Michelle Bedford-Shaw

Michelle leverages more than a decade of multi-industry executive search experience, across a broad range of markets and organisations (from public-listed, to start-up), advising leaders on talent and leadership strategy.

Her industry expertise is extensive, having placed C-suite and executive level candidates in vast industries across the African continent. She currently leads the Retail/Consumer Goods & Industrials practice (including energy, industrial and manufacturing, and natural resources).

As a life-long learner, Michelle can engage in detail on the technical competencies required for executives in data science, AI, specific types of underground mining, as well as the current trends in product development, and consumer behaviour. The common denominator is her passion on every single topic!

Michelle completed a Law degree, which provided the foundation for her grounding in research, a data-driven mindset, and the ability to help boards and hiring managers secure high-in-demand candidates. Her desire to really get to know people and tenacity to ensure every project is a success are driving factors in her being a member of the team for eight years.

Having been born and raised in a small town in Zambia, she has an appreciation and passion for the diversity and uniqueness of Africa, and can be counted on to recount stories of beautiful (sometimes hidden) locations and the most delicious local delicacies to try off the braai.

Her greatest achievement – her family – includes two beautifully messy little people, who more recently you may have heard in the background of a Zoom call. They continually challenge her to look at things differently, and to bring a sense of humour to everything that only children can give you!