Jannah Babasa

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jannah joins September Search Partners as Managing Director, focusing on executive search and talent advisory across real estate and infrastructure. She spent seven years at Sheffield Haworth helping build the real assets practice in the Americas, and began her career at Declare (formerly Parity Partners), working across the broader alternatives landscape, including private equity, private credit, and venture capital. She graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology, speaks Tagalog, and is based in New York.

• What are three things you do (just about) every day?

  1. 1. Go for a walk, usually with a coffee or matcha in hand

     2. Check in with friends and family

     3. Snap and share something (usually a photo or a screenshot) that sparks gratitude or brings joy

• What are three things you wish you did every day?

  1. 1. Learn new skills, like painting or another language

     2. Read for enjoyment

     3. Yoga

• Who do you go to for advice and why?

  It depends on what I am trying to solve. I am grateful to have a trusted circle of family, friends, and colleagues who always have great advice, and I also value taking the time to research and reflect on things on my own. 

• What is most important to you about where you work?

  The people, first and always. Our team is incredibly talented and driven, but also genuinely fun, curious, and supportive. It creates an environment where the work is engaging and everyone is energized.

• What do you love about what you do?

  I love how dynamic the role is. It values structure, consistency, and discipline, while also allowing for creative thinking and problem solving.

• What’s one book you often return to or recommend? Why?

  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I think its simplicity is part of what makes it enduring - the themes of purpose, personal growth, and resilience remain relevant at various stages of life.

• Where is your happy place?

  A window seat on a plane headed toward the next adventure.