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 […]
Retained Executive Search
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 […]
AI at Work: What I Recently Learned from HR Leaders
I was recently invited to participate in an AI Roundtable with my peers from Cornerstone International Group. We had participation from four continents to discuss the question, “How are organizations using AI beyond the headlines?” To be clear, I live somewhere between experimental and operational AI user today. On one hand, I die a little […]
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 […]
7 Keys to Hiring the Right Leader the First Time
You never want to hear the words, “The candidate did not work out, but we sure made the hire fast!” We often tell business owners and hiring managers, you hire an executive search firm when you have to get it right the first time. But just how often do we get it right the first […]
Does the “Perfect Match” Exist?
“This search is really important. We cannot afford to make the wrong hire.” When we hear these words, we know exactly what this means. The stakes are high, the pressure is intense, and in our business, the message is clear: We absolutely have to get it done right. In the most simplistic way, I often […]
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 […]
Announcement: Cornerstone Kansas City Expands Midwest Market
We are pleased to announce that Cornerstone Kansas City is growing its market reach with added resources in St. Louis. This expansion is part of our strategy to bring exceptional executive search services to more client companies in the Central Midwest. Cornerstone St. Louis will be led by Market President, Tony Schnell. Tony brings a […]
The “Thank You” Note Effect
When was the last time you used pen and paper to compose a thank-you note? In our digital world, it is easier to use technology to express thankfulness. We quickly send an email or text to let someone know they are appreciated and move on with our day. As we approach the end of the […]
Destiny. It belongs to the underdogs.
I am a sucker for underdog stories. Aren’t we all? The underdog inspires us, gives us hope, shows us heart, comforts us amidst our own struggles, reminds us of the sacrifice it takes, and ultimately, convinces us time and again to believe the impossible is possible. I believe, help my unbelief! A few months ago, […]
Balancing Act
The desire for work/life balance is not new. Americans became enamored with busyness as a sign of productivity and excellence when the opposite is true. The United States became the most overworked developed nation in the world and it took a global pandemic to open our eyes. Rebalancing our lives into a “work to live” […]
