We advise senior executives on making decisions about the direction of their careers, and then work with them on how to achieve these objectives.
We work with those who wish to find a new senior role, for example as a result of redundancy following restructuring or acquisition. The key priority is generally to confirm whether or not a move to a similar role is appropriate and feasible. While a linear move to another similar role is frequently the obvious route forward, sometimes unlooked for career events can be the catalyst for a more substantive change in direction. This could result in moving towards non-executive roles or into an entirely different sector.
Once the direction is clear, our role is to help our client research, plan and achieve the transition as efficiently as possible.
We also advise clients on moving into entirely new contexts. They might be considering a voluntary move to a similar but more senior position, or perhaps a shift to a non-executive or portfolio career.
Many clients have reached the top in their career, and are unclear as to what they want to do next. In structured conversations we help them examine alternative models for their future, and construct the ideal outcome. We then work with them to achieve it.
We engage with only a small number of clients at any one time, in order that they may benefit from a very personal and bespoke partnership. We have the skills, experience and resources to identify the options available, to assess the suitability of individuals for specific roles and to advise how any gaps may be addressed. We also use our extensive network across the senior corporate and search communities to provide timely information and introductions.
In whatever circumstances our client works with us, they can expect us to address six key areas in the manner best suited to their specific needs. These dimensions are:
- – Rapid and objective analysis of their track record and executive abilities
- – Appraisal of the roles to which they are best suited and the prospects and timescale for achieving such outcomes
- – Advice on how to best market themselves to secure their preferred outcomes
- – Detailed research and introductions in their search for particular roles
- – Practical support in using and building their personal networks
- – An independent and objective sounding board to review opportunities
Analysis:Our first step is to review our client's career to date. We rely on extensive referencing to support detailed discussion with the aim of clearly understanding our client's capabilities, motivations and needs. We also bring in a leading business psychologist to assist in this analysis where we believe it will add further value
Identifying the Ideal Outcome:From this information, we draw up a blueprint of the type(s) of role(s) which our client could feasibly aim for, and which will provide the balance of satisfaction and stretch sought for. It is crucial to be creative as well as practical, so we bring as much lateral thinking as possible into the consideration, without losing sight of what is also realistic and achievable.
Developing a Proposition:Once our client has focused on the desired outcome(s), we help develop their market proposition, and test the strategy for feasibility. This involves determining with our client what it is that makes them a compelling candidate for the role(s) they are targeting and ensuring that their verbal and written presentation supports this.
Networking:A key element in turning a search strategy into a successful appointment is the ability to gain access to those who make or influence the ultimate hiring decision. Whilst we do not act in a broking capacity, we do undertake to help clients gain access to people who will be helpful in various ways. Our network is dynamic in its reach across quoted companies, private equity firms, corporate advisors and the executive search community.
Objective Sounding Board:A valuable aspect of our association is the ability to review opportunities in an objective manner, and to provide the moral courage not to make an inappropriate move. The desire to leap off the bench can feel irresistible; our role is to provide data and judgment to help our client put each opportunity into context.
We work with clients for as long as it takes to achieve their agreed objectives. Our fee is usually paid by the employer, although we sometimes engage in a private client capacity.