In this episode of Founders Future, with host Olivia Sammons, we dive into the journey of Natalie Thompson, Director of Pangaea Global Associates. Natalie shares her unconventional path from a university drama dropout to a pioneer in IT sales and eventually the founder of a specialist executive search firm. She opens up about the powerful "why" behind starting her own business—the need for flexibility as a mother—and the grueling first nine months that nearly broke her, highlighting the resilience needed to build something from the ground up.
The conversation explores the evolution of Pangaea, from its challenging beginnings placing talent in Dubai to its current focus on senior-level roles within enterprise software and technology startups. Natalie provides a masterclass in authentic, value-driven recruitment and reveals how she is now leveraging AI to revolutionize her process, creating a new "AI Talent Partner" model to serve clients faster and more efficiently than ever before. She also delves into her passion for heart-centered leadership coaching, discussing how dismantling ego-driven patterns can prevent toxic cultures and create more fulfilling, successful environments for founders and their teams.
