Leadership today requires more than expertise; it demands vision, resilience, and adaptability. Natasha Makhijani, Group CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC, has mastered these qualities. With over 20 years of experience in executive search and leadership solutions, she has become a guiding force for FTSE 100, Fortune 500, and purpose-driven organizations worldwide.
Journey is a story of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to connecting top talent with global opportunities. In this article, we explore Natasha’s career, her impact, and the values that define her transformational leadership style.
Early Career Foundations
Every leader begins with a foundation. Natasha’s career started in recruitment with Michael Page, where she honed her skills in connecting professionals with opportunity. Her early experiences in both the private and public sectors gave her insights into diverse industries such as construction, logistics, supply chain, retail, and technology.
From the start, Natasha displayed qualities beyond technical expertise: empathy, listening, and a commitment to client success. These values would later form the DNA of Oliver Sanderson, the executive search firm she founded.
Founding Oliver Sanderson
In 2011, Natasha launched Oliver Sanderson Group PLC with a mission: to connect the next generation of C-suite leaders with organizations shaping the future. What set her apart was not just experience but a transformational vision: a belief that executive search should be innovative, inclusive, and deeply aligned with organizational culture.
The firm grew quickly, thanks to its focus on honesty, integrity, and passion. From FTSE 100 clients to growing SMEs, Oliver Sanderson became a trusted partner in identifying and nurturing senior leadership talent.
Driving Diversity and Inclusion
Natasha has always believed diversity is not just a checkbox it is a driver of innovation. Under her leadership, Oliver Sanderson delivered over 600 diverse shortlists, proving that inclusion strengthens leadership teams.
Her advocacy for equity and representation in executive roles has been recognized globally. By championing blind recruitment, diverse pipelines, and fair assessments, she has redefined the way organizations approach leadership hiring.
Awards and Recognition
The impact of Natasha’s leadership is reflected in the awards Oliver Sanderson has received:
- Best Executive Search & Interim Recruitment Firm (Corporate Vision)
- Recruitment Technology Innovation of the Year (Recruiter Awards)
- Best Employer Brand (Global Recruiter Awards)
- Featured in the Platinum Jubilee Album for a “transformational contribution to UK business.”
These accolades highlight her transformational impact on both the recruitment industry and the wider business landscape.
Technology and Innovation
In today’s fast-moving business world, innovation is critical. Natasha co-founded SnappCV, a mobile job app integrated with video applications and even Amazon Alexa. With over 25 million candidates on its platform, SnappCV disrupted traditional recruitment models by using technology to make hiring smarter, faster, and more accessible.
This commitment to digital transformation ensured Oliver Sanderson stayed ahead of the curve. By integrating AI, video interviews, and data-driven insights, Natasha’s team provides clients with cutting-edge tools for talent acquisition.
Leadership Style: Transformational and Human
At the core of Natasha’s success is her leadership style. She leads with vision but remains grounded in human connection. Her team describes her as compassionate, ambitious, and determined.
Key aspects of her leadership style include
- Visionary thinking: She anticipates future trends.
- Empathy: She listens and values diverse perspectives.
- Resilience: She thrives in challenges and uncertainty.
- Empowerment: She builds teams that innovate and grow.
This combination makes her a truly transformational leader in executive search and business leadership.
Global Partnerships and Impact
Natasha’s influence is global. From London to New York, Oliver Sanderson partners with organizations seeking senior talent. By focusing on cultural fit, values, and long-term vision, she ensures placements are not just successful but sustainable.
Her track record includes:
- 99% of executive placements successfully filled.
- 40,000+ strong candidate database.
- Trusted relationships with FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and Fortune 500 companies.
These numbers reflect her ability to deliver value consistently in competitive industries.
Supporting Leaders Beyond Hiring
Recruitment is just one part of Natasha’s impact. She ensures leaders thrive after placement. Oliver Sanderson offers executive coaching, onboarding support, and leadership development programs.
This holistic approach reflects her belief that success is measured not just by hiring, but by long-term leadership performance.
Overcoming Challenges
Every leader faces setbacks. Natasha has navigated challenges ranging from market downturns to the evolving demands of clients. Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, she treats them as opportunities to grow.
For instance, during periods of economic uncertainty, she invested in innovation and digital tools rather than cutting back. This bold mindset exemplifies her transformational leadership approach.
Giving Back: Education and Mentorship
Beyond business, Natasha is committed to giving back. She founded the 2 Study Foundation, a charity supporting university students with grants to continue education. Her dedication to mentorship also extends to supporting women in leadership, helping them break barriers in male-dominated industries.
Her work proves that leadership is not only about profit but also about purpose.
Lessons from Natasha’s Journey
Her story offers lessons for professionals and organizations alike:
- Invest in people – talent drives business success.
- Champion diversity – Inclusive teams innovate more effectively.
- Embrace technology – Digital tools redefine industries.
- Lead with values – Integrity and empathy build trust.
- Think long-term – Leadership is about sustainable growth.
These lessons underline why Natasha’s leadership is admired worldwide.
Transformational Leadership in Action
Natasha’s journey demonstrates how vision and resilience shape industries. She proves that executive search can be more than matching CVs to roles; it can be transformational for organizations, leaders, and communities.
Her continued success inspires aspiring leaders to focus on purpose-driven growth while adapting to global challenges.
Conclusion
Natasha Makhijani’s career is more than a success story; it is a blueprint for transformational leadership in action. From founding Oliver Sanderson to pioneering digital recruitment innovation, she has redefined how organizations connect with talent.
Her journey reminds us that leadership requires more than expertise it demands vision, empathy, resilience, and a belief in possibilities. Natasha’s story encourages us to ask: How can we apply transformational principles in our own paths? The answer may unlock the next generation of leaders.
Next: Melanie J. Eden: Visionary Leadership in Real Estate & Finance
