Michelle Theuma - CEO Sleepout UK

Michelle Theuma

Managing Director at Concept Onyx Recruitment

Ambassador: CEO Sleepout Milton Keynes

How long have you been in business for?

26 years in recruitment and celebrating 1 year in business as Concept Onyx Recruitment this December!

What are some of your driving values?

Integrity, Dedication, caring, positivity, and collaboration

You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?

It allows me to contribute positively to the community and make a meaningful impact in people's lives.

Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?

The causes closest to my heart are employability and reducing homelessness. One thing I wish I could change about society in the UK is improving access to job opportunities and ensuring more support for vulnerable populations.

How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?

My business partner Jo Carter brought the concept to Milton Keynes in her role as Ambassador and we did the first one at the MK Dons Stadium together!

What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?

I give back through various volunteering roles that focus on education, employability, and community support. As a volunteer with the charity Worktree, I help young people improve their career awareness and employability skills. I also chair Women in Enterprise, fostering growth and collaboration among local female professionals and fundraising for the Women’s Fund, and in my role as an Enterprise Advisor, I connect students with career opportunities and offer skills training in a local secondary school.

Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:

Both my professional and my personal life are underpinned by my passion for helping others grow, both personally and professionally. Through my roles as a recruiter, volunteer, mentor, and advisor, I focus on improving employability, raising aspirations, and supporting local initiatives that positively impact people's lives.

How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?

Business can play a key role in creating a fairer society by promoting inclusivity, offering equal opportunities, and investing in social mobility. By supporting fair wages, diverse hiring, and training programs, businesses can empower disadvantaged communities and reduce inequality. They can also partner with educational institutions, provide mentorship, and create sustainable job opportunities, helping bridge social and economic gaps. Ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives further contribute to a more equitable society.

Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?

I believe it drives long-term success, fosters trust, and aligns companies with broader societal goals. Purposeful leadership inspires employees, attracts customers who share similar values, and strengthens community relationships. It also ensures that businesses operate responsibly, considering not just profits but also their impact on people and society.