Sonia Fuller believes in taking risks in life. That’s probably why she started her successful recruitment business the first year she arrived in Singapore. She now supports clients all over the world.
What’s your story?
After a challenging start in my younger years, my goal for when I was older was to ‘wear a suit to work’, inspired by the Littlewoods catalogue in those days! After many many junior office admin roles, I finally got to London and started my recruitment career with Hudson where I thrived in the buzzing sales environment. I moved with them to Singapore in January 2007 purely for the reason of wanting international work experience – in August that year I left and set up my own company, KS Consulting. My first client was Deutsche Bank, followed by Morgan Stanley. With my team, we built a very successful specialist boutique recruitment business from pure hard work, integrity and loyalty and survived the GFC and grew from there. In 2015 we expanded further into the UAE, being able to support our clients on an international basis.
What excites you most about your industry?
The fast pace, tough competition and the speed at which we work. Coupled with interesting high level relationships with our clients and the insight we get into so many organisations with different needs and challenges. The ability to advise senior clients with our vast expertise.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I arrived in Singapore in January 2007 and set up my company that year. I got married in Thailand and my daughters were born in Singapore – I’m now a permanent resident and have property interests in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore – easy to set up, transact and operate. Also great infrastructure to get around.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t take it personally… And I truly believe in living by the motto, life is short – enjoy it and take risks.
Who inspires you?
People who have built their own success through hard work, commitment and great attitudes.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
After many years in this business, we come across many shocking incidents but not a lot surprises me nowadays.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t take things so personally…
How do you unwind?
A glass of red wine and an episode of the Good Wife – the main character is an inspiring woman.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali – easy to get to from Singapore, great villas and good restaurants, bars and shopping.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Rich Dad, Poor Dad – I completely relate to it through the people I have met throughout my life.
Shameless plug for your business:
A contingent recruitment firm that operates as a search firm – without charging a retainer, Extensive global database, team of committed partners going the extra mile for our clients. Offices in Asia and the UAE. Experts in recruiting across business support functions/infrastructure..
How can people connect with you?
Email: [email protected]
Twitter handle?
@FullerSonia
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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