Building a Diverse Future through Technology and Visionary Leadership
Natasha Makhijani, the Group CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC, is not just a successful entrepreneur—she is a force driving innovation and leadership in the executive search industry. From her humble beginnings as a graduate trainee to becoming the CEO of a globally recognized executive search firm, Natasha’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, adaptability, and a deep passion for diversity and inclusion. Her commitment to innovation and her unique approach to leadership have propelled Oliver Sanderson to the forefront of executive recruitment, and she continues to inspire others with her transformative impact on the industry.
In this article, we delve into Natasha’s inspiring career journey, the leadership principles she upholds, and her pioneering efforts in integrating digital transformation into recruitment. We explore how her visionary leadership is shaping the future of recruitment, empowering businesses, and creating opportunities for diverse talent globally.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Natasha Makhijani’s path to success is grounded in her passion for people and her unwavering belief in the power of opportunity. “Entrepreneurship is a platform to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and provide opportunities for diverse individuals to succeed in their careers,” she reflects. Her early career began on the Graduate Scheme at Hays, where she was able to hone her skills in recruitment. This fast-paced environment allowed Natasha to thrive, as she quickly discovered her passion for connecting people with the right opportunities.
However, it was Natasha’s diverse upbringing that played a significant role in shaping her entrepreneurial spirit. She saw entrepreneurship not only as a career path but as a means to challenge existing norms and create a platform for people like her and her friends to succeed. Driven by this desire, she ventured into the world of executive search, where she could build a business that would focus on connecting top-tier talent with meaningful opportunities.
Pivotal Moments: From Trainee to CEO
Natasha’s career took a significant turn after her successful tenure at Hays and Michael Page. Her rapid ascent through the ranks was a result of her hard work, academic achievements, and unwavering dedication. By 2011, Natasha made the bold decision to establish Oliver Sanderson, a global executive search firm that specializes in senior leadership roles. What started as a one-woman venture quickly transformed into a leading player in the recruitment industry.
For Natasha, this entrepreneurial leap represented more than just career growth. It was an opportunity to create a recruitment firm that would serve as a platform for innovation and diversity. “Innovation is the key to business growth. At Oliver Sanderson, we are constantly learning and fostering creativity to stay at the cutting edge of executive search and recruitment,” Natasha shares. Under her leadership, Oliver Sanderson quickly garnered a reputation for delivering unparalleled recruitment services to high-profile organizations.
Leadership Principles: Fostering Passion and Collaboration
Natasha’s leadership style is built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and open communication. She believes that great leadership is not just about giving orders but inspiring and empowering a team to work toward a common goal. “As a leader, it is vital to be open-minded, constantly learning, and open to others guiding you. Nobody knows everything, and there is always room to learn from others in the industry,” Natasha explains.
Her emphasis on passion, drive, and energy as core leadership qualities has helped her create a thriving corporate culture at Oliver Sanderson. Natasha fosters an environment where active listening, continuous learning, and talent cultivation are prioritized. She believes that success is achieved when the leadership team stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the company, setting clear goals, supporting each other through challenges, and celebrating milestones.
Navigating Challenges: Adaptability in the Face of Adversity
No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges, and Natasha’s path has been no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen obstacles, forcing Natasha to make tough decisions for the future of Oliver Sanderson. Budget cuts, reduced workforce, and shifting client priorities were just a few of the challenges she faced. “The pandemic reinforced the importance of technology, adaptability, and resilience. It also highlighted the significance of flexibility and the ability to embrace change,” Natasha reflects.
Despite the adversity, Natasha’s leadership ensured that Oliver Sanderson emerged from the pandemic stronger. She shifted the company’s focus towards becoming leaner and more adaptable, embracing the necessity for a more flexible business model. Through this period of uncertainty, Natasha’s resilience and strategic thinking ensured that the company remained focused on its core mission—delivering exceptional recruitment services while adapting to the rapidly changing business landscape.
Embracing Innovation: A Digital Transformation in Recruitment
At the heart of Natasha’s leadership is a commitment to innovation. She has long been a proponent of integrating technology into the recruitment process to make it more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. This drive for innovation culminated in the launch of Snapp CV, the world’s first voice-technology-enabled mobile jobs platform. By utilizing Amazon Alexa’s capabilities, the platform streamlines the recruitment process and provides candidates with a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
“At Oliver Sanderson, we are constantly learning and fostering creativity to stay at the cutting edge of executive search and recruitment,” Natasha says. Through Snapp CV, Natasha demonstrated her commitment to ensuring that technology and innovation were at the forefront of the business’s operations. The platform not only helped facilitate the hiring process but also set a new benchmark for the industry in terms of accessibility and transparency.
Adapting to Change: Keeping Pace with a Rapidly Evolving Industry
The recruitment industry is constantly evolving, and Natasha understands the importance of staying ahead of the curve. She emphasizes the need for agility, proactivity, and embracing digital transformation. As market trends shift and new technologies emerge, Natasha believes that companies must be willing to adapt or risk falling behind.
For Oliver Sanderson, adapting to change meant monitoring industry trends closely and investing in cutting-edge technologies. Through ongoing research and development, the company has positioned itself as a thought leader in the recruitment industry. Natasha’s approach to business is rooted in a constant pursuit of knowledge and the willingness to invest in new tools and technologies that will benefit clients and candidates alike.
Legacy and Empowerment: Creating Opportunities for Future Leaders
As Natasha looks toward the future, her vision extends beyond business success. She is driven by the desire to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, innovation, and positive change. The passing of her partner, Ash Daswani, in 2022 brought a deeply personal loss, but Natasha remains resolute in honoring his legacy by continuing their shared vision for Oliver Sanderson.
“I hope to leave a legacy of impact, innovation, and empowerment,” Natasha says. “By building a business that prioritizes diversity and excellence, I want to inspire future leaders to dream big, embrace change, and make a positive difference in the world.” Natasha is determined to uphold the core values and mission that she and Ash built together, ensuring that the company remains a catalyst for change in the recruitment industry.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Leading by Example
As a CEO, Natasha recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between her professional responsibilities and personal well-being. She encourages her team to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and find harmony between their career and personal commitments. By leading through example, Natasha cultivates an environment where work-life balance is not just encouraged but actively promoted.
Her approach to leadership fosters a culture of flexibility and mutual respect, ensuring that employees feel supported both professionally and personally. Natasha’s commitment to work-life balance serves as a reminder to entrepreneurs everywhere that personal well-being is just as important as business success.
Conclusion: A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of Recruitment
Natasha Makhijani’s journey as an entrepreneur and leader is a testament to the transformative power of innovation, resilience, and passion. Through her leadership at Oliver Sanderson, Natasha has redefined the executive search industry, setting new standards for recruitment while emphasizing the importance of diversity, technology, and adaptability.
Her unwavering commitment to empowering others and creating opportunities for diverse talent continues to inspire leaders across industries. Natasha’s story is a reminder that success is not just about achieving personal milestones; it’s about making a lasting impact on others and creating a legacy that transcends time.
“Entrepreneurship is a platform to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and provide opportunities for diverse individuals to succeed in their careers,” Natasha concludes. And with her continued leadership, Natasha Makhijani is doing just that—transforming the future of recruitment and shaping the path for future leaders to follow.
