Publications

2023: The New Normal in Executive Search and What to Do About It
Executive search has significantly changed in a very short period of time and the industry has yet to digest the impact. Top talent is scarce and all indicators seem to be showing us that this is not a temporary shortage. Rather, this is the new normal. Over 2022, my team in Europe and I served around 100 clients, large and small, industry and services leaders. We...

Gen Y And Gen X Are Leaving The Building – The Great Quit And You
I recently spoke to a senior candidate competing for a global role in the manufacturing industry. He was telling me that he considers himself a “slasher”! I learned that this is someone who has a principal job, ”/”, and one or more secondary jobs like a Consultant or a Blogger. He is hoping he can eventually piece together a living.

Sure, Diverse Leadership Teams Perform Better. But How Do We Make Them?
Not too long ago, I received a mandate to search for a vice president in the retail industry from a client who is very affirmative about diversity and equality. I thought, Great! Let’s go! But then, I asked my client, “Hold on, what do you mean exactly by diversity, and who qualifies as diverse for you?” It is a fair question, considering that we were looking at an...

COVID Changed How We, Recruiters, Work. It Is Changing How And Who We Hire Too.
At the end of last year, I searched for a new Head of HR for a global client based in Germany. I sourced, screened, interviewed, and presented a short list. A very qualified female candidate was selected by the client. Throughout the entire process I did not physically meet with any of the candidates nor with the client! I still have yet to meet this wonderful woman...

The Zen Of Making Luck In Business
We could all use a little luck right now, couldn’t we? It is cliche at this point to throw more shade on 2020 for all the bad things it has brought our way. I will spare you that. Instead, I would like to share with you how you can play an active role in bringing success to your team, your community, and yourself - in any business climate. First, let’s go back to...

Givers And Takers In The World Of Executive Search
Occasionally, as an equity Partner of Robertson Associates, I enter into strategic discussions with leaders from larger, corporate competitors, who are interested in acquiring the company. It is the way of business. Successful small fish with a great book of business that have carved out a healthy niche for themselves (that’s my sales pitch 🙂 are attractive bait for the large corporation that relies on growth for survival.