IDEA Powered Leadership

IDEA Powered Leadership

Business leaders know that attracting and retaining executive talent is a top priority in order to deliver value to all stakeholders. In today’s business climate, leaders must leverage the full spectrum of talent to maximize strategic growth and innovation.

As trusted advisors, AESC Members know first-hand how diverse talent and inclusive cultures offer organizations a competitive edge. We view diversity in the broadest sense. Our areas of focus and support include gender, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, culture, disability, political affiliation, academic background, socio-economic background, experience and perspective. Discover how AESC is working collaboratively with our members to be leaders of change.


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The AESC Diversity Pledge

AESC and our members share a commitment to combat bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination within our own organizations, with candidates and the clients we serve, and in our communities. We pledge to use our collective voices and actions to help create a world that is inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible for all. Download the pledge.

Commit to Our Pledge

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AESC IDEA Councils

AESC's five IDEA Councils ensure our association remains on a path toward furthering our DEI mission. Our Councils meet several times each year to discuss current diversity, inclusion and equity best practices while maintaining a focus on our Diversity Pledge.

View Our IDEA Councils



AESC's Commitment

AESC Members agree that building diverse leadership teams starts with an understanding of the role and the necessary core competencies. An executive search established upon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will include a broad range of candidates who demonstrate a holistic summary of the skills, qualifications, and experiences necessary to excel in the role. For that reason, AESC Members have jointly agreed they will not support targeted search assignments that exclude any candidates, except in the limited circumstances where positive action is permitted by law.



The IDEA difference

Read the latest thinking from AESC and our members

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Partners in IDEA

  • 30% Club logo
  • C200 Logo
  • CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion logo
  • Latino Corporate Directors Association logo
  • The Valuable 500 logo