After returning home from Cornerstone International Group’s Global Conference in Warsaw, Poland, I find myself reflecting on what made this week so meaningful. Of course, there were outstanding presentations, thoughtful discussions about AI, leadership development, succession planning, global account growth, and the future of executive search. There were new ideas, practical insights, and strategies that […]
What the 2026 HR Trends Report Reveals About Leading Through Change
Last week, I had the opportunity to host a fascinating webinar with Lina Sintes, Global Chair of Talent Solutions at Cornerstone International Group, where we explored the findings from our newly released 2026 HR Trends Report. The conversation reinforced something many leaders are feeling right now: Organizations are being asked to deliver higher productivity, faster […]
Press Release: Cornerstone Strengthens African Leadership Talent Footprint with Official Johannesburg Office Launch
Johannesburg, South Africa — May 6, 2026 — Cornerstone, the world’s only global talent consulting group with dual headquarters in the U.S. and China, today announced the official opening of its Johannesburg office—a strategic hub to expand its retained executive search and Talent Advisory practice across South Africa and the broader African continent. This milestone deepens […]
Shooting 3s in March: A Lesson from March Madness & Executive Search
Three-point shooting changes games in March Madness. Recently, we came close to hitting three of our own in a single executive search, and it was a powerful reminder of why the strength of a candidate slate matters so much. Every March, like millions of people across the country, I find myself drawn into the chaos […]
The Offer Is the First Act of Leadership
In executive search, most of the attention goes to sourcing the right candidate and guiding organizations through the interview process. Those steps matter, of course. But in many leadership searches, the most sensitive moment comes at the very end. The offer stage. After weeks or months of conversations, alignment, and evaluation, the organization and the […]
Succession Planning Reimagined for 2026
A CEO retires. A VP gives three weeks’ notice. A critical role sits open while the business keeps moving anyway. Most organizations don’t realize they have a succession problem until it is already painful. As we begin a new year with fresh budgets and strategic priorities, succession planning can no longer live on the “we’ll […]
Gratitude, Growth, & the Gifts of a Full Year
As we approach the end of another remarkable year at Cornerstone Executive Search, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary mix of blessings, challenges, relationships, and moments of clarity that have shaped us. Some years arrive gently. Others arrive like a storm. This one brought a bit of both. But as I look back, I’m […]
A Year in the Jars
If you have ever walked into the Cornerstone office, you might notice four glass jars sitting on the conference table. Each jar is labeled with one of our four core values: Integrity, Optimism, Stewardship, and Service. Each month, those jars slowly fill up with handwritten notes from our team, little slips of paper capturing moments […]
Psychometric Assessments in Executive Hiring: Helpful Tool or Hiring Crutch?
In today’s competitive talent market, many organizations are looking for ways to reduce risk in executive hiring decisions. One method that’s gained traction is the use of psychometric assessments, tests that measure cognitive ability, personality traits, leadership style, and other psychological attributes. These tools can provide valuable insights, but when used as the primary or […]
A Time to Soar
As we close out 2024 and embark on our journey into 2025, we at Cornerstone have much to be thankful for. We remain optimistic about another great year ahead! Before looking forward, I want to share just a few of our many accomplishments from last year—so many, in fact, that they filled three slides in […]
Coaching Series Part 5: Executive Onboard Coaching
Dan Heiman: We launched a new initiative together two years ago, where you’ve been coaching Cornerstone-placed leaders transitioning into new companies. What kind of impact has the Executive Onboarding Coaching had on leaders during their first 90 days? Jeremy Foster: This program is so important because executive transitions are such high-stakes events – they are […]
Coaching Series Part 4: Successes In Executive Coaching
Dan Heiman: Can you share a success story where your coaching made a significant impact on a company’s or client’s career or personal development? Jeremy Foster: One recent story illustrates the benefit many clients have received through coaching. Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the incredible privilege of coaching a Chief Operating […]
