With constant evolution at its core, various industry sectors have transformed into digital realms today. Due to digitization, organizations are able to keep pace with the dynamism of arising market demands. In such a competitive market landscape there's a fierce battle underway betwixt large corporates and SMBs for acquiring well-sought talents. There are several talent acquisition professionals doing the tough job of guiding companies through the exhausting process of recruiting, hiring, and retaining the right team members. Lauren Bartmanis, Founder & Managing Director at Global Management Solutions (GMS)- a bespoke talent acquisition and consultancy firm, is one of those.

Lauren is an adroitly experienced recruitment professional, expert at generating long-lasting client and candidate relationships. She carries years of experience working with a leading independent recruitment company in the UK and it is her impressive hold over the international markets (Middle East market) and trending HR practices that has helped GMS reach where it is today.

The Women Entrepreneur Magazine got an opportunity to speak with Lauren Bartmanis. In the interaction that followed she speaks to us about her exceptional life journey towards strengthening the talent pool across the global automotive industry with GMS.  

Take Us Through The Journey That Led To You Becoming A Renowned Name In The Field Of Recruitment Consultancy.

I studied in the UK at a renowned grammar school, then went on to college and did some deployments all related to Art & Design. I began my career working with a few large advertising agencies, but they were short-term contracts. Subsequently I worked with one of the largest recruitment agencies in the UK for 12 years, and later transferred to its Dubai office. Unfortunately, the company's Dubai branch faced dissolution and I was left without a job. Searching for a new job in a short span of time was a daunting task but I got placed in an Automotive recruitment company. However, my experience with the organization was distasteful and it got me to realize that I could do better. With faith in my potential & capabilities coupled with the need for an improvement in the unorganized recruitment industry, I incepted Global Management Solutions (GMS).

Introduce Us To Your Brainchild GMS And Some Of The Company's Key Features. 

GMS, what was then set-off as a small acorn, is today a well-established recruitment consultancy primarily in the Automotive & Retail space. I believe the one thing that differentiates us & what's made us successful especially in the last few years (especially during COVID) is our ethical, moral, honest and transparent approach to dealing with the clients and candidates. Today, we have about 20-30 clients across the GCC for whom we function as exclusive partners.

We have also launched GMS Consulting, which specializes in business transformation, and advisory consulting. Through this endeavor, we have been helping people and organizations progress with their future journey. Involving local governments and a few senior family businesses in the region helping them identify top talent at the C level, we are into its sixth month now. The growth we had until now is terrific and we only see this success continuing.

Tell Us About The Various Roles You Play At GMS. What Are Some Critical Business Challenges That You Encounter As A Business Leader And How Do You Overcome IT?

As the Founder & Managing Director at GMS, my core responsibility is driving the business forward. Despite having a team of resources working under me in different departments, keeping control over things comes under my remit as well, like administration, finance, P&L, and more. I also take care of Automotive client communication directly. I'm glad to be able to do it efficiently enough and maintain a good client relationship, respectively.

“The one thing that differentiates us & has made us successful, especially in the last few years (during covid) is our ethical, moral, honest and transparent approach to dealing with the clients and talent pools”

The economic impact of COVID-19 has brought a multitude of challenges our way. Unlike earlier, currently we are flooded with 60-70 percent irrelevant job applications. Additionally, market suppression due to revised CTC structures is another challenge we face. However, juggling between segregating the relevant applicants from our email, WhatsApp & LinkedIn applications, we do try to respond to everyone who approaches us. We also suggest our clients about reconsidering the CTCs, when necessary, in terms of attracting the right talent.

What Facets Of Your Personality & Leadership Style That Have Helped You Cement The Firm's Position In The Market?

We have some fantastic people working with us at GMS and there's no hierarchy in place within the organization. I value each one of them, because without their support I would not have reached where I stand today. I value inclusivity and believe in creating an encouraging team environment. Our ethical approach to dealing with work, considering each one as a part of the GMS family, communicating, sharing ideas and opportunities defines my leadership style.

In This Disruptive Era, It Has Become Imperative To Stay Relevant With The Changing Market Dynamics And Upcoming Technologies. What's Your Take On This? Also, What Advice Will You Give To Young Women Who Aspire To Become Leaders Someday In The Recruitment Consultancy?

In all honesty, I'm not a tech savvy person and I am not good with technology. Hence, keeping in touch with technology updates is tough for me. However, my young employees are pretty good at technology and they continuously guide & educate me. Also, being in the Automotive sector, to keep up with the electrification of Automotive, especially in the GCC region, I do read through news, articles, read industry specific publications and watch YouTube to keep track of what's going on.

I would advise young women to believe in their passion and build confidence in oneself to be able to take risks in life. We have to make the most of every day. Over contemplation will just drag you down. This world offers fantastic opportunities; you need to be a go getter and grasp every opportunity with both hands.

Lauren Bartmanis, Founder & Managing Director, Global Management Solutions

Knowledgeable about international markets and best HR practices, Lauren is a highly experienced recruitment professional serving the Automotive industry sourcing best talents from across the globe, and maintaining long lasting client & candidate relationships.