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 […]
executive search
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 […]
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 […]
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 New Year’s Resolution That Will Last All Year
“I wish I had this for my team at my last organization. It would have explained so much and helped me be a better leader!” These were my thoughts after taking the Six Types of Working Genius assessment. At different points throughout my career, I could never fully wrap my arms around why some days I […]
Gratitude, Growth, & the Gifts of a Full Year
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 […]
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 […]
