People come together with a purpose and stay together for a dream. This philosophy has built the very base of the modern-day human race. Especially in the business world where everything seems to be connected in an interdependent setting.
Finding an opportunity there to grow and influence everyone around them is where true leaders are born. When we went out in the search to find ‘The Most Followed Influential Business Women in 2024,’ we came across Natasha Makhijani, Global Chief Executive Officer at Oliver Sanderson Group PLC.
She has been a leading figure in the space of connecting people with businesses and has the knack of finding the right people with the right business ecosystem. She has looked back at her journey while interviewing with us and here are some highlights from her influential journey.
So, without further ado, let’s deep dive into the inspirational journey of Natasha Makhijani.
1. How would you explain your journey and where did it start?
My professional journey has been an exciting and dynamic one. I began my career in the recruitment industry initially as a part of the Graduate Scheme at Hays. This was a pivotal point in my life when I was introduced to the world of talent acquisition and management. My career at Hays was marked by rapid progression, with four promotions in just four years, which included successfully leading a team from billing £10,000 to an impressive £80,000 a month.
My subsequent move to Michael Page allowed me to work on a hybrid desk encompassing permanent and interim senior leadership roles. I was entrusted with the task of growing the Public Sector division in London, and I quickly became the top biller in HR across the UK. My experiences in these roles, especially setting up executive desks at Michael Page, were instrumental in developing my entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2011, I made the decision to start my own business, and that’s when Oliver Sanderson was born. This journey began in my dining room, with nothing but a laptop and a vision. Over the years, it has grown into an international executive search firm at the forefront of our industry. The decision to venture into entrepreneurship was driven by my desire for innovation, a commitment to doing things differently, and a strong passion for tackling the challenges in the executive search industry.
2. What are the main objectives, goals, missions, and visions that guide your profession?
At Oliver Sanderson, our primary objective is to connect exceptional talent with leading organizations, facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships that drive success and growth.
Our vision is to redefine the executive search and recruitment landscape, setting new standards of excellence, innovation, and integrity. We envision a future where every organization has access to the top talent they need to thrive, and where every individual has the opportunity to realize their full potential in their professional journey.
Key to achieving these objectives and vision is our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). We strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is empowered to succeed. Through our ED&I initiatives, we aim to drive positive change in the industry and beyond, fostering environments where diversity is celebrated and embraced as a source of strength and innovation.
3. What unique propositions do you and your organization have to offer to stand out from other organizations?
What sets Oliver Sanderson apart from our competitors is our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, consultative, and results-driven solutions. We prioritize building long-term relationships with our clients, understanding their specific needs, and tailoring our approach accordingly. Our deep industry expertise, combined with our agile and innovative mindset, allows us to stay ahead of the curve and provide unparalleled value to our clients.
We are also thought leaders in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Since our foundation in 2011, ED&I has been at the heart of our work at Oliver Sanderson. Our mission is to lead the way in discovering and engaging with the next generation of diverse business leaders while driving improvements in representation across a wide range of sectors. For our clients, we are committed to connecting mission-led businesses with diverse talent. For our company, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion – a place where everyone feels welcome and supported to fulfill their potential.
Our pioneering digital solutions also set us apart from the competition. With our innovative suite of digital apps, including Snapp CV – the world’s first voice-technology-enabled mobile jobs platform with exclusive Amazon Alexa integration – we are leading the way in discovering the next generation of business leaders.
4. What were some of the most important decisions that made a big difference in your business?
Several important decisions have made a significant difference in the growth and success of the Oliver Sanderson Group.
One of the pivotal decisions was to diversify our service offerings beyond traditional executive search and recruitment. Recognizing the evolving needs of our clients, we expanded into areas such as talent management, equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) consulting, and innovative technology solutions. This strategic expansion allowed us to better serve our clients and adapt to changing market dynamics.
We made strategic investments in technology to enhance our recruitment process and improve efficiency. Developing our proprietary platform, Snapp CV, was a game-changer for us. This innovative digital solution revolutionized the way candidates and clients interact, offering advanced features such as video interviews, AI-driven matching, and voice technology. Embracing technology has enabled us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional service to our clients.
We shifted our focus to a more client-centric approach, placing a greater emphasis on understanding and meeting the unique needs of our clients. By building strong relationships and providing personalized solutions, we have strengthened our reputation as a trusted partner in executive search and recruitment. This client-centric approach has resulted in long-term partnerships and repeat business, driving sustainable growth for our company.
Overall, these strategic decisions have played a crucial role in shaping the success and growth of the Oliver Sanderson Group, allowing us to better serve our clients, adapt to market trends, and drive positive change in the industry.
5. What kind of suggestion would give to young businesspeople, if you were in a situation to do so?
My advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace your unique strengths, cultivate resilience, and seek mentorship and support networks. Champion diversity, challenge barriers, and seize opportunities to make a meaningful impact in your field.
Make sure to embrace change, stay curious, and continuously invest in learning and development. By staying abreast of emerging technologies, consumer behaviors, and market trends, entrepreneurs can capitalize on opportunities and drive sustainable growth in today’s dynamic business landscape.
It is also key to prioritize relationships. Building strong relationships is fundamental to success in business. Whether it’s with clients, partners, or employees, prioritize communication, trust, and mutual respect. Invest time and effort in nurturing these relationships, as they can be invaluable assets in achieving your goals.
6. What is your view on growing your company’s service portfolio and operational scope after 2024?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future growth and expansion of Oliver Sanderson. We have ambitious goals to further strengthen our market presence, expand our service offerings, and continue delivering exceptional client service. We have just opened up our new Middle Management division and are in the process of opening a desk in the US to hit a new market.
I’m particularly excited about the opportunities for innovation and digital transformation in our industry, and I’m committed to leading both Oliver Sanderson and Snapp CV into this exciting new chapter of growth and success.
Ultimately, our vision for the future is centered around driving sustainable growth and delivering exceptional value to our clients. By continuously expanding and enhancing our service portfolio and operational capabilities, we are positioning ourselves for long-term success and solidifying our position as a leader in the executive search and recruitment industry.
