Tell me about Capital Assignments?
Capital Assignments has a 29-year track record and specialises in providing tailored talent solutions, leveraging its understanding of the financial services landscape, particularly within the South African and UK markets. Services offered by Capital Assignments include executive search, talent mapping, succession planning, board placements and human resources strategy consulting.
Who would be your typical client?
Our typical clients are firms within the asset management sector, which are looking for top-tier talent in executive roles, senior management and board positions.
What advice do you have for people looking for work?
- Networking is crucial. Connect with professionals in your industry on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and engage in conversations. Referrals can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key recruiters in your industry. Recruiters can provide valuable insights, alert you to opportunities and advocate for you when suitable roles arise.
- Research the company thoroughly, practise common interview questions and be ready to articulate your value proposition clearly. Demonstrating your knowledge about the company and the role can set you apart from other candidates.
What qualities do you look for as a recruiter?
When I’m interviewing C-suite executives, one of the key qualities I look out for is self-awareness. This isn’t just a tick-box exercise, it’s a critical aspect that deeply influences how a leader perceives their role and the impact they have. In my experience, the most effective CEOs have a strong sense of their own strengths and weaknesses, which enables them to lead with authenticity and clarity. A self-aware leader understands their influence on others and how their decisions resonate across the organisation. This insight allows them to build more meaningful relationships, respond to challenges with greater nuance, and steer the company with a vision that is both grounded and forward-looking.
How did you move from teaching to recruitment and how does a background in education help you in the work you do now?
I moved from teaching to recruitment through a journey driven by my passion for helping others and making a positive impact. My career started in education, where I taught at a small girls' school in Johannesburg. That experience deepened my commitment to helping people reach their potential, and over time my career path led me into the recruitment field.
What makes you good at what you do?
It is a combination of experience, a genuine passion for helping people, and a dedication to being the best that I can be. I focus on listening carefully to clients and candidates, understanding their needs, and working tirelessly to find the right fit. I’m thorough and detail-orientated, but also adaptable to different challenges.
While I’ve gained greater confidence in my abilities over the years, I’m always learning and striving to improve. I believe that my commitment to adding value and making a positive difference is what helps me succeed in my role.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a missionary. The idea of travelling to different places and helping people in need deeply resonated with me. I was inspired by the thought of making a positive impact on communities, spreading kindness, and supporting others in their journeys. The sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve others were what drew me to this aspiration.
What mistake at work has taught you an important lesson?
One mistake was taking on too many responsibilities at once and, in my enthusiasm, growing my company too fast. Early in my career, my ambition and enthusiasm pushed me to take on more than I could manage effectively. This ultimately led to severe burnout. The experience taught me the importance of pacing growth, delegating tasks, and maintaining a sustainable balance between ambition and wellbeing. By learning to prioritise and trust my team, I was able to foster a healthier work environment and achieve more sustainable success.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.