AESC is the global association for executive search firms that meet rigorous standards.  Identifying, attracting and placing executive talent is no simple task. It requires a complex suite of skills, years of expertise and carefully curated networks. Executive search firms specialize in these particular competencies, providing organizations with leadership consulting and top-tier placements in the C-suite and at the board level. Although most executive search firms follow similar processes and many have deep industry or functional knowledge, not all firms share a commitment to quality standards and ethics.   The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) was created to differentiate leaders in global executive search and leadership advisory solutions who adhere to a predetermined set of quality and ethical standards. Today, AESC is the global membership association for executive search firms that meet the highest quality standards in the executive talent industry.   Who Are AESC Members?  AESC Members are executive search firms that have undergone the rigorous membership application process and all employees, including consultants, partners, researchers, associates, admin, etc., become members of AESC. Member firms range in size from large global firms with multiple offices and thousands of employees to regional and boutique firms with single offices.   Although [...]

TCS Insights' Simon Townsend discusses the impact of evolving technology on our profession. Technological advances have forever altered the executive search process, helping talent specialists more effectively source talent, interface with clients and improve overall productivity. As we look forward to the next decade, we can only expect further evolution as AI and machine learning grow in prominence. With such an abundance of opportunity comes the issue of increased cybersecurity risks.  Simon Townsend, Director and Co-Founder of TCS Insights, explores these technological opportunities and risks for our profession in a conversation with AESC ahead of his panel discussion at the Australia Forum on Feb. 10. 1. Technology has evolved greatly over the last decade. In what ways do you feel technology has changed the search process in recent years? With so much information now available, we’re often able to paint a detailed picture of a potential candidate, particularly in areas such as tech, where examples of work can be shared and reviewed. The use of machine learning in algorithm design is making great strides in identifying and connecting multiple data sources and providing holistic profiles with contact information. While technology has, in many ways, made it easier to find people online, [...]

With a refreshed brand, a renewed focus on core values and a new website, BlueSteps continues to be a trusted resource for executives looking to advance their careers.

Selecting the right executive search firm is a critical business decision with far-reaching implications. The search firm you choose to find and place your organization’s highest-ranking positions, including C-suite and Board Directors, impacts your company’s culture, strategy and business success.    Because the executive search firm plays such a vital role in your organization’s future, you must choose wisely. AESC’s three-year benchmark client survey asked more than 1,000 executives from around the world, “What are the most important factors when selecting an executive search firm?” The answers to this question should help other organizations navigate the executive search firm selection process.   The most important factors when choosing an executive search firm according to executives are:  1. Consultant’s Industry/Functional Knowledge  Respondents overwhelmingly indicated that the consultant’s industry and/or functional knowledge are of utmost importance. Fifty-six percent expressed that the individual they are working with directly should have a strong background in the specific area of the search.   For instance, if you are looking for a consultant with deep experience in the healthcare space, they should have the resources to back it up.  A top consultant has references to demonstrate their specific area or areas of expertise.   When interviewing firms, find out which [...]

Ahead of the AESC global conference Sustaining Growth in London on November 15, Bart van Ark, Professor of Productivity Studies at Alliance Manchester Business School and Managing Director at The Productivity Institute, spoke with us about the headwinds causing productivity to stall, how this could jeopardize economic recovery and how leaders and leadership advisors can foster highly productive environments to drive sustainable growth.  Q&A with Professor Bart van Ark on Productivity Growth AESC: Multiple headwinds (the global financial crisis, COVID-19, war, political tensions, and the climate crisis) have prevented a widespread productivity improvement in the past decade and a half. If productivity continues to stall, how will this impact the economy in the future? Bart van Ark: As we have seen in the past decade and a half, a volatile economic environment with a heightened amount of uncertainty is detrimental to business investment. If firms slow their investments in physical, knowledge and human capital, productivity will slow even further. The paradox is that we are in the middle of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, during which digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence provide immense opportunities to raise productivity. There is a concern that the absorptive capacity of firms to adopt those [...]

Harness the Power of Digital Body Language to Build Trusting Relationships  Expert digital communication skills are key in the digital age. Daily face-to-face interactions have turned into occasional Zoom calls lacking full-body expression. Most communication is delivered in the form of short-form emails or texts, leaving room for error and miscommunication. In addition, technology issues can cause delays or cancellations. Having the necessary skills to communicate clearly, concisely and respectfully across various virtual channels can help you stand out among digital mis-communicators.   As organizations navigate hybrid and remote workplaces, digital communication skills climb the list of top in-demand skills at nearly every level: entry, mid and executive. AESC research reinforces this need for improvement and expertise, as hundreds of C-level leaders across the globe cited that communication and collaboration top the list of culture change executives would like to see in their organizations.  Improving your digital communication skills is the key to success in a hybrid or remote work environment. One of the most important skills to strengthen is digital body language. Similar to traditional body language, digital body language refers to the reliance on non-verbal body language cues via digital channels to connect with others. Strong digital body [...]

Futurist Gerd Leonhard discusses the major challenges and opportunities of shifting toward a sustainable economy in the next decade.

What Executives Need to Know About Creating Adaptable Organizations Whether we’re talking about workplaces, the global workforce or employers—adaptability is central to the future of work. In new AESC research, adaptability skills climbed to the top of the list of attributes that executives feel are most critical for the post-pandemic environment. Anu Madgavkar leads global research on labor markets and human capital as a partner of the McKinsey Global Institute. She recently spoke at an AESC global conference about McKinsey’s latest study on adaptability in the post-pandemic future of work. The findings include new information about the importance of adaptability as it applies to workplaces, the workforce and organizations. Adaptable Workplaces A recent Stanton Chase survey found adaptability and agility to be the greatest challenges facing CHROs, undeniably impacting and stifling workplace progress. As we look toward the future, organizations must seek to build an adaptable workplace for leaders, cultures and teams, effectively overcoming the major challenge. Stanton Chase offers several recommendations to create adaptable workplace environments.  The first suggestion focuses on strengthening cross-functional relationships, ensuring a greater understanding of how everyone in the organization - from the C-suite to regional employees – implements change and adapts to the latest [...]