Tiffany Hughes
Talent Acquisition Leader
1. What seemed like an inconsequential decision at the time, but in hindsight turned out to fundamentally reshape your life?
Becoming a Samaritan profoundly changed my life by opening my eyes to the power of compassion and the impact of small acts of kindness. Initially, I thought volunteering would be a way to give back to the community, but it quickly became much more. Listening to people’s struggles and offering support taught me the value of empathy and the importance of being present for others. It deepened my understanding of human vulnerability and resilience, and it also made me more patient, less judgmental, and more appreciative of the connections we share as human beings. The experience has shaped my perspective on life, reinforcing the belief that even in our darkest moments, the simple act of being there for someone can make all the difference.
2. At what age did you become an adult? What happened, and how did you know?
My view on this now is interesting to me. I think I actually truly became an adult in my 30s when I became an NLP practitioner.
NLP helps you to understand the connection between your thoughts, language, and actions. Through NLP, you learn how your internal dialogue, beliefs, and perceptions shape your experiences and influence your behaviour. By recognizing these patterns, you gain insight into why you respond to situations the way you do.
Becoming aware that I could only be responsible for my own choices had a profound impact on me. It brought a sense of liberation, as I stopped trying to control or fix things beyond my influence, like other people’s decisions or the outcomes of uncertain situations. This realisation shifted my focus inward, leading me to take ownership of my actions, attitudes, and reactions. I became more intentional with my choices, understanding that they shaped my path and defined my growth.
It also brought a sense of peace—I no longer carried the burden of trying to meet everyone’s expectations or solve problems that weren’t mine to fix. This awareness allowed me to build healthier boundaries, approach life with greater clarity, and ultimately live more authentically, knowing that my power lies in how I choose to respond to what life throws my way.
3. Name a well-known person you admire and explain why you hold them high esteem?
I admire Maya Angelou for her extraordinary strength, wisdom, and ability to articulate the human experience with profound grace. Her life story is one of resilience—rising above trauma, racism, and hardship to become a voice for those who often go unheard. Through her writing, she conveyed deep truths about identity, freedom, and the power of self-expression, inspiring generations with her courage and authenticity.
Angelou’s poetry and prose are not just beautifully crafted; they are infused with a sense of hope and empowerment. Her words remind me of the importance of embracing our stories, no matter how painful, and using them as a source of strength. I admire how she lived with unwavering dignity and compassion, continuously advocating for equality and justice. Her legacy is a testament to the transformative power of words and the enduring impact one person can have on the world.
4. What habit or behaviour or belief have you recently acquired? Why is it now in your life?
18 months ago I started out life as a powerlifter.
Powerlifting changed my habits and my life by instilling discipline, focus, and a strong sense of purpose. Initially, I saw it as just a way to get stronger physically, but it quickly became much more than that. The structured nature of powerlifting required me to set clear goals, follow a consistent training schedule, and pay close attention to my nutrition and recovery. This routine helped me develop discipline not only in the gym but also in other areas of my life, such as time management and setting priorities.
Powerlifting also taught me the value of patience and perseverance. Progress in the sport is often slow and demands continuous effort, which shifted my mindset from seeking instant gratification to appreciating long-term growth. Over time, I became more resilient, learning to push through challenges and setbacks with determination.
Beyond the physical gains, powerlifting boosted my confidence and mental strength.
The sense of accomplishment from hitting new personal records and overcoming self-imposed limits translated into a more positive self-image and a belief that I could tackle obstacles outside the gym as well. Ultimately, powerlifting reshaped my habits, making me more disciplined, focused, and resilient, and it profoundly improved my overall well-being.
5. What is the number one thing you would recommend every person in the world to practise from now on in order to increase their happiness and wellbeing?
Practising gratitude is the number one thing I would recommend, as it increases happiness and well-being by shifting your focus from what’s lacking in your life to what you already have. This mindset shift fosters a greater sense of contentment and reduces negative emotions like envy and resentment. When you regularly acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life—whether they’re big or small—you create a habit of seeing the good around you, which boosts your overall mood.
Gratitude also enhances your relationships by making you more aware of the kindness and support others provide. Expressing gratitude strengthens connections and fosters a sense of belonging, which is a key factor in well-being. It helps you stay present and grounded, reducing stress and increasing resilience in the face of challenges.
Over time, the consistent practice of gratitude rewires your brain to naturally lean toward positivity. This not only increases happiness but also cultivates a deeper sense of fulfilment, leading to a more balanced and optimistic outlook on life.
6. If you wrote a ‘user manual’ for how people should interact with you, what would be the most important point in the manual?
Be yourself! It’s important to me that people interact in an authentic way because authenticity fosters trust and meaningful connections. When people are genuine, interactions are based on real feelings and intentions, which leads to more honest and reliable relationships. This transparency helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts that often arise from hidden agendas or false pretences.
Authentic interactions also create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued for who they truly are, rather than for the image they project. This mutual respect encourages open communication and collaboration, making relationships more fulfilling and productive.
When people interact authentically, it sets a standard for others to follow, promoting a culture of honesty and integrity. This not only enhances personal relationships but also contributes to a more positive and cohesive community or workplace.
7. What is that thing which is OK to ask you about, but which other people are wary to do so?
Suicide or feeling suicidal. I am a Samaritan and I feel okay talking about suicide because I believe in the importance of addressing it openly to break the stigma and provide support to those who are struggling. Discussing it openly helps create a safe space for people to share their feelings and seek help without fear of judgement. It also raises awareness and encourages conversations that can lead to prevention and intervention. By talking about it, we can foster understanding, empathy, and access to resources, ultimately helping to save lives and support mental health.
8. When was the last time you felt like an outsider in a group? What/How did you learn?
Being Christian and part of the LGBTQIA+ community can be challenging due to conflicting messages and expectations from both religious and societal perspectives. Many Christian teachings have historically opposed or been sceptical of LGBTQIA+ identities, leading to feelings of exclusion. This can create internal conflict between one’s faith and their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Additionally, there can be pressure to conform to traditional beliefs within religious communities, making it difficult to express one’s authentic self without facing criticism or rejection. This tension often results in a struggle to reconcile personal identity with religious teachings.
Despite these challenges, I’ve found ways to integrate my faith and identity, by seeking supportive communities that affirm both my beliefs and identity.
9. What app or tech product have you most recently fallen in love with?
This is not new or groundbreaking I’m sure, but I like the Fitbit app because it provides a comprehensive and easy way to track my health and fitness goals. It seamlessly monitors various aspects of my daily activity, including steps, exercise, sleep, and heart rate, helping me stay motivated and aware of my progress. I was specifically surprised at how bad my sleeping patterns were when I first started using it, and improving my sleep has had a profound impact on how healthy I now feel.
10. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
I want to travel the world. I am absolutely obsessed with experiencing diverse cultures and meeting new people. I enjoy broadening my perspectives, building my understanding of global diversity and the personal growth that comes through new experiences. I love to learn about the world around me. What stops me? Well time, finances, being a single parent. I travel when I can but I would really love to just pack up and spend my whole life travelling!
11. If you could witness one moment in history which one would it be and why?
I wish I had witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech because it represents a pivotal moment in history, embodying the power urgency of the civil rights movement. His speech, particularly the iconic “I Have a Dream” address, had a profound impact on advancing racial equality and inspiring generations with its vision of justice and unity. Being there for such a transformative moment would have been a powerful experience, and an on-going reminder of the relevance of his message and the ongoing need for empathy and social change
12. What's a skill that isn’t on your resume, but your former bosses would recognise as one of the reasons you are successful?
Curiosity isn’t on my CV, but it’s a huge part of my personality. It’s a skill I think because it drives me to explore, learn, and understand new things, and plays a massive part in personal and professional growth. I’m always actively seeking out new information, asking questions, and challenging assumptions, which I believe leads to deeper insights and innovative solutions. My curiosity encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving, making it a valuable trait in when working in complex or ambiguous situations and adapting to change.
13. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Who gave it and when?
That is okay for people to not agree with you, because individual preferences and personalities naturally vary. Not everyone will connect with or appreciate you in the same way, and that’s a normal part of human interaction. Differing opinions don’t reflect your worth or value as a person; rather, they highlight the diversity of perspectives among people.
Diversity of thought is important to me because it brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches to the table. This variety enhances creativity and innovation by challenging conventional thinking and introducing new ideas. It allows teams to approach problems from multiple angles, leading to more effective and well-rounded solutions.
14. What role do you find yourself playing when you join a newly formed team? Can you explain why this happens?
When I join a new team, I usually find myself taking on the role of facilitator. I spend time getting to know people, and find out about everyone’s strengths and how we can use that as a team to be stronger together. I tend to find ways to help everyone feel safe to communicate openly, and put in place channels to facilitate discussions. I encourage people to share ideas and work together to achieve our goals. And I step in to help out wherever it is needed, or I can add value. I enjoy being in a team, and being part of something bigger than I could achieve on my own.
15. What hiring heuristic do you generally go with?
I’m a huge advocate for Strength-based hiring, because it focuses on identifying and leveraging an individuals natural talents and capabilities. If someone naturally loves what they do, they are more likely to produce high quality results. They are more likely to stay. When people are doing roles that are well aligned to them specifically, in a team where many different types of roles are needed to deliver goals, hiring based on strengths can help create a well-rounded team where members complement each other’s skills. I also think people grow faster in roles where they are building on their natural abilities, rather than struggling with areas they enjoy less.
16. Do you have a secret tip, tool or trick that’s contributed to your success?
A personal belief that there is no failure, only feedback.
When we see failure instead as incredibly important insight into what didn’t work, we can use that to refine and improve without judgement. Besides, the world around us changes rapidly. What looks like success one day, could very quickly change. Its critical to be able to recognise when something isn’t working as well as it could be, and be open to change.
17. Name one person you would like to read these answers. What was your relationship with them and what is the reason they should read these answers?
My daughter. She is 18 now, and entering the workplace. I would like to share the lessons I have learned and encourage her to learn from her own experiences as well.
18. What’s one industry challenge you don’t actually think will ever get solved?
DE&I is a tough challenge to crack for Talent Acquisition, because how successful we are in attracting and retaining diverse talent for our organisations is directly related to a complex web of interdependencies that are outside of the field of Talent Acquisition. For example its possible to design a brilliant recruitment process that supports the recruitment of neurodiverse talent, and then it can all fall down when a person starts in post if their colleagues are not supported to understand and appreciate their talents and differing needs. If a company isn’t fundamentally laser focused on creating a truly inclusive workplace, understanding what that means for the needs of diverse talent, and changing accordingly – that will always be a challenge no matter what Talent Acquisition does to help attract and select a more diverse workforce.
19. If you could add a question for the next person to answer, what would it be?
What are you thankful for today?
20. Who would you recommend to do the next 20 Questions With … ?
John Wrighthouse. I will always think of him as an extraordinary man, who has the ability to spot potential in people and helps them grow personally and professionally.
Thank you to Tiffany Hughes for taking 20 Questions for The Brainfood Tribune. Make sure to follow Tiffany on LinkedIn