The Nightingale Placement Agency.
It was in 2001 that I arrived here in Ireland with 17 other nurses from the Philippines. Being the first of the few batches of nurses in Ireland, we were witness to the economic fluctuations the country was going through. Most of my contemporaries had already left the country while I chose to stay back and prove that I can make a difference to the health service of this foreign land. In the beginning, I decided to work as an agency nurse which gave me the opportunity to go to hospitals and nursing homes all over Ireland, exposing me to the healthcare industry and helping me learn more about my trade. The rest is history.
I now consider myself an instrument of support and guidance to those looking for a career not only in healthcare but also in other industries. I was doing well in my career in the Philippines before moving here but it is not easy to re-establish a career and start all over again especially if you are a mother of four girls. At heart, I have always been a nurse, one with a mission to help people in the best possible way. The passion to care, lessen the suffering, and to improve the lives of our elderly and disabled clients not just by treating them as our own family but also by deeply understanding their individual circumstances, has already been there.
Q2. As a CEO, what does your leadership style entail?
I believe in embracing all responsibilities, regardless of their scale or nature. My life’s journey has been fuelled by a steady passion to help others and nurture a society brimming with hope and love.
In business, my endeavours span a diverse range of ventures. As my first venture, The Nightingale Placement Agency has evolved into a cherished entity, functioning as a comprehensive recruitment agency. Serving sectors spanning healthcare, IT, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality, it stands as a beacon of solutions.
Nightingale Homecare Services, catering to the healthcare needs of our clients in their private homes, has been another significant and pioneering endeavour. Collaborating with reputed organisations such as HSE and TUSLA, we forge connections and extend our network to serve those in need of facilities. Recently, we have been recognised and accredited as a HIQA approved facility by HSE and registered SEA provider by TUSLA. Looking at the impact of our efforts up close fills me with immense pride and satisfaction. And then there’s My Lovely Horse Rescue, a dream charity realised. Being able to provide these magnificent creatures with the care and sanctuary they deserve brings immeasurable joy.
Yet, my responsibility doesn’t end there. I prioritise connecting with my diverse teams, understanding their challenges, and collaborating to find solutions. Through quarterly SWOT analyses, we navigate the dynamic landscape of our businesses, constantly striving for improvement and growth.
In essence, my role as a CEO transcends mere business operations. It is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and nurturing a world infused with compassion and hope.
Q3. From being a nurse to the managing director of a healthcare placement agency, what are the principles that have helped you stay ahead?
The entire journey has been a deeply emotional one. It is driven by an innate desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives and offer them hope. I find immense joy in returning to my roots as a staff nurse when the need arises—it is where my heart truly sings.
Integrity is the foremost principle that I cherish. It forms the bedrock of my actions, paving the way for trust, transparency, and lasting relationships. Consistency has been my reliable companion, propelling me towards the realisation of my dreams. And amidst all of this, I remain grounded in humility.
Networking by connecting with others at the right time and in the right place has helped me grow both as a person and a professional. As they say, “It is not just about professional growth; it is also about personal enrichment”. Every encounter and every interaction is a chance to glean wisdom and broaden my horizons.
Q4. What are your core strategies to manage a team?
As a leader, my fundamental approach to managing my team revolves around the strategic selection of diverse individuals who not only share the values of our company but also embody them in their work. With a stellar team, I have the confidence to delegate responsibilities and entrust them with the task of upholding our shared vision.
Encouraging autonomy and enriching an environment of open communication are integral aspects of my leadership style. Providing my team with the freedom to navigate their roles not only empowers them to explore innovative solutions but also helps them step out of their comfort zones. I firmly believe that each member inherits leadership qualities, and it is my goal to nurture these traits within them.
Given the dynamic nature of our work, regular meetings serve as a platform to celebrate achievements, discuss areas for improvement, and address challenges. We collaborate to identify and implement best practices tailored to our objectives.
Setting clear and achievable goals for every individual not only motivates them to strive for excellence but also encourages personal growth and development. In a nutshell, my leadership philosophy revolves around cultivating a diverse and empowered team, promoting open communication and collaboration.
Q5. How do you keep abreast of the latest trends in the industry?
With growing competition, we recognise the importance of networking with key figures to remain abreast of the latest industry trends. Our team undertakes thorough research and analysis, equipping us with the foresight needed to prepare for the future and stay ahead of the curve in achieving our goals.
Central to our strategy is the alignment of our actions with our vision and mission, which serve as our roadmap. By staying true to these foundational principles, we navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry with clarity and purpose, ensuring that each step brings us closer to our desired outcomes.
Q6. What changes or trends do you anticipate in your field?
Every day, industries are in a state of constant evolution, bringing forth new requirements. In response, recruitment agencies are increasingly turning to technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to streamline processes like candidate sourcing, screening, and assessment. The focus is shifting towards assessing candidates based on their skill sets rather than traditional qualifications, highlighting the importance of recognising potential for growth.
Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, prompting recruitment agencies to prioritise diverse candidate sourcing and support inclusive hiring practices. Given our presence and positive networking, we are confident that we will be able to fulfil the business needs of our clients.
With our presence in various sectors, including healthcare, we are actively adapting standard frameworks to meet evolving needs. Forecasts predict an expansion in eligibility criteria across different categories, accompanied by rising employment rates. Consequently, it is crucial for us to engage with clients and address their changing business requirements.
