SPECIALIST.
STRATEGIC.
HUMAN.
Mavens is a People Strategy Firm built for leaders who don't have time for fluff. We specialise in senior legal and corporate placements.
We don't want to be seen as generalist recruiters, because we are not.
We are qualified professionals in our own right and we use this experience to our advantage to engage and convince identified teams or individuals to move.
SPECIALIST.
STRATEGIC.
HUMAN.
Mavens is a People Strategy Firm built for leaders who don't have time for fluff. We specialise in senior legal and corporate placements.
THIS IS MAVENS
We don't want to be seen as generalist recruiters, because we are not.
We are qualified professionals in our own right and we use this experience to our advantage to engage and convince identified teams or individuals to move.
01
BOLD BY DESIGN
We don't play safe. We challenge the expected, ask the hard questions, and push for better - always with purpose.
02
Human, always
We show up as real people. Genuine in our approach, honest in our conversations, and deeply invested in people, not transactions.
03
unfiltered advice
We don't sugarcoat. We say what needs to be said - with clarity, courage, and your best interest in mind.
04
commited to change
We believe in transformation that's not just a tick-box. We actively back inclusive, future-forward hiring - because it matters.
We've sat on both sides of the table.
We've taken instructions, engaged on strategy, formulated plans of actions and then executed on the plans. We get the pressure, politics and pace.
LESS NOISE,
More precision.
We don't flood you with CVs. If it lands in your inbox, it's been vetted, challenged, and curated for impact.
no ai. no shortcuts.
Every shortlist is built on insight, not algorithms - shaped by decades of hands-on experience and instinct.
we think like insiders.
We build real relationships with our clients so we can spot not just the right hire - but the right fit.
We may be edgy, but our
candidates are well suited
We may appear to take a more informal approach, but we are lawyers, consultants, and business professionals ourselves — not career recruiters. That difference shapes everything about how we engage.
AS A TEAM
Dale and Lebo don't just co-lead Mavens; they come in hot with complementary firepower. Dale brings sharp strategic thinking and an eye for the big picture, while Lebo is a powerhouse of insight, intuition, and forward thinking execution.
Together, they cut through fluff, challenge assumptions, and deliver talent solutions that hit harder and smarter. It's not about ticking boxes, it's about shifting the game.
Dale Verster
Director
“I've operated at board level across Africa; mentored the junior board of a global top 100 law firm; built the South African arm of an international search firm. When it comes to the legal recruitment, I've done the full spectrum. Few in South Africa can match that.”
Dale has navigated the corridors of top-tier law firms including large local South African firms, international firms and boutique firms. In addition, he has witnessed firsthand the recent shift in recruitment norms due to the integration of platforms like LinkedIn. Recognising the need for a more authentic and strategic approach, he co-founded Mavens to challenge the new status quo. Dale brings a blend of legal acumen and business insight, ensuring clients and candidates alike receive candid advice and impactful solutions.
Lebo Hlatshwayo
Director
"After almost two decades working in top law firms, banks, and professional services, I saw the gaps in how leadership talent was being sourced - and knew there had to be a better way."
Lebo's journey through the realms of consulting and corporate leadership has been marked by a commitment to transformation and genuine human engagement. As co-founder of Mavens, she leverages her deep understanding of organisational dynamics to connect clients with leaders who drive change. Lebo's forthright approach and dedication to inclusivity make her a trusted partner in strategic talent acquisition.
THE FOUNDERS