Career Management
Q & A with Natasha Olsson-Seeto – How to Stay Motivated When the Business Feels Like It’s Running You
What are the early signs that your business is starting to run you, rather than the other way around? The
November 18, 2025
It’s been 16 years since Varina Nissen and Natasha Olsson-Seeto launched OnTalent in January 2010, with the goal of connecting people with purpose.
“We wanted to be where you turned when you wanted high-touch, strategic insights and frank advice – either as an executive hiring or wanting to be hired,” Natasha recalls.
Joining the team nine years ago, Deborah Wilson saw incredible potential for OnTalent to grow beyond recruitment to become a true partner in people’s careers.
“Establishing the Careers, Leadership Development and consulting practice allowed us to bring our ‘hire-to-retire’ vision to life, supporting individuals as they step into a role, grow as leaders, navigate transitions and, when the time comes, move on with confidence. It’s this holistic approach that has shaped the business we are today,” Deborah says.
To celebrate another year of growth, achievement and learning, the OnTalent team shares 16 lessons they’ve learnt in the past 16 years.
Sixteen years ago, our deep belief was – and remains – that the right people in the right jobs drive economic and social prosperity. And when connected to purpose, people build and contribute to great workplaces and prosperous economies, go home to better relationships, are more generally fulfilled and give back to the community and those in need more freely.
Our growth has been intentional. Over time, our strong relationships have become our greatest engine of growth, generating engagement, referrals and trust. That foundation is why our business has flourished and why OnTalent now plays such an important role in strengthening leaders, teams and organisations.
After 16 years, one lesson stands out: kindness matters. The most effective leaders aren’t just strategic or decisive, they’re human. They listen, show empathy and build trust, especially during change and uncertainty. Kindness doesn’t lower standards; it strengthens them. We see it in how people are treated through recruitment, leadership development and transition. Moments of vulnerability are remembered and kindness in those moments leaves a lasting impact.
OnTalent has style in how it hosts events and presents itself. This style displays professionalism, client and candidate focus, and this standard of branding is important when differentiating our service in the market.
I’d have to say the most fond catchphrase I have learnt from Tash is ABD: “always be delightful.” The other two things I always remember are to ask “so what?” and “how do you know?”
I’m proud of the value our outplacement service delivers and how this program has benefited so many of our clients. We actively collaborate with our recruiters and many participants move into roles that OnTalent has recruited for. We don’t just say it – we really do it.
Working at OnTalent has shown me how energising it is to be part of a team that genuinely enjoys spending time together. Coming to work feels easy, not like something to push through. There’s no ego or internal competition, just a shared drive to lift the quality of everything we do for our clients. The focus is simple and clear: if it benefits the client, it’s the right call.
I have learnt that all clients – whether they are emerging leaders or CEOs – are all human and feel and think the same. I have learnt that clients’ problems can be fixed by partnering authentically, listening and consistently touching base.
OnTalent is such an adult organisation. I love that at 55, I am not the most senior person here in age or experience. I admire the collaboration, help and effort and everyone working together to achieve the best outcome for our clients, not for themselves. The high standards and quality of the work my colleagues and peers deliver inspire me to lift my game. The diversity of the connections across our business is immense. We engage across so many differing industries, entities and functions, whether it be in coaching, leadership, careers counselling, not-for-profit, government, start-up business or blue-chip listed companies, there is a wealth of connections. I appreciate the friendliness and integrity of everyone I have encountered. The empathy shown to candidates stems from the top and inspires me to emulate the values I see lived every day.
The biggest thing I’ve learnt at OnTalent is how much of a difference it makes when people genuinely care. It changes the way you work, the way you show up, and the way you treat others. If I was giving a new starter advice, it would be: relax, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to jump in. You’ll learn quickly that the people here actually mean it when they say they’re here to help.
We take a very detailed, deep approach with clients and candidates – we want to be true advisors while offering agility in our style. Some of the words our clients and candidates may use to describe us are: detailed, deep, resilient, honest and transparent.
This is the place where I grew the most, personally and professionally. Where I was challenged and encouraged while being surrounded by people who cared about me both personally and professionally.
I have been surrounded by amazing and inspirational people – our team, clients, candidates, participants, etc. – who have encouraged and supported me to be the best version of myself.
Working with OnTalent means you’ll have a supportive team who will always try to help you when you need it.
When I look back on my career, my time at OnTalent will stand out as the chapter where I felt most connected to purpose. I work alongside people who care deeply – about clients, candidates, participants and about each other. We help shape careers, build leaders, support people through change and strengthen organisations across the country. But more than anything, OnTalent gives me a sense of belonging and pride. It is a place where my work makes a difference, every single day.
We set out with a very clear vision of creating an organisation that would bring to the market deep expertise in executive search and specialist recruitment of critical roles. To reflect on 16 years and know that vision is now very much a reality is terrific, but we aren’t done yet. There is so much opportunity ahead of us and many workplaces and individuals to connect to purpose – and we can’t wait!
What are the early signs that your business is starting to run you, rather than the other way around? The
Leadership continues to be one of the greatest challenges as our world of work evolves. I work in this space
Q&A with IPAA Emerging Leaders: Bhavik Kapadia, Regan Vella, Zoe Keath, Brooke Wanstall, Alex Parker, Juan Vega OnTalent was proud
"*" indicates required fields