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So far Christina Claus has created 64 blog entries.

Where People and Platforms Meet: How Technology Supports Business Development in Executive Search

In today’s market, business development has never been more critical, or more complex. Economic uncertainty, evolving client expectations, and intensified competition are reshaping how executive search and leadership advisory firms operate. While the art of business development has always relied on human skills, technology is emerging as a powerful ally. AESC, in collaboration with Sara Barker of The Foundry Team, has launched Proactive Selling for Executive Search Professionals, a program designed specifically for the profession. This learning experience focuses on the human side of business development: communication, influence, and relationship-building. It equips executive search professionals with the mindset and soft skills needed to shift from reactive selling to a proactive, consultative approach that drives meaningful, sustainable growth. The upcoming cohort is presented in partnership with Ezekia, a leading CRM and assignment management platform built for executive search firms. Ezekia will lead participants on an exploration of how technology can complement proactive selling skills, illustrating where systems and data can support the relational and strategic capabilities that define exceptional business development in executive search. Here are five ways technology can elevate the skills taught in Proactive Selling for Executive Search Professionals. One: Turning Market Insight into Strategic Focus Proactive selling [...]

By |2025-10-28T12:56:49-04:00October 28, 2025|Blog|0 Comments

Chief Advancement Officers Belong on the Executive Team

The most successful nonprofit organizations understand a central truth about advancement leadership: Chief Advancement Officers (CAOs) are strategic executives. Case studies across the nonprofit sector indicate that institutions achieve better fundraising outcomes when the CAO or Head of Development is a direct report to the CEO and a member of the executive team. This organizational decision transforms how advancement functions and significantly improves results. Why This Role Drives Strategic Success The CAO cultivates relationships with key external stakeholders: major donors who fund institutional priorities, alumni who champion the mission, board members who govern, and foundation officers who approve significant grants. Experience from universities and large nonprofits shows these relationships become far more valuable when advancement leaders participate directly in executive decision-making. This positioning enables advancement officers to identify donor interests that align with institutional priorities, adapt campaign timing to reinforce strategic initiatives, and ensure that major supporters are engaged at the highest organizational levels. Executive-Level Reporting Creates Real Impact When the Head of Development reports directly to the CEO, fundraising becomes an integral part of organizational strategy instead of a parallel activity. This reporting structure increases fundraising effectiveness, clarifies leadership priorities across the institution, and empowers advancement leaders to [...]

By |2025-10-28T12:57:53-04:00October 28, 2025|Blog|0 Comments

AESC Welcomes Fusion Search Partners into its Global Membership of Top Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Firms

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the $20+ billion executive search and leadership consulting industry, with member firms spanning 1,300+ offices in 80+ countries, is pleased to welcome Fusion Search Partners as a new member. The firm’s acceptance follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure quality standards. Fusion Search Partners is a global executive search firm designed to provide clients with a superior, more immersed search process. This process combines the experience and insights of senior level search professionals with the cutting-edge power of today’s most innovative AI tools, allowing Fusion to access and engage a broader range of leadership talent resulting in long-lasting placements and enduring client relationships. Fusion Search Partners Founder & CEO Greg Gerson commented: “Fusion Search Partners looks forward to collaborating with AESC and its member firms globally to continue advancing excellence, innovation, and integrity in executive search and leadership consulting.” About AESC AESC Members place and advise the world’s board directors and c-suite leaders. Founded in 1959, AESC represents the global gold standard in executive search and leadership consulting, bringing together over 16,000 professionals in more than 80 countries. AESC Members are rigorously vetted to meet the highest standards in the [...]

By |2025-11-21T15:31:42-05:00October 22, 2025|Press Release|0 Comments

Cluen’s 2025 Top Trends in Executive Search Technology

Explore Cluen's Latest Whitepaper Discover the latest AI innovations and cutting-edge technology trends in the executive search space based on 2025 industry surveys. Cluen’s Encore system leverages the latest AI technology to save time and win new business. Its research brings a deep understanding of the latest tools and strategies that enable you to better innovate for the future. Download the Whitepaper

By |2025-10-20T12:21:54-04:00October 20, 2025|Research & Guides|0 Comments

The Shortening Shelf Life of the Modern CEO

CEO departures have risen to record levels. Tenures continue to fall to new lows. The modern CEO faces an unrelenting mix of challenges, including surging internal pressure to drive business growth and performance amid social scrutiny, political tension, and economic instability. The weight of these expectations often leads to CEO burnout or boardroom dissatisfaction, resulting in high departures and shorter tenures. In July 2025, Forbes reported that 1,358 CEOs around the globe had left their job since the start of the year – “more than the entirety of 2022.” According to Russell Reynolds Associates, “The average tenure for outgoing CEOs fell to 6.8 years in the first half of 2025, down from 7.7 years during the same period in 2024—the lowest H1 figure since we began tracking CEO turnover in 2018.” Changing Times: The Reasons for Today’s Increased Turnovers The rate at which CEOs choose to depart their current position or are asked to step down is rising at an incredible rate due to a multitude of factors. “CEO tenures are shortening as organisations confront mounting complexity, shifting stakeholder demands, and accelerated cycles of disruption,” says Yvonne Pengue, Director at executive search firm spot on minds Ltd. WittKieffer’s Managing Director Jennifer Borrer and Global Leader for Commercial Strategy [...]

By |2025-11-18T11:26:54-05:00October 17, 2025|Executive Talent Magazine, Featured|0 Comments

Acertitude: 5 Cybersecurity Shifts Every Executive Must Prioritize Before Q1 2026

Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn’t just about reminders to update your password or avoid phishing emails. It’s a chance to step back and ask a deeper question: is your organization truly prepared for the threats and opportunities shaping the next era of business? From ransomware that writes itself to shadow AI tools spreading across enterprises, the risks facing leaders in 2025 are evolving faster than most strategies. For executives, especially those in private equity and high-growth companies, cybersecurity is no longer a technical function in the background. It’s a front-line issue that directly impacts enterprise value, customer trust, and long-term growth. Read the full article Connect with Acertitude

By |2025-10-20T11:55:07-04:00October 17, 2025|Member Thought Leadership|0 Comments

Spencer Stuart: 2025 U.S. Board Index

U.S. boardrooms are reshaping themselves with fresh skills, qualifications and perspectives. Now in its 40th year, the U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index examines the latest data and trends in board composition, board governance practices and director compensation among S&P 500 companies. Read the full report Connect with Spencer Stuart

By |2025-10-20T11:47:29-04:00October 15, 2025|Member Thought Leadership|0 Comments

Leadership Moves: September 17 – October 8, 2025

Buffkin / Baker placed: Annabelle Berkman as HR Business Partner for Ara Partners. Search led by Beth Ann Namey and CJ Mione. Jeff Cook as CEO at Forrest Health. Search led by Susan O'Hare and Brad Veal. Dana S Murphy as Chief Nursing Officer for Magnolia Regional Health Center. Search led by Susan O'Hare and Brad Veal. Kimberly Haverly as CEO for Memorial Health System. Search led by Brand Veal. James Wiser as Dean of K-State Libraries for Kansas State University. Search led by Martin Baker. Coulter Partners placed Dave Hava, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer (CEO) for Alltrna. Future Leadership placed Cathy Portelli as Executive Director, People and Culture for West Gippsland Healthcare Group. Johnson Partners placed: Martyn Roberts as Chief Financial Officer for Nine. Liam Maher as Chief Operating Officer for Akurba. Pacific Talent Partners placed Blake Shaw as Partner at Ironbridge Legal. Potrero Group placed Phil Ginsburg as President for Resources Legacy Fund. Quinton Anthony placed Nic Black as the new General Manager, Commercial and Connections for Lumea. Sheffield placed Sophie Spedding as Director to The Lines Company for Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust. Connect with AESC Members To be featured in Leadership Moves, submit your placements [...]

By |2025-10-17T15:56:30-04:00October 9, 2025|Leadership Moves|0 Comments

Heidrick & Struggles Enters into Definitive Agreement with Investor Consortium Led by Advent International and Corvex to Become a Private Company

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) ("Heidrick" or the "Company"), a premier global leadership advisor, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International ("Advent") and Corvex Private Equity ("Corvex"), and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the Company's outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from many Heidrick leaders. The all-cash transaction values the Company's equity at approximately $1.3 billion and will enable the Company to return to private ownership, with significantly more equity participation by current and future partners and leaders, enabling faster growth and greater client impact. Under the terms of the agreement, Heidrick stockholders will receive $59.00 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 26% to Heidrick's 90-day volume-weighted average price per share. Upon completion, Heidrick will become a private company and focus on rapidly advancing its global leadership positions in executive search, interim talent solutions, leadership assessment and development, as well as purpose, culture, and performance consulting. As Heidrick's partners, the consortium will enable the Company to invest in the people, technologies, and innovative solutions needed to create unrivaled value for current and future clients. As an [...]

By |2025-10-17T16:00:47-04:00October 8, 2025|Member News|0 Comments

Three Legal Entities Merged Under Nuvadis Brand

Nuvadis announced turning the page to what’s next: as of October 1st, Accord Group Polska, Nuvadis Interim and Nuvadis Talents operate under one unified brand: Nuvadis. This strategic move reflects Nuvadis’ commitment to providing a seamless, integrated experience for clients, partners and talents. By bringing together three trusted brands under one name, Nuvadis strengthens its position as a leader in Executive Search, Executive Interim Management and C-Level Executive Solutions. “Our decision to unify our brands is not just about simplification, it’s about evolution. We are creating a stronger, clearer identity that reflects who we are, how we help organizations and leaders grow stronger in today’s complex business world.” says Corinne Klajda, CEO of Nuvadis. With three decades of experience and a reputation for excellence in Poland and across Europe, Nuvadis is aiming to spark new ways of thinking in talent advisory and continuously support companies to handle what’s ahead with confidence. The rebrand under a single, powerful name is accompanied by a refreshed visual identity and a promise to keep building relationships that matter and endure. About Nuvadis Nuvadis is a trusted partner for organizations seeking Executive Search, Executive Interim Management and Leadership Advisory Solutions. With deep expertise and a [...]

By |2025-10-17T15:52:01-04:00October 7, 2025|Member News|0 Comments
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