Natasha Makhijani is the CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC, an award-winning executive search firm celebrated for its groundbreaking contributions to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) and digital recruitment innovation. Recognized by the House of Lords, Global Recruiter, APSCo, and the Recruiter Awards, Oliver Sanderson has also been featured in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Album for making a “transformational contribution” to UK business. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Natasha Makhijani as one of the Business Geek: Women Leaders to Watch, 2024.
In addition to her role at Oliver Sanderson, Natasha is also the CEO of Snapp CV, a pioneering digital recruitment platform. Snapp CV redefines the recruitment landscape with technology-driven solutions that empower both employers and job seekers. The platform’s voice-search technology and integration with Amazon Alexa break down barriers for many who may struggle with traditional job searching methods, prioritizing efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity. Natasha’s journey to becoming a market disruptor is marked by a commitment to innovation and a willingness to challenge the status quo. At Oliver Sanderson, she spearheaded the development of new recruitment technologies and methodologies that streamline the hiring process and enhance client satisfaction. Snapp CV exemplifies this innovative spirit, revolutionizing how candidates present themselves and how employers assess talent. This journey required constant learning, adapting to market changes, and staying ahead of industry trends.
“I hope to leave a legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and positive impact—creating opportunities for diverse talent and inspiring future leaders.”
Natasha was inspired to start Oliver Sanderson when she identified a gap in the market for a more personalized, technology-driven approach to executive recruitment. Her motivation has always been to help organizations find the right leaders to drive their success and to provide candidates with opportunities that align with their career aspirations. The potential to make a meaningful impact in the industry and in the lives of individuals was a driving force behind her decision. Natasha brings a blend of innovative thinking and a deep understanding of client needs to the recruitment industry. At Oliver Sanderson, the focus is on leveraging cutting-edge technology while maintaining a personal touch, ensuring both efficiency and effectiveness in their processes. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion sets them apart, as they strive to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and ensure a fair and equitable hiring process.
Natasha believes in facing challenges head-on and viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow. Whether adapting to market shifts or overcoming internal challenges, she relies on a strong support system, strategic thinking, and a focus on long-term goals. A positive attitude and commitment to their mission have been crucial in overcoming setbacks. To stay ahead of the competition, Natasha prioritizes innovation, continuous improvement, and understanding clients’ evolving needs. Investing in technology, like the Snapp CV platform, helps maintain a competitive edge. Building strong relationships with clients and candidates allows for delivering tailored solutions and exceptional service. Regularly analyzing market trends and staying agile in their approach ensures they remain a step ahead.
One of Natasha’s significant impacts was the introduction of Snapp CV, a digital resume platform that transformed the candidate presentation process. This innovation made the process more interactive and engaging for employers. The positive feedback from clients and successful placements demonstrated the platform’s effectiveness, setting a new standard in the industry and showcasing Oliver Sanderson’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Fostering diversity and inclusion is a core value at Oliver Sanderson. They implement diverse hiring practices, provide training on unconscious bias, and promote an inclusive workplace culture. Their recruitment strategies include creating diverse candidate pools and ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Additionally, they support initiatives and organizations that advocate for diversity in the workplace, reinforcing their commitment to this critical issue.
“The biggest opportunities for growth and innovation in recruitment lie in leveraging advanced technologies like AI and data analytics.”
Natasha Makhijani’s leadership and innovative approach continue to drive Oliver Sanderson Group PLC and Snapp CV towards making significant contributions to the recruitment industry, setting new standards, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Natasha Makhijani offers valuable advice to aspiring women leaders aiming to disrupt their markets. She encourages them to embrace their unique perspectives and use them to drive innovation. Women should not shy away from challenging the status quo or taking risks. Building a robust network of mentors and supporters can provide essential guidance and encouragement. Resilience in the face of setbacks and staying true to one’s values and vision are crucial. Natasha believes that authenticity and determination will help set aspiring leaders apart and pave the way for success.
Balancing professional success with personal well-being requires intentional effort and prioritization. Natasha sets clear boundaries between work and personal life, making time for self-care and family. By delegating responsibilities and trusting her team, she can focus on strategic decisions without becoming overwhelmed. Practices like mindfulness and staying active contribute to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that she remains both productive and well-rested. In the recruitment industry, Natasha identifies significant opportunities for growth and innovation through advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics. These tools can enhance talent matching, streamline processes, and provide deeper insights into candidates’ potential. Additionally, there is a growing focus on diversity and inclusion, which opens opportunities for creating more equitable hiring practices. Adapting to remote work trends and offering flexible solutions are also key to driving growth in the industry.
Natasha’s approach to leveraging technology includes using platforms like Snapp CV to transform interactions between candidates and employers. AI and data analytics enhance talent matching and assessment processes, ensuring that clients receive the best candidates. Technology also streamlines operations, improves communication, and delivers more efficient services. By staying updated with technological advancements, Natasha ensures continuous innovation and maintains a competitive edge. A recent accomplishment Natasha is particularly proud of is the successful expansion of Oliver Sanderson into the US market. This milestone has opened new opportunities and allowed the firm to serve a broader client base. Leading this expansion and establishing a strong presence in a new market reflects the company’s growth, adaptability, and commitment to providing top-tier recruitment solutions globally.
“Balancing professional success with personal well-being requires conscious effort and prioritization. Setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care are key.”
Natasha sees mentorship as crucial in fostering the next generation of women leaders. It provides guidance, support, and valuable insights that help women navigate their career paths and overcome challenges. Mentorship offers networking opportunities and builds confidence, and by sharing experiences and lessons learned, mentors inspire and empower emerging leaders, contributing to their professional growth and success. To stay agile and adaptable in an ever-changing market landscape, Natasha emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends. Regularly reviewing and updating strategies to align with market changes is essential. Embracing innovation, being open to new ideas, and fostering a culture of flexibility within the organization help respond quickly to challenges and opportunities. Effective collaboration and communication also play critical roles in maintaining agility.
Legacy as a Market Disruptor and Woman Leader
As a market disruptor and woman leader, Natasha hopes to leave a legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and positive impact. She aims to be remembered for challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change in the recruitment industry. Her goal is to create opportunities for diverse talent and inspire future leaders to embrace their unique perspectives and drive innovation. Natasha’s legacy reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and making a difference in the lives of others.
“Embrace your unique perspective and use it to drive innovation. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and take risks.”
