Amidst the vibrant thrum of Turkey’s cultural and economic heartbeat, Ayşe Öztuna Bozoklar’s name is synonymous with transformative leadership and a visionary in the realm of executive search and talent management. As the founding partner of Odgers Berndtson Turkey, Ayşe has been an instrumental figure in shaping not just careers but lives, with an approach deeply rooted in humanity and ethics.
Our conversation began with laughter – the kind that resonates from the soul. Ayşe reminisced about a moment of pure joy, sparked by the memory of her favorite childhood book, ‘The Three Musketeers’. This laughter, she shares, a reminder of the light that can shine even in dark times. “It was my favorite book but it was for more the boys. For me, it was that love story, passion, and comradery,” she reflects. Her laughter, amidst life’s complexities, was a testament to her philosophy: in every darkness, there’s a light waiting to be found.
Our dialogue ventured into the depths of her childhood, a mosaic of playfulness and profound thought. Ayşe speaks of being a ‘little consultant’ to her parents, balancing her playful spirit with a sense of responsibility far beyond her years. “I was so playful at one level and so sad and so thoughtful and so philosophical,” she recalls. The experiences she shares, steeped in both British sarcasm and Turkish resilience, carved out a unique perspective on life, teaching her the art of finding balance and light in the darkest of moments.
As we delve deeper, Ayşe’s narrative unfolds like a tapestry, each thread representing a pivotal moment in her life. From witnessing her mother’s spiritual healing philosophies to her father’s resilience in the face of adversity, each story was a building block in her journey.
Ayşe’s father, struck by polio at the height of his career and confined to a wheelchair, remained a symbol of hope and unwavering determination. Despite facing discrimination due to his disability, his expertise, honed over a decade of running his own firm, shone through in the Disabled Neighborhood Project by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation. His contributions led to the project’s success, propelling him into the spotlight with a BBC interview and earning him the highest national honor from then-President Cevdet Suner. Ayşe reflects proudly on her father’s inspiring journey, showcasing resilience and triumph over adversity.
Her academic journey in psychology and sociology was not just a pursuit of knowledge but a quest to understand and solve the complexities of human behavior. This quest led her to entrepreneurship at the young age of 21, driven by a desire to bring transformative solutions to the fore. “Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a deep belief in my ability to add value, I inherited my father’s DNA for problem-solving. I felt a weight of expectation beyond the ordinary. I couldn’t simply settle for the normal; I was compelled to dive in with boundless energy, fuelled by a burning desire to serve and a conviction that any problem could be tackled,” she articulates her ethos.
Her journey was not just about founding a successful firm but about being a catalyst for change in Turkey’s corporate landscape. Ayşe was instrumental in the birth of major corporations like Turkcell, employing her unique talent identification and leadership assessment skills. “It takes a talent to recruit a talent, to identify a talent, and then help that talent to grow,” she muses, highlighting the introspective nature of her work.
As we discuss the future, Ayşe’s vision is clear and aligns with mine – a world where trust, integrity, and self-awareness are paramount. She emphasizes the importance of self-work and the responsibility of each individual in shaping a better world. “We can’t build anything without trust. Do we truly trust? Do we have faith in ourselves and in what we are doing?” she states, underscoring the often underestimated importance of trust and the necessity for individual introspection in our modern world.
She elucidates: “Unfortunately, many people struggle with mental challenges and difficulties in adapting. They mistakenly seek solutions externally, not realizing that the answers lie within themselves. If you don’t go within, you go without.”
For her, reinvention hinges on our ability to approach situations with honesty and trust. This mindset enables us to confront and accept the end of certain aspects of our lives, which is often necessary for true change. This process, deeply connected to the concept of letting go, requires a radical acceptance of reality as it is. Such a transformation can only be achieved through a combination of trust, faith, and honesty. It’s about embracing radical acceptance as a tool for personal and professional growth.
Trust is pivotal as we navigate the future of work and talent, especially with new technologies. The critical question is: What attributes should young talent cultivate, and what must the older generation be willing to accept or pursue? She declares: “Awareness, consciousness, and responsibility are key for any talent, whether young or at the age of 60. It’s crucial not to give up, as surrender often leads to poor decisions and a sense of unfair treatment. The reality is that setbacks occur, but the power to rectify them lies within us through self improvement. This light, emerging after hardship, holds a unique significance, symbolizing hope and resilience.”
Reflecting on her vast experience, Ayşe shares staggering numbers that speak to her impact: over 500,000 professionals assessed. Her partnership with Odgers Berndtson, born out of a necessity for a more integrated approach to executive search, has been a journey of pioneering holistic talent solutions.
Our discussion ventures into Ayşe’s groundbreaking ‘CEO for a Day’ program, bridging generational gaps and fostering a mutual mentoring environment where leaders and youth can learn from each other. “It brings understanding, depth, and experience, and how to give the CEO a chance to see the new generation of talent,” she explains.
As our conversation reaches its zenith, Ayşe shares her wisdom for the future, encapsulated in a simple yet powerful message: “Never give up and keep on sharing the light and the wisdom.” That sentiment resonates deeply with me.
In my years as an interviewer, few have left an imprint as profound as Ayşe Öztuna Bozoklar. Her journey, a symphony of resilience, intellect, and compassion, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As the world pivots towards an uncertain future, her insights offer a reminder that the future belongs to those who dare to reinvent, reimagine, and relentlessly pursue their vision.
