News & Insights

At first glance, Executive Search and recruitment can look similar. Both aim to help companies recruit people and both seem to operate in the same space. In reality, however they deliver very different outcomes. The simplest way to think about it is this: Recruitment fills roles. Executive Search builds leadership. It Starts with a Different […]

Board composition should never be static. It reflects an organisation’s strategy, stage of growth, and future ambition. Yet many organisations only address Board refreshment when a resignation forces the issue or concerns surface. The most effective Board’s take a proactive, structured approach. Refreshing a Board is not about change for its own sake. It is […]

There is still movement in the senior recruitment market across Northern Ireland, but it is no longer fast or forgiving. Organisations are hiring, but with far greater intent. The margin for error on senior appointments has tightened, and that is reshaping how decisions are made, how processes are run, and ultimately, who gets appointed. The […]

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 […]