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 […]
Retained Executive Search
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” […]
A New Meaning for “Well Connected”
There has been a dramatic shift in the workplace as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The long-held meanings of words like “success”, “connected”, “risk” and “plan” are finally starting to take on a more compassionate and human meaning in the workplace. The pandemic has led the worker to reevaluate what it means to be successful at […]
Is There Any Such Thing as Over Qualified?
When meeting with a client to assist in putting together the candidate profile they seek for a particular executive hiring need, each person will give their list of qualifications and expectations for the position. It is important to remember that there is a difference between “must have” and “nice to have”. Clients must meet with relevant […]
Executive Search in USA-2021 Outlook Resilience the Key to US Recovery
It is safe to say 2020 was likely the strangest year on record for most of us, particularly on the business front, due to the global COVID pandemic. An entire year of ups, downs, twists and turns certainly kept us on our toes and truly only the strong have survived. That is not a knock […]
