Building a Diverse and Innovative Future Through Leadership and Technology
Natasha Makhijani, Group CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC, is a trailblazer in the executive search industry. From starting as a graduate trainee to becoming the leader of a global recruitment firm, her journey is one of passion, resilience, and a strong belief in diversity and innovation. Through her leadership, Natasha has transformed Oliver Sanderson into a top executive search company, inspiring many with her modern and people-first approach to business.
A Career Built on Passion and Purpose
Natasha’s success is deeply rooted in her love for helping people and creating opportunities. She began her career with Hays on a graduate scheme and quickly realized her talent for recruitment. But it was her diverse upbringing that gave her the drive to challenge the status quo and start her own company—one that supports talent from all walks of life.
Seeing a gap in the executive search market, Natasha launched Oliver Sanderson in 2011. What started as a solo venture soon became a respected global firm known for matching top talent with high-level roles.
Rising Through the Ranks
After working at Hays and Michael Page, Natasha took a bold step and founded Oliver Sanderson. Her hard work, academic background, and determination helped her rise quickly. Natasha didn’t just want to build a business—she wanted to lead a company that embraced innovation and diversity at every level.
“Innovation is key to business growth,” she says. Under her leadership, Oliver Sanderson became known for its creative and cutting-edge approach to executive search.
Leading with Heart and Vision
Natasha’s leadership style is based on trust, honesty, and clear communication. She believes great leaders don’t just give orders—they listen, learn, and inspire their teams. “No one knows everything. Leaders must always be open to learning from others,” she says.
At Oliver Sanderson, she fosters a culture of passion, teamwork, and continuous improvement, where leaders grow together with their teams and celebrate success as one.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges to the business. Natasha had to make difficult choices, including budget cuts and adjusting to changing client needs. But she adapted quickly, embraced technology, and made the company more flexible and efficient.
Her ability to lead through uncertainty helped Oliver Sanderson come out of the crisis stronger, staying true to its mission while adjusting to a fast-changing world.
Embracing Innovation in Recruitment
Natasha is a firm believer in using technology to improve recruitment. She led the launch of Snapp CV, the world’s first voice-technology-enabled mobile job platform, using Amazon Alexa. This tool made job searching more efficient and user-friendly, setting a new standard for the industry.
Her focus on innovation shows her commitment to staying ahead of trends and making recruitment easier and more inclusive for everyone.
Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry
Recruitment is constantly evolving, and Natasha understands the need to keep up. She encourages businesses to be agile, forward-thinking, and ready to embrace change. At Oliver Sanderson, this means closely tracking market trends and investing in the latest tools to serve clients and candidates better.
Creating a Legacy of Impact
For Natasha, success goes beyond business growth. After losing her partner Ash Daswani in 2022, she became even more determined to continue the work they started together. She hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment, diversity, and innovation that inspires future leaders.
“I want to inspire people to dream big, embrace change, and make a difference,” she says.
Promoting Work-Life Balance
As a CEO, Natasha also leads by example in promoting work-life balance. She encourages her team to set boundaries and take care of their well-being. By creating a supportive and flexible workplace, she ensures that employees feel valued both professionally and personally.
Conclusion: A Leader Redefining Recruitment
Natasha Makhijani’s story is one of innovation, strength, and purpose. Her work at Oliver Sanderson is changing how executive recruitment is done—bringing diversity, technology, and empathy to the forefront. She continues to inspire by showing that leadership is about making a real difference, not just reaching personal goals.
As she puts it: “Entrepreneurship is about challenging norms, driving change, and giving everyone a chance to succeed.” And through her work, Natasha is doing just that—shaping the future of recruitment and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
