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 […]
Executive Recruiting
Search Stories: Who Will You Impact This Year?
Just before Christmas, our team gathered for our 2026 annual meeting. Our owners finalized the 10-year vision for the firm and there was a lot of excitement in the room, especially coming off consecutive record growth years. Before sharing our collective goals, growth plans and team presentations for year one of this vision, our owners […]
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 […]
Choose Courage Over Comfort
Recently I was watching a high school football game with one of my good friends. We were talking about the commitment, sacrifices and growth of our 16-year-old sons on and off the field. My friend said to me, “I tell my son the voice in your head wants you to be comfortable. You cannot grow […]
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 […]
Different Court, Same Game: My First 60 Days in Executive Recruiting
Sixty days ago, “recruitment” meant basketball courts, highlight reels, and campus visits, not corporate board rooms. But after a decade of living and breathing athletic recruiting as a player, teammate, and host for future recruits, I discovered a surprising truth: the same principles that land top athletes also land top executives. In May 2025, I […]
Do you struggle with patience in your work?
A CEO recently asked me, “How are you navigating today’s market challenges in your business?” My response, “We often do not know when our client companies need help recruiting a key leadership position. So, we focus on the activity we can control. We plant and water our relationships, and trust that God will cause the […]
Workplace Wellness In The C-Suite
Recent studies show that executives struggle to prioritize their mental and physical health as they strive to meet workplace demands. Nearly 70% of C-suite leaders seriously consider quitting for a job that better supports their health. In recognition of World Health Day on April 7th, C-level executives are encouraged to establish workplace well-being for themselves […]
When To Use an Executive Recruiting Firm
Retained search is generally viewed by most experts as delivering the best result. But in order to do so, it also is usually the more expensive — (at least, in terms of initial outlay. A strong case can be made for retained search delivering the best return on the investment over time). That said, there […]
Do Your Grammar Skills Need A Refresh?
On March 4th, we celebrated National Grammar Day, the foundation of good grammar, allowing us to speak well, write well, and encourage others to do the same. Founded by Martha Brockenbrough in 2008, National Grammar Day promotes awareness and understanding of proper grammar. Here are some practical ways from an executive recruiter perspective to improve […]
8 Unique Ways to Spread Kindness
On February 17th, people nationwide will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day by spreading joy through selfless actions. At Cornerstone Executive Search, we want to encourage you to spread kindness to those around you in every interaction. These eight ideas are simple, powerful, and unique ways to spread kindness in your interactions with recruiters, candidates, […]
So What’s Your Story?
Recently, I was helping a candidate prepare for a final job interview with one of our client companies. The process was very thorough and competitive over three months. I had spent a considerable amount of time with this particular candidate. We were down to two finalists.
