Resourced Humans – Mini Soundbite Series
Purpose is the drive to get up each day and do something that fills your cup, makes your heart happy, and leaves you feeling proud.
By Sam Lucking
Talent Acquistion Lead, L'Occitane
Introduction
For Sam Lucking, purpose is not about a single mission but about the daily drive to do something meaningful and energising. As a talent acquisition leader, Sam’s work is rooted in people, connection, and creating experiences that make candidates feel seen. Grounded by exercise, learning, and balance, Sam’s reflections remind us that being resourced is both about opportunities and boundaries, and that purpose evolves as we grow more confident in living by our own values.
What does purpose mean to you?
“Purpose to me is that drive to get up and go out to do something that fills your cup, makes your heart happy, and gives you the feeling that you have had a great day because of it. Purpose can be anything it needs to be for that day.”
Sam reminds us that purpose is not fixed. It is a daily choice to do what brings joy and fulfilment.
When do you feel most connected to your work?
“I feel most connected to my work when I am with people. Whether that is candidates in my role as talent acquisition lead, new employees, or those who have been with the brand for a long time, it is people that make me feel connected to what I do.”
For Sam, connection to work is connection to people, the relationships that bring meaning to every role.
What does being resourced feel like to you?
“Being resourced for me means living in a world where people have boundaries around their working day. People should be able to leave work without the pressure of staying online or constantly checking their inbox, because everything is so accessible now. Being resourced also means having development opportunities, being in an environment where you are constantly learning, and embracing the change that comes with that. For me, there are two elements to feeling resourced: work life balance and growth.”
Resources are both structural and personal. Sam reminds us that balance and growth are what sustain us.
What helps you stay grounded, especially in challenging moments?
“What helps me stay grounded, especially in challenging moments, is exercise. It has become a consistent part of my life since just before COVID because of how great it makes me feel. Friends and family also give me energy, and in the last year I have found a real love for podcasts. I never used to listen to them but now I have a thirst for hearing new ideas and learning more. I also love sitting down with a good book.”
Grounding comes from movement, learning, and connection. For Sam, variety keeps both body and mind balanced.
What’s something you wish more people understood about what you do?
“I wish more people understood the amount of time that goes into selecting candidates. It is not just a simple admin process. To really engage with people you have to understand them and they have to understand the brand. That is not something that can be done in five minutes. To truly sell an opportunity and know whether it is the right fit for both sides takes time and investment.”
Behind every placement is a relationship. Sam reminds us that good recruitment is about depth, not speed.
What kind of impact are you hoping to make in your job, even in small ways?
“The impact I hope to make in my job is that people say, whether they joined the company or not, that I left a positive impact. I want candidates to feel that they understood the role, made a considered decision, and had a great experience. Especially in a world where candidate experience often drops off and people never know if their CV has even been read. I want to make sure that candidates remember their experience with me positively, whether successful or not.”
Impact is not measured only by hires but by experiences. Sam shows how respect and clarity leave a lasting mark.
What’s one small thing that helps you feel like yourself?
“One habit that makes me feel like myself is exercise. I know I feel better in both mind and body when I have moved. I am a morning exerciser and it sets me up for the day. It can be cardio, weights, classes, or sometimes just a morning dog walk. Moving my body in some way each day is what makes me feel like myself.”
Movement fuels identity. For Sam, exercise is not just fitness, it is a daily reset.
Has your sense of purpose changed over time?
“My sense of purpose has definitely changed. I have always had purpose and a strong work ethic, but as I have got older it has become more balanced. Now I am more true to myself. I do not necessarily put myself first, but I ask whether something fits with my values. If I feel my values are compromised, I cannot move forward with it. I have also become more considered. I may still have an initial reaction, but I reflect before acting. Age and experience bring that, and also the ability to care less about others’ opinions and more about your own truth.”
Purpose evolves as confidence grows. For Sam, it is now anchored in values and authenticity.
If you could share one message with this community, what would it be?
“My message to the Resourced Humans collective would be to stay true to yourself, trust your gut, and make sure you feel happy with your decisions. If you do not, take the time to delve deeper and understand why so you can align with your values.”
Sam’s message is a call to courage. Trusting ourselves is the foundation of meaningful work and sustainable impact.
Sam’s reflections bring us back to the human side of talent. Her focus on people, candidate experience, and the importance of staying true to values highlights why HR and talent leaders are at the heart of purpose-driven work. By combining boundaries with growth, and authenticity with impact, Sam shows how purpose evolves into something steadier, truer, and more human over time.
Feeling inspired?
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