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 […]
recruiting
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
3 Key Learnings from a Marketer in the Executive Search Industry
As I wrap up my 18-month marketing internship position with Cornerstone Executive Search, I know a few things about the recruiting process and professional world to be true. Retained search firms are worth the money. Being outside of the recruiting process for so long, I have seen many companies waste much of their time, money and […]
At Your Service…With Your Help
There is a saying: “Expectations are future disappointments”. While this may be true, in some circumstances, all expectations need is a little management. However, while managing our own expectations is a challenge, managing client expectations can be a delicate process when working in a service industry. Providing excellent service is our life blood. It is what we hang our hat […]
