Nadiya is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of comprehensive expertise in the food trading sector, finance, and global trade. With a rich background encompassing leadership roles and successful ventures in global markets, she has consistently showcased exemplary leadership skills, guiding teams to achieve outstanding results, and spearheading successful FMCG product launches in various markets.
Her extensive involvement with executive search firms and recruiters in previous leadership capacities has provided her with invaluable insights. Having played a pivotal role in the hiring process for senior-level positions, including defining candidate requirements, conducting interviews, and evaluating candidates’ suitability for executive roles, she possesses a nuanced understanding of talent acquisition dynamics at the highest echelons of organizations.
Moreover, Nadiya’s involvement with G100 as the UAE country Chair – Global Trade has provided her with valuable networking opportunities and insights into talent acquisition strategies at the executive level. She has built relationships with top executives and entrepreneurs from diverse industries, contributing to her understanding of effective executive search and selection practices.
Currently serving as the Director of Strategic Marketing and Innovative Business Development at Golden Star International LLC and as the Founder of INAS EXIM LLC, Nadiya leads both companies to prominence in the global food industry. Her robust leadership experience, adept networking skills, and involvement in high-stakes business initiatives uniquely position her to comprehend the nuances of executive talent acquisition and contribute meaningfully to executive search processes.
Golden Star International LLC: Elevating Standards, Delivering Quality
Golden Star International LLC, established in May 1999, specializes in serving the Retail and HoReCa segment in the United Arab Emirates. The company prides itself on its unwavering commitment to meeting client needs, delivering dependable service, and upholding a position of market leadership. With a primary focus on food trade activities such as Food Service, Distribution, Wholesale, Exports, Ship Chandelling, and Retail, Golden Star International LLC offers a diverse range of products supported by a storage capacity of over 500 tons. Demonstrating a dedication to responsiveness and sustained market prominence, the company maintains a robust international network to support their operations and meet evolving market demands.
Innovative Edge
Golden Star International LLC distinguishes itself within the industry through its unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptability. This dedication enables the company to consistently evolve and effectively respond to the ever-changing dynamics in the food industry. In a dynamic and competitive landscape, maintaining a position of leadership demands staying ahead of the curve, a feat in which Golden Star International LLC takes pride.
Nadiya explains, “One of the key factors that distinguish us is our proactive approach to innovation. We are constantly exploring new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to enhance our products, services, and processes. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and advancements, we can anticipate market shifts and seize opportunities for growth and expansion. As an example, recently we have launched “GreenCom UAE” a visionary project marking the introduction of ARABSABIO, a groundbreaking chemical-free cleaning solution by Golden Star International LLC. This initiative is not merely a product launch; it’s a commitment to environmental protection and a testament to our responsibility for future generations.
At its heart, GreenCom UAE highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices for the well-being of our planet. ARABSABIO, with its 100% Alcohol & Chemical-Free Bio Organic Products, becomes a sign of safety, eliminating the harmful impact of conventional cleaning products. This extends beyond personal health to the broader ecological landscape, promising a safer, cleaner environment for all.
Additionally, our adaptability sets us apart from our competitors. We recognize that the business environment is constantly evolving, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory developments. As such, we have cultivated a culture of flexibility and agility, allowing us to quickly pivot and adjust our strategies to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the market.
Our focus on customer satisfaction and service excellence is a cornerstone of our business philosophy. We prioritize building long-term relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs and challenges, and delivering tailored solutions that exceed their expectations. Our dedicated team is committed to providing unparalleled support and assistance to our clients at every step of the way, ensuring their success and satisfaction. Moreover, our extensive industry experience and expertise give us a competitive edge. With over two decades of experience serving the Retail and HoReCa segments in the UAE, we have developed deep insights into the market dynamics, trends, and consumer preferences. This knowledge allows us to anticipate market demands, identify growth opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.
What truly sets us apart is our pursuit of innovation, our adaptability to changing market conditions, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our deep industry expertise. As a result, we are confident that we will continue to lead the industry and deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders”
Key to Recruiting Executive Talent
Since selecting top-tier candidates for executive positions is critical to the success of any organization, Nadiya adopts a meticulous approach to ensure the most qualified individuals are recruited. This involves prioritizing industry knowledge, reference checks, and strategic networking to identify and attract the best talent.
Industry Knowledge: Understanding the specific needs, trends, and challenges within the industry is crucial for targeting and attracting top talent. This involves staying updated on industry developments, competitor analysis, and emerging trends to identify candidates who possess the requisite skills and experience to drive success within the organization.
Networking: Building and maintaining a strong network within the industry facilitates access to potential candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. Engaging with industry associations, attending conferences, and participating in professional events provide opportunities to connect with top-tier executives and cultivate relationships for future recruitment endeavors.
Reference Checks: Leveraging professional networks and conducting thorough reference checks are essential steps in verifying a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and reputation. Seeking feedback from trusted industry contacts, former colleagues, and mentors helps validate a candidate’s track record and cultural fit within the organization.
Nadiya adds, “Last year, my business partner, Vinay Gandhi, who is the owner of Golden Star International, and I published a business book titled “Synergy: A Synopsis of an Elite Business Partnership.” In this book, we shared our insights into networking opportunities, the power of reference checks, deep knowledge aspects of our food industry, and the importance of collaborating with the right people. We discussed the qualities they should possess and emphasized how crucial this is for any type of business venture.”
Mastering Industry Trends
Remaining updated on industry trends and the executive talent landscape is crucial. Nadiya achieves this by actively participating in exhibitions, conferences, and networking events, including international awards ceremonies.
“For instance, Gulf Food exhibition is the largest Food trade show happening every February in Dubai where I am actively involved. Where I can connect to global market leaders and follow new trends in the market and connect to the right people potentially find collaborations for recruiting,” says Nadiya.
She added further, “Another example, my recent recognition with the Business Impact award at the inaugural WIN awards in Canada was a significant achievement. Being inaugurated as a winner by Sheila Malcolmson, the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction of British Columbia, and Blaise Hunter, Chair of Women of Influence Nanaimo, not only honored my achievements but also provided an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. By consistently engaging with such events, I ensure that I am well-informed and connected within the industry, which facilitates effective executive talent identification and recruitment.”
Crisis Training for Global Resilience
In light of the operational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine started in February, 2022, which have reverberated throughout global supply chains, it has become increasingly imperative for organizations to enhance their crisis management capabilities. One fundamental aspect of this is providing continuous training to staff and maintaining a vigilant awareness of the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.
The onset of the conflict in Ukraine is a clear example of interconnectedness of global markets and the far-reaching implications of regional crises. What initially appeared as a localized disruption quickly cascaded into a broader disruption in global shipping routes, resulting in widespread supply chain disruptions and escalating costs for goods and services worldwide.
“Drawing from firsthand experience managing the challenges presented by the conflict, Nadiya started documenting her insights and observations in her forthcoming book. This book serves as a comprehensive guide, delineating the essential principles and strategies for building resilience and immunity within organizations in the face of crises.”
At its core, the book describes critical components of crisis management, offering practical frameworks and case studies to equip leaders and decision-makers with the tools necessary to navigate turbulent times successfully. From proactive risk assessment and scenario planning to effective communication strategies and adaptive leadership, each chapter offers actionable insights derived from real-world experiences.
By creating a culture of preparedness and equipping teams with the requisite knowledge and skills to adapt and respond swiftly to crises, organizations can mitigate risks, safeguard operations, and emerge stronger in the face of adversity. Through ongoing training initiatives to monitoring global developments, businesses can proactively anticipate and effectively manage crises, thereby safeguarding their resilience and long-term sustainability.
Foreshadowing on the Future Evolution
As the executive search industry continues to evolve, Golden Star International LLC anticipates a greater emphasis on technology-driven solutions for talent acquisition, including AI-powered candidate assessments and virtual recruitment platforms. To stay ahead, the company is investing in advanced technologies and enhancing digital capabilities to streamline the search process and deliver more efficient and precise results.
Moreover, Golden Star International LLC implements rigorous measures to maintain confidentiality throughout the executive search process. “We carefully control access to sensitive information, ensuring that only authorized personnel have clearance. We utilize secure communication channels, such as encrypted emails and virtual private networks, to exchange confidential data securely. Our team members are trained to handle sensitive information with utmost discretion, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in every aspect of their work. By adhering to these protocols, we uphold the trust of our clients and safeguard the privacy of both candidates and organizations involved in the search process,” says Nadiya.
Furthermore, Golden Star International LLC offers mentoring and coaching services to support executives as they transition into their new roles within the company. This assistance is designed to help them adjust to their new responsibilities and work environment effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful integration process.
Key to Better Serve Clients
Nadiya believes, listening is the key! Sometimes you should listen more than talk. She establishes strong relationships with clients and candidates through active listening, clear communication, and personalized attention to their needs. By building trust and demonstrating genuine interest in their goals, she believes in long-term partnerships that drive mutual success in executive search and selection.
Final Piece of Advice
Look for a partner who knows the difference between a CEO and a CIO, and can tell their CFOs from their UFOs! But seriously, choose a firm that’s not just about finding the right fit, but also about keeping it stylishly snug even after the hiring confetti settles. And remember, a little humor never hurts anyone during the interview process – after all, laughter is the best executive stress-buster!
