TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
Originally from New Zealand, after completing my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and History, I started my corporate career in Human Resources for a large FMCG organisation. I then moved into agency recruitment for a short period before making a spontaneous decision to move to Australia in 2016 – which is when my career in Executive Search began! I started at a boutique firm that specialised in Public Sector before moving to Korn Ferry, where I worked on Private Sector mandates, while continuing to specialise in Public Sector in an end-to-end delivery role. I left Korn Ferry in 2020 and joined Sheffield Haworth, where I worked on complex leadership mandates across Consulting and Technology for global clients. I was also the Diversity Lead for Australia. Across my roles, I have managed and mentored Research and Delivery teams, on-site and offshore.
WHAT INITIALLY ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN QA?
A myriad of reasons - let’s start with expertise and credibility. QA have a fabulous footprint in the market, and each Partner has deep knowledge in their field, which I saw as an opportunity to learn and create meaningful impact. Culturally, it made sense. Each team member is unique, diverse and intelligent - individually and collectively. They work together as a team; this is something that was evident from day one. Innovation is celebrated and encouraged, which is also very important to me.
WHICH SKILLS DO YOU BRING TO THE QA TEAM?
I like to think my background brings dynamism to the team. I have worked for one of the largest Search firms in the world, a start-up, boutiques, and medium-sized firms. I have seen what good looks like - and what doesn’t work. I understand the importance of managing excellent client delivery while creating internal cohesion and organisation in parallel.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER AT QA WITH LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Ensuring I make time for my artwork, daily walks and catch ups with friends and family keeps me sane (most of the time).
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY BECOME AN EXPERT IN SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Being fit without exercising.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE?
People who walk slow in Sydney.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN 5 YEARS?
Living in a rustic, wooden cabin with a fireplace. Working. Creating art. Laughing. Learning. Growing… not vertically of course, that hasn’t happened since 2002.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED, AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Essentially, always have a growth mindset and try to learn from each experience. Something I try to live by.
NAME FOUR PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, THAT YOU WOULD HAVE OVER FOR DINNER.
King David, Frida Kahlo, Robin Williams and my grandmother.
WHAT'S ONE PASSION PROJECT OF YOURS?
Create a most compelling work of art, one I would be proud to hang up in my own room.
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View Sahana's full profile on LinkedIn or for further information, contact her at sahana.gabriel@quintonanthony.com.