News & Insights

One of the more difficult aspects of leadership, particularly for CEOs and Board Chairs, is not the pressure while you are in role, but what happens when you leave it. I have observed, time and again, that once a senior leader’s term ends, the institution moves on with striking efficiency. Warm platitudes are offered. Achievements […]

What makes a good onboarding experience for a someone in a senior team? Stepping into a new executive role is one of the most pivotal transitions in business leadership. Whether it’s a CEO setting strategic direction or a CFO driving financial discipline, first 90 days define the tone, credibility, and momentum of what follows. Yet […]

In today’s transparent, always-on business environment, a senior leader’s reputation travels faster and further than ever before. For Boards, investors, and executive search firms, leadership capability is no longer assessed solely through performance metrics and experience. Personal brands have become a strategic asset. For CEOs and senior leaders, personal branding is not about self-promotion, it […]

When I started working in executive search in 2001 the perception was that you had a little black book and operated in the shadows, having covert meetings with senior executives in clandestine locations. The reality was far removed from this. It involved working through the yellow pages to identify companies, piles of CVs and cover […]

Serving on a voluntary sector (charity) board can be a rewarding way to make a meaningful impact while developing valuable leadership skills. If you are considering Board service for the first time, understanding what is involved can help you decide where and how you can contribute most effectively. Start with your goals Before joining a […]

When preparing for a senior-level interview, most candidates expect questions about strategy, leadership style, and financial performance. Yet the most revealing questions are often the ones that don’t feel like questions at all. They probe culture, vision, and alignment: areas where high impact executives either shine or falter. Recognising and preparing for these “hidden” questions […]

For many senior leaders, 2025 has been a year to pause, assess, and recalibrate. The market remains active, but employers are hiring with sharper intent. This means that clarity, timing, and positioning matter more than ever when you decide to move. Here are 5 practical steps to strengthen your position and ensure your next move […]

The NI labour market remains resilient. Jobs and vacancies are at, or near, recent highs, with broad growth across manufacturing and services during 2025. At senior and Board level we are seeing steady demand for leadership that can deliver growth, cost discipline and, increasingly, digital transformation. However, organisations are more selective than a year ago […]

It is becoming clear that the future of work for many will include some form of hybrid working rather than 100% working from home. HR teams, who have had a busy year as it is, will have to review contracts and T&Cs to consider if pay needs reviewed. Managing a team where some are in […]

A business’s personality revolves around its company culture. All organisations have a company culture that reflects its values and priorities, whether you can define it and cultivate it, is a different matter altogether, but you do have one. Cultural fit is really how well your employees integrate with the overall culture. Questions you may want […]