As many of you know, I’m a member of the Cornerstone International Group (CIG) which is a network of independently owned and operated executive search and leadership consulting firms just like mine that operate in 66 different locations all over the world.
I have over 250 fellow CIG colleagues and one of the more powerful and useful activities that we share is an annual global conference that took place this past month in Lima, Peru. Since joining the network in 2009, I’ve attended all but one global meeting in places like Athens, Rome, Beijing, Montreal and, my favorite, Las Vegas (NOT!) And our 2017 meeting will be in Madrid.
Of course these are all fabulous places to visit and my wife usually accompanies me on these trips (except for Vegas!), but the real value and blessing of the network is our shared and common dedication and vocation to the executive search industry. During our three-day conferences we have an opportunity to share and evaluate best practices, industry trends, technology, and, ultimately, learn what works and doesn’t work in different parts of the world.
We also have several keynote speakers with industry expertise who give us keen insight into our profession.
It’s always fascinating to experience the different cultures and, while we all do essentially the same thing, it can be very different based on the local norms and business culture.
In the end, what makes the network strong is the relationships and bonds we’ve formed with each other over the years. In fact, I wouldn’t hesitate to refer cross-boarder assignments to most any of my CIG colleagues. This is because I know who they are as a person, what functional and industry expertise they have, and I know I can trust them to treat my clients as good, or better, than I do.
Why does that trust run so deep? Because our selection process for membership identifies only the best. Additionally, in 2014 we were accepted as members in the Association of Executive Search Consultants which is the gold standard and quality stamp for our industry.
Now that I’m back in the states, I have a long list of VERY useful tools at my disposal that will benefit you, my valued clients, in the future. If you have an unusually important vacancy on your team or you have a team that you would like to coach from good to great… give me a call at (913) 341-7655. I would be pleased to consult with you on how our team can help.
And now for the photos! We visited Machu Picchu as well as several other Incan ruins that were truly amazing! I was fascinated by the skill and precision of the architecture and stonework that was all done by hand back in the 15th century…and the fact the aqueducts are still functioning! It was truly mind-blowing as some of the stones that were quarried, cut to precise size and shape, and moved into place weigh literally several thousand pounds. Oh yeah, and this was all done at the TOP of a mountain range! Incans were amazing! I hope you enjoy the pictures!