Natasha Makhijani | CEO and Founder | Oliver Sanderson Group PLC
Natasha Makhijani, the CEO and Founder of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC, is a dynamic and visionary leader in the executive search and recruitment industry. Her journey to the top has been shaped by a deep passion for people and a commitment to helping organizations find the talent they need to succeed. With years of experience in recruitment, Natasha identified a gap in the market for a firm that not only delivered top-tier executive search services but also championed diversity and inclusion. This vision led to the creation of Oliver Sanderson, a company that has since become an award-winning leader in its field. At EliteX, we are proud to have Natasha Makhijani as part of Fearless Business Leaders in India, 2024 Edition.
Natasha’s inspiration to start her own business came from a strong belief that recruitment could be approached more strategically, with a focus on long-term success rather than just filling positions quickly. She wanted to build a firm that truly understood the needs of both clients and candidates, fostering relationships that would lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. This desire to make a tangible impact on businesses and individuals’ careers drove her to take on the leadership role that she now holds with pride. However, Natasha’s journey was not without its challenges. Entering the highly competitive recruitment industry as a new player required her to build trust and credibility with clients from the ground up. This was no easy feat and required perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Economic fluctuations in recent years also posed significant challenges, forcing Natasha and her team to adapt and innovate quickly to stay ahead.
“In the face of challenges, resilience and adaptability are the traits that turn obstacles into opportunities.”
To overcome these challenges, Natasha focused on resilience, innovation, and building strong client relationships. She invested heavily in technology to streamline processes and provide better service, which allowed Oliver Sanderson to stand out in a crowded market. Open and transparent communication with clients was also key, helping to build trust and long-term partnerships. By being proactive rather than reactive, Natasha was able to navigate the difficulties that came her way, ensuring the continued success of her company. For Natasha, the most important quality a business leader can possess is empathy. She believes that understanding the needs, motivations, and challenges of both her team and her clients is crucial to building strong relationships and fostering a positive company culture. Empathy allows leaders to make decisions that are not only good for business but also beneficial for everyone involved, creating an environment where people feel valued and supported.
One of the toughest decisions Natasha had to make came during a period of economic uncertainty. Faced with the choice of scaling back operations or investing in expanding the company’s service offerings, she chose the latter. This decision involved entering new markets and enhancing the company’s digital capabilities—a move that was risky but ultimately paid off. It positioned Oliver Sanderson for growth and resilience in the face of future challenges, demonstrating Natasha’s ability to make tough calls that benefit the business in the long run.
Natasha’s passion for her industry and the impact she has on clients and candidates keep her motivated and focused in her role. She finds immense satisfaction in helping companies find key executives or assisting individuals in landing their dream jobs. Setting clear goals for herself and the company also helps her stay on track, ensuring that the team remains aligned with the company’s vision and objectives.
To keep her team motivated, Natasha emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. She encourages open communication, provides opportunities for professional development, and celebrates achievements. By empowering her team to take ownership of their work and fostering a sense of purpose, she ensures that they remain engaged and motivated. When it comes to handling failure or setbacks, Natasha views these experiences as opportunities for learning and growth. She believes that analyzing what went wrong and gathering feedback are crucial steps in improving strategies and preventing similar issues in the future. Maintaining a positive outlook and using failures as stepping stones to success are key elements of her approach to business.
“Innovation isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about continuously refining our approach to deliver the best solutions.”
Natasha is keenly aware of the current business environment, which she describes as one marked by rapid change driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and global economic fluctuations. She sees this as a time of both opportunity and challenge, where businesses must be agile and adaptable to stay competitive. Digital transformation, the rise of remote work, and the gig economy are redefining how companies operate and manage talent. Natasha also notes the growing emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, with consumers and stakeholders increasingly expecting businesses to take a stand on important social issues. She believes that the current landscape rewards innovation, resilience, and a forward-thinking approach.
Looking ahead, Natasha sees the recruitment industry becoming increasingly technology-driven over the next five years. She predicts that AI and data analytics will play a significant role in matching candidates with roles and that there will be a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Companies, she believes, will seek more strategic partnerships with recruitment firms that can provide not just talent but also insights and advisory services. Natasha is committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, ensuring that Oliver Sanderson continues to lead the industry in innovation and excellence.
Innovation, in fact, is at the heart of everything Natasha does at Oliver Sanderson. She and her team are constantly seeking new ways to improve their services, whether through adopting new technologies, refining processes, or exploring new markets. One of the company’s most notable innovations is Snapp CV, a mobile job search and recruitment platform designed to streamline the hiring process for both job seekers and employers. This platform, which emphasizes speed, accessibility, and ease of use, reflects Natasha’s commitment to staying ahead of the competition and providing clients with the best possible solutions.
As for the future, Natasha has ambitious plans for Oliver Sanderson. One of her key goals is to expand the company’s presence in the US market, building on the success they have already achieved in the UK and Europe. With a new desk set up in the US, Natasha is excited about the opportunities for growth and expansion. Additionally, the company is working on launching new digital platforms that will enhance the candidate experience and provide clients with deeper insights into talent acquisition. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to continue growing and diversifying the company’s service offerings.
For aspiring business leaders, Natasha offers valuable advice: stay resilient, be open to learning, and never underestimate the power of a strong team. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to the constantly evolving business landscape and building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Understanding local market dynamics, she believes, is also key to success. Above all, Natasha encourages aspiring leaders to surround themselves with people who share their vision and values, as a strong team is essential for achieving long-term success.
Balancing work and personal life is a challenge that Natasha takes seriously. She believes that setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential to maintaining a healthy balance. Natasha makes it a point to schedule time for family and personal interests, and she encourages her team to do the same. By delegating responsibilities and trusting her team, she ensures that she can step back when needed, allowing her to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life.
Through her leadership, Natasha Makhijani has not only built a successful company but also made a significant impact on the recruitment industry. Her dedication to innovation, diversity, and empathy has set Oliver Sanderson apart, making it a leader in the field. As she continues to drive the company forward, Natasha’s influence and vision will undoubtedly shape the future of recruitment for years to come.
“Empathy is the cornerstone of leadership—understanding the needs of your team and clients is key to building lasting relationships.”
