10 questions with natellie sun
Randstad Hong Kong celebrates its 10th year anniversary in 2019. Reflecting on her journey, Natellie Sun, Managing Director at Randstad Hong Kong shares some of the most important moments and learnings, and where she hopes to take the firm to in the next 10 years.
1. how has the journey been like for randstad hong kong?
We started operating in Hong Kong SAR in 2009 with just one staff - who is still in the business with us. We have grown strength to strength since then. Over the last 10 years, we have moved three times and our staff strength has grown from just one person to nearly 80 today.
We attribute the success of our business to our clients and candidates whom we have built relationships with over the years. Most importantly, our people who have gone through thick and thin together as one organisation. The dedication and passion of our people is the one true reason why we are able to celebrate our 10th year anniversary.
2. how do you differentiate randstad hong kong from your competitors?
We are a people business. In recruitment, it is our purpose to place people into jobs that could fulfill their career goals as well as help companies find talent that are capable of driving their business agenda.
Our recruitment specialists are the key driver of our business and it is what differentiates us in this saturated market. We invest in building long-term relationships with our customers, by understanding the challenges they face, sharing market intelligence, and giving them access to our network of skilled, experienced and competent talent.
3. how do you see the company changing in the next 10 years?
Even though Hong Kong SAR is a mature market, it is a dynamic one. There are always new business growth markets for us to explore and expand into, and these areas are largely driven by new technologies.
As a pioneer in HR technology ourselves, we have the right expertise to guide companies on the type of talent they would need to grow and stabilise their business in Hong Kong SAR and across Asia Pacific.
We have never been in a better position to add meaningful value for our clients and candidates. By combining the power of today’s technology with the passion of our specialised recruiters, we create a positive and highly personal experience for our clients and candidates.
4. what is the defining moment that has shaped your career?
2018 was a pivotal year for us as the groundwork we have laid over the last few years came to fruition. Not only did we collectively work together to reach new business milestones, we have also made a positive impact on our people and the professional labour market.
Personally, it was a very powerful moment for me to witness smart and capable people in our business grow to be more confident in the way they work and interact with our clients and candidates.
5. what is the biggest challenge that you’ve faced?
Hong Kong SAR is a fast-moving city. People generally walk fairly quickly, speak really fast and expect instantaneous results, even before the proliferation of social media. It is this fast-changing environment that we live in that has greatly influenced our culture.
Culture changes have been the most challenging for me. I joined Randstad Hong Kong about four years ago from a very different environment. However, it is very important to me that the workplace has a positive and encouraging culture, as it directly impacts how committed and motivated our people will be.
I also believe in keeping an open-mind and staying connected with my colleagues to understand how they work, the challenges they face and the opportunities that they would like to explore. I’m extremely happy at where we are at as an organisation and hope that we can continue to push through.
6. how would you describe the organisational culture at randstad hong kong?
We are united, people-motivated and committed to help make the world a better place to live in.
7. how do you keep your employees motivated?
It is important to me that we align our employment offerings to what our employees are expecting from us. We offer very transparent career paths, robust and relevant learning and development programmes, as well as a supportive and encouraging company culture.
As the line between work and personal life becomes blurry, it is our responsibility to make work stress-free and meaningful for our people. We regularly encourage our employees to give feedback and contribute ideas on how we can improve the way we work or service our clients and candidates. Having an open mindset towards receiving feedback and acting on them can help us be a better employer as we continue to support our employees’ growth.
At the end of the day, it is critical that our people understand the difference and impact they have on people’s lives as they help them find new employment. We don’t see what we do as just another job that pays a salary, but more of an avenue that will allow us to help people realise their dreams and aspirations.
8. what is your proudest accomplishment?
I always feel heartened when I see our people mature and develop, both on a personal and professional level. While it sounds cliche, it’s the truth and it really brings purpose to my role.
When my colleagues are able to grow themselves professionally, we can hit new milestones and celebrate these wins together. It is these proud and happy moments that make those long and stressful days worthwhile.
9. what would you change about the way the business is operating now?
As any leader would say, “We can always do better”.
I hope that we can continue to be agile and not only strive to address the evolving market needs, but also disrupt the way we work in the recruitment industry so that we can continue to add real value to our clients and job seekers.
10. what are a memorable lesson you’ve had experienced while in randstad?
At one of my first meetings in Randstad, our global HR director told me, “Talent belongs to the company.”
Randstad does a great job in taking care of its people and giving them the support they need to do their best at work. It has taught me that if I want a highly-productive and happy team, I would need to first invest in them.
I’ve also learned to not settle or accept traditions in the way we work. As the demands in the labour market changes, it is up to us to disrupt and create new opportunities for ourselves.
Last but not least, I have come to appreciate the impact of our role in the world. Our job is not just merely finding people new jobs or sourcing candidates for our clients. It is about helping people build meaningful careers and find purpose in their professional lives. We also help our clients hire the most talented people they would need to achieve their corporate objectives and propel their business.
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