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 […]
executive search
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rethinking the Role of Search: Recruiting Beyond Headhunting
The executive search industry is undergoing a quiet transformation. Success is no longer defined solely by filling a leadership vacancy. Today, leading search firms are being called upon as strategic talent advisors—partners who help organizations make long-term, high-impact decisions about their leadership and workforce planning. At its core, this shift reflects a new reality: executive […]
The Silent Search: How to Find Your Next Executive Without Disrupting Your Business
The moment arrives. The boardroom is quiet, and the weight of an upcoming leadership transition settles in. You need a new executive—someone who won’t just fill a role but will help define the future of your company. It’s not as simple as posting a job listing and waiting for the right candidate to appear. The […]
A Brave New World Without Non-Compete?
So, for some, this may not be a big deal; however, this is a BIG deal for many! I signed my first noncompete many years ago as a medical device rep and really had no idea what it was all about. As things progressed, I had to sign additional non-compete agreements, and the timing of […]
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.
The Power of a Clean Desk
Harvard Business Review published an article titled “The Case for Finally Cleaning Your Desk.” They compiled multiple studies on the relationship between cluttered workspaces and a decline in productivity, mental health, and professional relationships. A clean desk and tidy workspace are essential for C-level executives because they hold the most powerful and influential positions in […]
This Holiday Season, Give Your Team the Gift to Discover Their Gifts
Need a gift idea for your team that will last well beyond the holiday season? We may have the right gift for you. This past year, our Cornerstone Kansas City team added some new faces (including me) to our growing firm. One of our team goals was to better understand each of our unique gifts as we […]
