Key Differences & Considerations of Retained Executive Search Firms & Contingent Recruiting Agencies  Finding and securing high-quality executive talent has grown more complex over the years due to consistent market shifts, scarcity of top talent, and difficulty attracting in-demand executives. However, the intricacies of such a process are a necessity as high-impact executives are hard to come by.   If your company is in the market for a new executive—whether it be a CEO, CFO or relatively new title such as Chief AI Officer or Chief Data Officer—you won’t want to bypass any of these crucial processes to ensure you land a game-changing senior-level leader. So, how can you find the top performers in a confidential manner without thrusting your organization into a time-consuming and challenging search? Hire an outside executive search firm.   There are two major types of third-party agencies available a company might choose for placing candidates: retained executive search firms and contingency recruitment agencies. To ensure you choose the right type of firm for your organization’s pursuit, it’s critical you understand the differences between the two. What Is Contingency Recruiting?   Contingency recruiting is completed by agencies that receive service payments after a candidate has been identified and [...]

The last few years have taught us to expect one thing: uncertainty. Economic, political and technological ambiguity presents new business issues and risks. However, organizations with the right leaders have the power to turn challenges into opportunities.   Attracting and retaining top executive talent with the right competencies and qualities to tackle the challenges of uncertainty is key to organizational growth, innovation and operational efficiency. By combining the right talent with the right strategies and culture, organizations can create a competitive advantage that bridges the gap between risks and opportunities.  Understanding the Top Business Issues in an Uncertain World  AESC’s latest research “Optimism as a Competitive Advantage” surveyed more than 1,300 leaders worldwide. They highlighted their top five greatest risks in times of uncertainty:  Economic Downturn  Market Volatility  Decreased Demand  Strained Employee Morale  Retaining Talent  The top three risks are primarily rooted in external concerns and are exacerbated by strained employee morale and the real risk of retaining top talent at all levels, especially considering a global executive talent shortage.   “As business leaders worry about the many external factors, so do the rest of their employees and this creates huge pressures on morale and retention,” explains the report.  Exploring the Greatest [...]