At Stratum100, we focus on hiring senior executives and business leaders in the outsourcing and technology industries across Europe, UK, USA and the Middle East. With our in-depth understanding of these industries, we assist our clients in meeting their unique hiring requirements.
Founded in 2014 , Stratum100 has established itself as a trusted partner for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises in their quest for exceptional IT leadership.
Stratum100 offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of the IT industry. From executive search and leadership assessment to talent mapping and succession planning, Stratum100 provides end-to-end solutions designed to help clients identify, attract, and retain top IT talent. Our global reach ensures that we can source candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures, providing clients with access to the best talent regardless of location.
Give a brief overview of your background and your role in the company
After graduating from the University of Nottingham in the UK with a degree in Biochemistry and Genetics, I completed a Masters from the London School of Economics with the aim of transitioning towards a more business oriented field.
My first career step was with HSBC in sales and trading, which helped me realise that I wanted to pursue a career which had a more direct impact on individuals. This led me to a role with a London-based boutique recruitment firm, where my first market was placing quantitative analysts in the hedge fund space. Unlike the structured hierarchy of banking institutions, recruitment offers greater flexibility and autonomy, and allows individuals to take ownership of their career paths and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Furthermore, working for a relatively smaller firm allowed me to gain a more holistic experience in the field. Eventually, I transitioned to executive-level tech recruitment where I found stability even in times of economic uncertainty.
In 2014, I launched Stratum 100, a new kind of executive search firm — one that would combine cutting-edge technology, personalised service, and a deep understanding of the tech industry to deliver unparalleled results for clients and candidates alike. As the Managing Director of an executive search firm and a female Founder within the tech space, I play a pivotal role in shaping the direction, culture and success of the organisation, and strive to have a positive impact on this industry. I aim to maintain strong relationships with clients, including with Fortune 500 tech companies and venture capital firms, by understanding their needs, challenges, and talent requirements.
What were the past experiences, achievements, or lessons that shaped your journey as a successful women leader?
Many of my achievements are owed to early positive influences, including a supportive family who always encouraged me to pursue my ambitions and goals. Having access to good quality education also definitely contributed to my confidence building and enabled me to pursue leadership roles.
Being a female business leader in a male dominated industry, I have faced some unique challenges and obstacles including gender biases, stereotypes, and systemic barriers. Overcoming these challenges has taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. I owe a big part of my success to the failures that I have faced in the early stages of my career as an entrepreneur. Coping with setbacks, and using them as growth opportunities has been pivotal in my role as a female leader.
Interacting with candidates from diverse backgrounds and nationalities requires an understanding of cultural nuances, norms, and communication styles. Recruitment involves communication at various stages, from initial outreach to job offers. Engaging with candidates from various walks of life and adapting my communication style has allowed me to transcend cultural differences and language barriers, and given me diverse perspectives.
Kindly mention some of the primal challenges that you faced during the initial phase
As a female executive in the tech industry, I often encountered gender bias and stereotypes. As a young female leader, I also faced steep hurdles in accessing capital, resources, and support networks which were crucially needed to launch and grow a tech recruitment firm.
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal and family responsibilities, whilst navigating the early stages of setting up a tech recruitment firm also proved very challenging. Going global, as a mom and entrepreneur presents a set of unique challenges that often required careful consideration and planning. For example, building and running a global firm often requires travel on short notice. This led me to experience feelings of guilt and pressure stemming from societal expectations, internalised beliefs, or perceived judgments from others. Overcoming these feelings required a lot of self-compassion and a recognition of the value and importance of pursuing entrepreneurial goals alongside motherhood.
Having said this I have also been fortunate to find mentors early on within my professional ecosystem, which has equipped me with real world perspectives and invaluable advice. At the age of only 22, I obtained my first tech recruitment contract with a global 8 billion USD outsourcing firm. I would like to express gratitude and appreciation for their trust, support, and investment in my success.
Describe some of the vital attributes that every leader should possess.
Effective leadership requires a combination of skills and qualities that inspire, motivate, and guide individuals and teams towards shared goals. In the field of recruitment, high levels of empathy and emotional intelligence are a must, and can help navigate interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts, and build strong relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.
In today’s fast evolving and uncertain business environment, one must be adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. Embracing change, learning from failures, and bouncing back stronger inspires confidence and optimism amongst teams.
It has always been important to me to uphold high ethical standards and demonstrate integrity through actions and decisions. Transparency is crucial, especially in this industry, to earn the trust of my teams, candidates and clients.
Finally, continuous learning and self-improvement is the key to remain relevant and an effective business leader.
How do you innovate your products/solutions that appeal to your target audience?
Before making any changes or innovating it’s crucial to understand the audience. My marketing team is constantly conducting research, gathering feedback and through our daily conversations with candidates and clients we aim to analyse their behaviour which enables us in understanding their needs , preferences and pain points
We Encourage brainstorming sessions, create a culture that values innovation, and embrace experimentation to generate new ideas.
Keeping an eye on industry trends, technological advancements, and competitor strategies are crucial in identifying opportunities for innovation.
How are disruptive technologies impacting today’s innovation and how has the role of a leader has changed over the years?
Today disruptive technologies are constantly challenging traditional and outdated business models thus creating new market opportunities which is impacting consumer behaviour.
As leaders we need to be more forward thinking and experimental than ever before. Embracing disruptive technologies like AI, blockchain and IOT is crucial in reshaping industries and businesses of today.
As leaders we need to understand that These technologies encourage risk taking and empower teams to explore newer fresher ideas. Finally, in my opinion a role of a leader today needs to include a focus on sustainability, diversity, and ethical considerations which is now reflecting in the changing expectations of stakeholders and society as a whole.
How do you see the company and the industry in the future ahead?
In my opinion, the tech industry is likely to keep evolving rapidly, with breakthroughs in AI, virtual reality, and biotech reshaping the landscape. Companies will need to adapt quickly to stay competitive, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and ethical considerations.
Whilst these technologies will revolutionize various sectors leading to increased efficiency, convenience, and opportunities for innovation, challenges related to privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations will also need to be addressed.
At stratum100 we will continuously be leveraging off technologies to enhance the firm’s ability to deliver exceptional results in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
What is your advice for budding or emerging womenleaders?
Believe in Yourself ; Have confidence in your abilities and believe that you deserve to be in leadership roles. Recognize your strengths and unique perspectives as valuable assets.
Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive network of peers who can provide guidance , encouragement, and opportunities for growth.
Learn to negotiate for what you deserve in terms of compensation, promotions, and opportunities for advancement. You need to value you. Practice Self-Validation!
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