What was your role before transitioning to a Consultant?
I joined Oxford HR in 2018 in the Project Coordination team and worked across a lot of teams and sector areas. I became a researcher later in the year, before working with the Africa team as a Project Manager for the African Development Bank. During my time as a researcher I engaged with several clients within the climate space and this connected deeply with my own values. When the opportunity to become a consultant in that practice arose, it was a really exciting opportunity.
What do you feel you can bring to clients?
Having worked across all stages of the project, I have a deep understanding of how Oxford HR engages during an executive search process. I also bring an understanding of clients’ commitment to tackling the climate crisis and the leadership challenges they face. I like to bring a safe space for candidates going through application processes to talk to me, including any worries or concerns they may have in the sector as a whole. This, I find, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
What issues keep you awake at night?
Climate change and the acceptance that it takes all of us to make a difference. It can be difficult to change mindsets and societies and sometimes it feels like an impossible task! With the work I do at Oxford HR, it’s reassuring to know I’m placing passionate and inspirational people into roles that can make a big difference in this area.
What qualities would you find in a great leader?
Empathy. The ability to admit and learn from mistakes. Kindness and decisiveness.
What book have you read most recently?
I’m currently reading Purple Hibiscus. It was recommended to me by a colleague and, although it can be a difficult read at times, it gives a vivid picture of another life. It’s fiction, but it’s set against the historical context of the military coup in Nigeria in the 1980s, which I find is a really interesting way to learn more about different geographies and histories.
Who would be your dream client?
I would love to work with South Pole. They work in the Climate Finance space and have grown hugely over the years; it would be interesting to work with them from a recruitment perspective but also from a wider organisational leadership perspective.
Since joining Oxford HR in 2018 Lisanne has worked on senior-level roles within, but not limited to, justice and security, conflict resolution, conservation, housing development and agribusiness across 4 continents. A Dutch/Swedish national she has visited 36 countries, and speaks English, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch and is currently learning French.
Previously Lisanne worked within the Security Sector in Stockholm, as Team Leader in a monitoring Centre. She has an MSc in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development.
