Nargiz Khanjanbayova Interview
This series of questions delves into the expertise and leadership of a seasoned HR and Business Management professional Ms. Nargiz Khanjanbayova with over 15 years of experience across industries like Telecom, FinTech, and Blockchain. It explores her strategic approaches to recruitment in emerging markets, the transformative impact of digital tools like EasyHire.me, and her mentorship principles for fostering career growth and organizational performance. Additionally, it highlights her success in driving measurable business results through HR strategies, navigating organizational change, and leveraging international certifications to deliver tailored solutions. Emphasizing trust as a core value, the professional shares how this intangible principle drives tangible outcomes in the digital age.
Professional Journey & Firm’s Mission
We started the interview by asking, “Explain your background and your firm in detail.”
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “I am a Human Resources and Business Management professional with over 15 years of experience across industries such as Telecom, Consulting, FinTech, and Blockchain, working in diverse markets including Azerbaijan, Russia, Switzerland, and the UAE. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in various HR functions, including talent management, performance management, change management, and employee development. I hold international HR certifications such as CHRM, PHRi, and SHL/CEB, which reflect my commitment to best practices and continuous growth in the HR field.
My firm, MTT Business Partners Network, was founded in 2018 to provide comprehensive business solutions to organizations navigating the challenges of today’s fast-paced, digital world. We are a network of independent, local, and international business professionals who collaborate to support our clients in reaching their strategic goals, whether it’s through recruitment, executive search, organizational development, or digital transformation. We prioritize trust and excellence in our services, striving to ensure that every client’s needs are met with tailored, effective solutions.”
Tailoring Recruitment Strategies
The Worlds Times: With over 15 years of experience across diverse industries and regions, how do you tailor your recruitment strategies to attract top talent in emerging markets like Azerbaijan and the UAE?
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “In emerging markets, a customized approach is essential due to unique local dynamics, cultural nuances, and evolving talent pools. I start by understanding the client’s specific requirements, industry landscape, and what truly appeals to potential candidates in that market. In Azerbaijan and the UAE, I’ve observed that candidates highly value stability, growth opportunities, and alignment with the company’s values. Therefore, I emphasize employer branding that reflects these priorities and helps companies differentiate themselves as desirable workplaces.
I also leverage digital tools, data analytics, and local networks to identify talent effectively. By combining traditional recruitment methods with agile techniques and local insights, I can attract high-potential candidates who not only meet technical requirements but also align with the company’s culture. This strategic approach has allowed us to fill unique and challenging roles, from senior leadership to specialized technical positions.”
Transforming Recruitment
The Worlds Times: Can you elaborate on how tools like EasyHire.me have transformed recruitment processes for your clients? What challenges did you face in implementing these digital solutions?
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “EasyHire.me has been instrumental in streamlining the recruitment process for our clients. This platform combines video screening, interview scheduling, and applicant tracking, making it easier for HR teams to manage the entire hiring pipeline in one place. With features like real-time skill assessments, panel interviews, and automated transcriptions, our clients can make data-driven hiring decisions quickly and efficiently.
One challenge we faced was adapting teams to the technology, as some clients were used to traditional recruitment methods. Training sessions and hands-on support were essential in helping them understand and maximize the platform’s capabilities. Another challenge was ensuring data security and confidentiality, particularly with sensitive candidate information. By implementing strict data protection protocols and partnering closely with IT teams, we managed to address these concerns effectively, enabling clients to fully benefit from the platform’s capabilities.”
Career Growth & Organizational Success
The Worlds Times: What are some key principles you follow when mentoring employees and leaders to enhance organizational performance and foster career growth?
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “In mentorship, my approach is built on three core principles: empowerment, accountability, and continuous feedback. Empowerment involves helping mentees build confidence in their abilities by encouraging them to take ownership of their roles and make meaningful contributions. Accountability is equally important, as it ensures that they take responsibility for their actions and results, fostering a culture of trust and integrity.
Continuous feedback is another essential element. Regular, constructive feedback helps employees understand their progress and areas for improvement, which is critical for growth. I also focus on developing a growth mindset, encouraging mentees to view challenges as learning opportunities. This approach not only helps individuals achieve their career goals but also strengthens the overall organizational culture.”
Strategic HR Implementation
The Worlds Times: Could you share a specific example where your strategic implementation of HR processes led to measurable bottom-line results in industries like TelCo or FinTech?
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “In the FinTech sector, I led the implementation of a streamlined performance management system that aligned employee goals directly with organizational objectives. This involved redefining key performance indicators (KPIs) across departments and implementing a more transparent, data-driven evaluation process. By engaging employees in the goal-setting process and providing them with regular progress updates, we saw a significant improvement in productivity.
As a result, the company experienced a 20% increase in efficiency within the first year and a notable decrease in employee turnover. The alignment of individual performance with company goals also led to more cohesive teamwork, further driving revenue growth. This project showcased how a well-implemented HR strategy could contribute to both employee satisfaction and the bottom line.”
Overcoming Resistance
The Worlds Times: How do you approach resistance to change within an organization, and what role does HR play in ensuring successful transitions during major organizational developments?
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “Resistance to change is a common challenge in any transformation initiative. My approach is to lead with transparency, communication, and inclusiveness. I start by clearly communicating the reasons for change and the benefits it will bring to the organization and its employees. HR plays a critical role in listening to employee concerns and providing a platform for open dialogue, which helps to ease apprehensions.
Additionally, I ensure that key stakeholders are involved early in the process, which helps build a coalition of support for the change. HR also provides the necessary training and resources to empower employees to adapt to new processes or systems, making the transition smoother. By keeping lines of communication open and fostering a supportive environment, I have successfully managed change initiatives that improved organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.”
Impactful Solutions
The Worlds Times: As someone with multiple international HR certifications (CHRM, PHRi, SHL/CEB), how have these credentials influenced your approach to consulting and HR management?
Nargiz Khanjanbayova replied, “My certifications in CHRM, PHRi, and SHL/CEB have significantly enhanced my expertise and broadened my perspective on HR practices. These certifications provide me with a deep understanding of global HR standards, ethical considerations, and industry-specific best practices. They have equipped me with advanced skills in talent assessment, strategic planning, and change management, which I apply in consulting to deliver results-oriented solutions.
For instance, SHL certification has enabled me to use assessment tools that accurately measure candidates’ competencies and cultural fit, a crucial factor in recruitment. Each certification has reinforced my commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that my clients benefit from a blend of proven methodologies and innovative solutions that align with their unique needs.”
Building Trust as a Core Value
Lastly we asked, “In the era of digitalization, you emphasize trust as a core value. How do you ensure that this intangible value translates into tangible results for your clients?”
“Trust is the foundation of all successful business relationships, especially in the digital age where transparency and data security are paramount. I build trust by consistently delivering on promises, maintaining open communication, and ensuring strict confidentiality with client and candidate information. This approach reassures clients that they are in safe hands, allowing them to focus on their core objectives without concerns over data privacy.
Furthermore, trust allows us to foster long-term relationships with clients, which leads to a deeper understanding of their needs and goals. This understanding enables us to deliver more tailored solutions that drive tangible results, such as improved employee retention, streamlined processes, and increased productivity. Ultimately, by embedding trust into every aspect of our service, we achieve outcomes that not only meet but exceed client expectations.” Nargiz Khanjanbayova Concluded
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