AI at Work Part II: What We’re Seeing in the Market Right Now How is AI impacting your executive recruiting business? We are often asked this question by clients, candidates and business roundtables. AI is changing executive recruiting by helping firms identify, analyze and engage talent faster. But it has not replaced human judgment in […]
Executive Recruiting
What Happens When Great People Come Together
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 […]
Trusting Your Gut in Executive Hiring
She’s the one. Just when I thought I’ve talked to every HR leader in this city … and you found her? Unbelievable job. She’s the one. You watch. Those were my exact words when I walked into the office of my Director of Executive Recruiting after I interviewed an HR executive for one of our […]
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 […]
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 […]
