As an ambitious leader, Natasha Makhijani brings a robust entrepreneurial background to the table. Having held numerous positions across various organizations, she ultimately pursued her dream of launching her own company—a prominent Executive Search Firm.
Please provide us with an overview of your journey at Oliver Sanderson and what motivated you to establish the company.
Leaving a comfortable role as a recruiter, I took a leap of faith to pursue my dream of founding my own company. It had always been my aspiration to create something significant and lead a team. Hailing from an entrepreneurial community, I believed I could make a broader impact as a business leader. Despite facing skepticism from others, I was determined to take the risk, confident it was the right decision.
Since its inception in 2011, Oliver Sanderson has evolved from a solo venture in my dining room—where I sold my car to consolidate my savings—into an international enterprise at the forefront of executive search. Today, we collaborate with major clients, earn accolades, and contribute to positive changes on a global scale.
What were the initial obstacles you encountered, and what factors contributed to the long-term success of the company?
The first couple of years pose significant challenges for any new business. Establishing robust systems and processes, assembling a competent team, refining the market proposition, and building a solid reputation are all daunting tasks. Entrepreneurs often find themselves grappling with financial pressures during this crucial phase.
Oliver Sanderson surmounted these hurdles by recruiting exceptional colleagues, prioritizing brand development, and dedicating extensive hours to delivering exceptional results for early clients. By leaving a lasting impression on these initial clients, several of whom remained loyal over the years, and leveraging successful assignments to generate referrals and new business opportunities, the company gained momentum rapidly. A strong start was pivotal to this trajectory.
Crafting a precise market proposition emerges as a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial journey’s initial stages.
What products or services does the company focus on? How do your offerings differ from those available in the market?
Oliver Sanderson distinguishes itself as an executive search firm by blending seasoned expertise with innovative approaches. Specializing in both permanent and interim placements across various industries, we excel in resolving recruitment challenges and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives for our clients. Over the years, our research team has developed particular expertise in HR and Business Change.
What sets us apart is our pioneering digital solutions. Through our innovative suite of digital applications, which includes Snapp – the world’s premier voice-technology-enabled mobile jobs platform with exclusive Amazon Alexa integration – we lead the charge in identifying the next generation of business leaders.
As a successful leader, please provide insights into the current global business landscape post the Covid-19 pandemic.
The onset of the global pandemic significantly impacted our daily business operations, prompting us to adapt and thrive amidst the challenges presented by the initial lockdown. Flexibility became paramount as we transitioned to digital platforms, leveraging our in-house recruitment software Snapp, and the OS Executive app. This adaptability facilitated our growth and expansion despite the uncertain times.
In my perspective, the recruitment industry underwent a profound transformation catalyzed by the pandemic. We now witness a candidate-driven market, where highly skilled individuals dictate their terms, particularly regarding flexible work arrangements. Gone are the days of mandatory commutes and strict office hours; instead, companies are fostering diverse, globally distributed teams operating across various time zones. While this shift expands the global talent pool, it also intensifies competition for skilled professionals. Consequently, the recruitment sector is experiencing significant growth across multiple industries.
Why is it emphasized that the workforce plays a pivotal role in the growth of every business? Please provide insight into your team.
From the outset, our team has been the driving force behind our growth, and I make continuous efforts to ensure they remain motivated and aligned with our vision and journey.
As a leader, it is imperative that I consistently challenge, support, and inspire them. At Oliver Sanderson, each week presents new challenges as we engage with different roles, organizations, and candidates, and foster new connections and relationships. This dynamic aspect of our work ensures that we are constantly evolving, keeping the work week stimulating and dynamic.
We establish monthly and annual targets for our team across various domains, encompassing sales and social media engagement. However, we also foster a supportive environment, recognizing that growth is not always linear, and failure can provide valuable lessons. Regular dialogue, including daily conversations, feedback sessions, and brainstorming, is fundamental. These interactions help us stay connected, support each other, continually learn, and strive for personal and collective improvement.
Could you provide a summary of your professional background?
Following the completion of my Bachelor’s degree from the City, University of London, and a Master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago, I embarked on my recruitment journey through the Graduate Scheme at Hays. Progressing swiftly into management roles, I achieved four promotions within four years, leading a team from generating £10,000 to £80,000 in monthly revenue.
Transitioning to Michael Page, I operated on a hybrid desk, handling both permanent and interim senior leadership placements. Tasked with expanding Michael Page’s Public Sector division in London, I emerged as the top biller in HR nationwide. However, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, I harbored aspirations for a different path. With prior experience in establishing executive desks at Hays and Michael Page, I shifted my focus towards founding my own venture. Thus, Oliver Sanderson was established in 2011.
What are the significant accomplishments in your business journey?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve been fortunate to celebrate numerous milestones. A standout achievement is witnessing Oliver Sanderson’s establishment in the UK and its expansion overseas. Starting the firm from my dining room table, it’s immensely gratifying to see our progress. Additionally, securing key client partnerships with industry giants like British Airways, Aviva, and Engie has been a notable success.
Furthermore, I was honored with the CEO Today Global Award 2021. Our firm was also shortlisted for prestigious accolades such as the Global Recruiter Awards 2021 and the APSCo Awards for Excellence 2021. Moreover, Snapp received recognition as the Best Tech Innovation at the Global Recruiter Awards 2021, clinched an APSCo Award for Innovation 2021, and was featured in the Mayor of London’s TechInvest program.
What are your thoughts on the importance of innovation for business growth?
Innovation stands as the cornerstone of business growth, necessitating the cultivation of inventive processes within organizations. At Oliver Sanderson, we place significant emphasis on continuous learning and have implemented operational frameworks conducive to fostering creativity and innovative ideation.
Notably, our expertise extends to digital recruitment, where we have spearheaded pioneering innovations in executive search and recruitment. A testament to our commitment to innovation is the co-founding of Snapp, a revolutionary mobile jobs platform equipped with voice-technology capabilities and exclusive integration with Amazon Alexa. As an illustration of its impact, Snapp recently garnered recognition on the Mayor of London’s TechInvest program, an initiative aimed at showcasing London’s most innovative tech startups in collaboration with the UK Business Angels Association.
