Insightful articles created by the team at Collingwood Executive Search

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Insightful articles created by the team at Collingwood Executive Search

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Succeeding the Founder: How to Assess Both Internal and External Options

News Article

Executive Succession Planning Framework & Advice

News Article

What Leadership Development Trends are we likely to see in 2025?

News Article

Partnering with a New Client: How an Executive Search Firm Can Help Shape the Ideal Hire

News Article

Generation Z in the workplace and the threats that they may pose for our future

News Article

What is the True Cost of a Mismatched Executive Hire?

News Article

Debunking Myths Surrounding Executive Search

News Article

Why Should Someone work for your Organisation?

News Article

Top tips for standing out during an interview process

News Article

Understanding the Candidate Journey in Recruitment: A Researcher’s Perspective

News Article

When Should you Start the Hiring Process for Board or Senior Level Appointments?

News Article

Ensuring Successful Executive Hires: Optimising the Offer Stage

News Article

What Does an Executive Search Process Look Like?

News Article

Overcoming Challenges in Niche Hires: The Relentless Drive of Retained Recruiters

News Article

Employees leave companies for various reasons, but some common factors include:

News Article

Running an Effective Recruitment Project: A Data-Driven and Collaborative Approach

News Article

The Importance of Consistent Communication between Client and Consultant during a Headhunt

News Article

The Importance of Consistent Communication throughout the Recruitment Process

People with hands holding jigsaw pieces News Article

The Crucial Role of Listening to Your Executive Search Partner

News Article

What value can be added through Executive Search

News Article

Why is Building a Diverse and Inclusive Leadership Team essential in gaining a Competitive Edge?

News Article

Why Face-to-Face Meetings with Clients and Candidates Outweigh Virtual Interactions

"Who are the top Executive Search firms" is a regular search term on Google but WHY?

News Article

Navigating Recruitment in the UK

News Article

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

News Article

My views on Hybrid Working - What I know from the clients we are working with

8 Ways to maximise your return when investing in an Executive Search partner

News Article

Why Are Companies Really Struggling to Entice, Engage and Appoint the Talent They Desperately Need?

News Article

Do you actually save any money when you recruit through low-cost methods?

News Article

What Is the Future of Executive Search?

News Article

Have you Created a Recruitment Process or a Candidate Experience?

News Article

What outcome are you expecting if you make recruitment decisions based on a CV?

News Article

8 Qualities to Look for in a Great Recruitment Partner

Chimpanzee Seated At Typewriter News Article

The Chimp Inside: Maintaining Productivity Whilst Working From Home

News Article

Together is definitely better - building an aspirational client portfolio

News Article

How values-led companies are attracted to one another!

News Article

Why You Must Select the Right Executive Coach for You

News Article

Why being a values-led business is so important to Collingwood

person holdering tablet pointing at laptop News Article

How Can Executive Coaching Help to Accelerate People, Performance and Profits?

Person writting in notebook with laptop open News Article

Is Executive Coaching a Cost or an Investment?

Two men looking at a tablet talking News Article

6 key elements in Executive Coaching

News Article

A Route to Strategic Sales Leadership

Laptop displaying graphs and someone holding a tablet with a calendar News Article

How to predict sales success

ropes up a cliff with a person ahead climbing News Article

How does coaching differ from consulting, mentoring and training

News Article

Key Elements of an Effective Search and Selection Process

Tree with lighting striking it News Article

4 key leadership principles to manage change

News Article

Five Key Psychological Roles of a High Performing Executive Team

News Article

Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Leader

News Article

How to Deal with Board Effectiveness - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity

News Article

How to Achieve 400% Higher Revenues

Footsteps in the sand News Article

How to develop your leadership succession strategy

Office tower blocks with sky News Article

4 Factors that Truly Distinguish 'High Potentials' from the Pack

News Article

What are the top qualities of an outstanding Finance Director?

News Article

10 Key Factors Of A Good Leader

Together written on chalk board News Article

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

Think outside the box News Article

Why do Companies Believe that Contingency Recruiters Proactively Headhunt for them?

Cludo pieces News Article

Key Factors You Should Consider When Recruiting A Sales Director

Book open with fairy lights on top News Article

Storytelling is Far More Effective than Glossy Employer Branding

silhouettes of people with one in spotlight News Article

A Robust Recruitment Process that isn’t Only Relevant for Board Roles!!

Night sky with stars News Article

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Succeeding the Founder: How to Assess Both Internal and External Options

Succession planning is a crucial part of ensuring longevity and continuing success for any business. When it comes to founder succession, the stakes likely seem, and are, a lot higher. Founders are the living embodiment of the culture, vision and direction of the company, which inevitably makes replacing them a much more complicated task.

Executive Succession Planning Framework & Advice

Following on from my previous article around the trends we are likely to see for 2025, I felt it may be pertinent to share some guidance around succession planning as some companies will be acutely aware that they need to reorganise their leadership committees.

What Leadership Development Trends are we likely to see in 2025?

In 2024 the market has been a little slower than in previous years, this has seen a lot of leaders take stock of their current leadership committees and it seems to now be more prominent than ever that they consider how to provide more support. From our discussions we have been tracking these trends and considering what we are likely to see come to fruition next year, here are the 5 key points we have conferred on the most:

Partnering with a New Client: How an Executive Search Firm Can Help Shape the Ideal Hire

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with many organisations that come to us not entirely sure about what they need from a new hire, especially at the executive level. Recently, I partnered with a client who had a broad vision but struggled to define the exact profile for the leadership role they needed to fill. It’s a common challenge as many companies know they need someone who can inspire, lead and deliver results, but defining what that should actually look like in practice can be difficult.

Generation Z in the workplace and the threats that they may pose for our future

Gen Z’s age range is debatable but according to most, they fall between 1997 and 2010. So, over the next decade they will become an increasing feature in the working population of our world. This then causes the older generations to wonder, how are Gen Z going to affect the future of careers and how will they face becoming earning citizens?

What is the True Cost of a Mismatched Executive Hire?

Hiring the right executive is critical to a company's success, but a poor fit can be costly in ways that go far beyond salary. Understanding the true cost of such a mistake highlights the importance of getting leadership decisions right the first time. This article produced by Chris Mayers discusses the issue in further detail.

Debunking Myths Surrounding Executive Search

Executive search is a crucial function for organisations that are seeking top-tier talent for their business. However, despite its importance, the field is often shrouded in misconceptions that can cloud judgment and lead to missed opportunities.

Why Should Someone work for your Organisation?

Attracting top talent has never been more challenging. Recently, I had insightful conversations with leaders from a data consultancy and a manufacturing business, both focused on how to stand out as the employer of choice. This blog explores the importance of a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and how it can make or break your ability to attract the best candidates. Discover why a strong EVP is essential in today's competitive market and how to craft one that resonates with top talent.

Top tips for standing out during an interview process

In a competitive job market, standing out during an interview is crucial to securing the role you want. This article offers top tips to help you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of success, whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out.

Understanding the Candidate Journey in Recruitment: A Researcher’s Perspective

The recruitment process is a journey that both candidates and recruiters embark on together. As a researcher, my role is to connect candidates with hiring teams, ensuring the right talent is identified, engaged, and smoothly guided through the recruitment process. Understanding the candidate journey is key to creating a positive experience for both the candidate and the company. Here’s how I see the candidate journey from my perspective.

When Should you Start the Hiring Process for Board or Senior Level Appointments?

As an executive search firm specialising in Board and Senior level roles, we often get asked by our clients, “When should we start the recruitment process?” The answer to this question is crucial, as the timing of initiating a search can significantly impact the success of the hire and the overall stability of the organisation. Here are some scenarios where we advise starting the hiring process:

Ensuring Successful Executive Hires: Optimising the Offer Stage

I discussed the importance of executive search and the candidate journey, emphasizing the risks of losing a candidate at the offer stage due to compensation issues. Trusting your Executive Search Partner to manage this stage can prevent costly setbacks. Understanding candidate motivations is crucial for a successful hire

What Does an Executive Search Process Look Like?

Each executive search assignment is unique, influenced by factors such as the role, location, seniority level, industry, and the current talent market. While these variables can affect the process's length and specific activities, a structured approach is essential for a successful outcome. Rushing through the process can result in missed opportunities, while prolonged searches can lead to candidate disinterest. Below is an outline of a formal executive search process.

Overcoming Challenges in Niche Hires: The Relentless Drive of Retained Recruiters

In today's competitive job market, securing the right talent for highly specialised roles is no easy feat. When the search is niche and the requirements are stringent, organisations turn to retained recruiters for their unparalleled expertise and tenacity. These professionals are adept at tackling difficult hires, navigating obstacles with a relentless drive that ensures success.

Employees leave companies for various reasons, but some common factors include:

Discover the various reasons why employees decide to leave their companies. This article discusses the contributing factors driving employee turnover, from lack of growth opportunities and inadequate compensation to poor management and work-life balance issues.

Running an Effective Recruitment Project: A Data-Driven and Collaborative Approach

Running an effective recruitment project is all about leveraging data and fostering close collaboration between the recruiter and the company. This method is essential for multiple reasons, ranging from data-driven decision making to alignment with business goals. By integrating these elements, the recruitment process can be optimised to achieve better outcomes.

The Importance of Consistent Communication between Client and Consultant during a Headhunt

At Collingwood, we review each headhunt to identify successes and areas for improvement. Consistent communication between client and consultant is crucial for success. This article explores how regular communication enhances the recruitment process, from initial briefings to candidate engagement and trust-building.

The Importance of Consistent Communication throughout the Recruitment Process

With any headhunt we take on here at Collingwood, one thing that we will always ensure is a constant throughout is communication with candidates that are in the interview process. Efficient communication not only has a positive impact on the employer brand but also proves crucial in the attraction and retention of top talent. In this article, we explore the reasons why maintaining regular contact with candidates throughout the recruitment process is hugely important for the outcome of the headhunt.

The Crucial Role of Listening to Your Executive Search Partner

In the ever-evolving and competitive field of executive recruitment, the significance of listening to your executive search partner is paramount. This collaborative method is crucial for numerous reasons that collectively ensure the successful hiring of top-tier leadership talent.

What value can be added through Executive Search

Executive search, or headhunting, specializes in recruiting senior executives. We focus on industries like Building Products, Healthcare and Technology. Helping businesses find top talent such as Managing Directors and CEOs. Callum discusses the benefits below:

Why is Building a Diverse and Inclusive Leadership Team essential in gaining a Competitive Edge?

Within the fast-paced Business Environment we experience today, the need for diversity and inclusion (D&I) are crucial for business success. This piece highlights extensively that diverse leadership teams are more innovative, agile, and profitable.

Why Face-to-Face Meetings with Clients and Candidates Outweigh Virtual Interactions

The article asserts that face-to-face meetings build stronger connections, trust, and clarity than virtual meetings. It notes the benefits of virtual meetings but prefers in-person interactions when possible.

"Who are the top Executive Search firms" is a regular search term on Google but WHY?

In this article, we explore what executive search entails, who the big names in the industry are, and discuss the benefits of opting for smaller or "boutique" executive search firms over the big global brands such as Korn Ferry or Heidrick & Struggles.

Navigating Recruitment in the UK

A Guide for International Businesses Looking to Set up or Grow a Company in the UK

Looking to partner with an Executive Search firm? I bet you’re not asking these essential questions!

In this article, Mark Goldsmith shares his first-hand experience of being compared against another executive search firm for a crucial leadership role, highlighting the critical importance of asking key questions to ensure successful candidate engagement and recruitment outcomes.

My views on Hybrid Working - What I know from the clients we are working with

I was asked by the VP HR EMEA for one of our industrial technology clients, "what is your view on hybrid working? What are other companies doing?"

8 Ways to maximise your return when investing in an Executive Search partner

Far too often we receive enquiries from companies in distress because they have a critical role they need to recruit but can't. They have usually done everything to attract their sought after candidate and have failed with each. They then think Executive Search is their golden ticket to success. They don't really want to retain or invest in an Executive Search Consultancy but feel they haven't been left with any other option and so decide to go for it. They feel like they are putting a lot of money on red on a roulette wheel.

Why Are Companies Really Struggling to Entice, Engage and Appoint the Talent They Desperately Need?

It is no secret that companies are struggling to find the talent they need. Vacancies are at an all-time high and the high-calibre talent required to fill these positions is increasingly becoming more difficult to entice. So why are companies having such a difficult time enticing, engaging, and appointing the talent they so desperately need?

Do you actually save any money when you recruit through low-cost methods?

If you’ve ever tried recruiting through low-cost methods, then you know that there is a time and place for it. Sometimes these low-cost methods are all that is needed to find the perfect candidate. But what if they are not enough? What if your company needs someone with a specific expertise that is critical to the success of your business?

What Is the Future of Executive Search?

As time moves on and technology advances, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. In this case, the recruitment industry as a whole is being questioned as more and more people begin to use online options rather than traditional “analog” toolkits. What's important to know is that it isn't just any company using digital methods of looking for new employees. Today, it is mainly large corporations that have access to significant budgets to invest in their recruitment strategies, mostly using digital options for online advertising, social media campaigns and their general hiring process.

Have you Created a Recruitment Process or a Candidate Experience?

I recently watched a great chat between Google Dave and Hung Lee at the Brainfood gathering and they discussed candidate experience over recruitment process. We all know that it is currently really tough to find the talent we all need to satisfy job vacancies and enable our businesses to deliver the exciting growth opportunities we have. However, it seems that MOST companies are still running a recruitment process based on their needs rather than creating a candidate experience that will motivate high calibre talent to want to be involved.

What outcome are you expecting if you make recruitment decisions based on a CV?

I am forever stunned how many senior leaders make a decisive judgment about a potential new employee based on a CV. Why would you do that and especially if you are investing in a recruitment partner to find the talent your company desperately needs?

8 Qualities to Look for in a Great Recruitment Partner

Selecting a great recruitment partner is critical to the success of any recruitment you are investing in. Get it wrong and it could be very costly. Get it right and it could be a key partnership that fuels and enables your growth strategy.

The Chimp Inside: Maintaining Productivity Whilst Working From Home

Let me introduce you to that voice inside your head: that voice would be your “limbic system” otherwise known as our inner chimp, as described by Professor Steve Peters.

Together is definitely better - building an aspirational client portfolio

"Together is better" and this reminded me of our love for Simon Sinek at a time when we were debating the purpose of our business!

How values-led companies are attracted to one another!

We use our values to recruit into Collingwood which has produced a fantastic team that are all aligned, share the same purpose, share the same care for one another as well as our external stakeholders.

Why You Must Select the Right Executive Coach for You

Coaching is likely to take you out of your comfort zone and is not about working with someone that won''t challenge you or that you feel comfortable with because they will say all the right things and make you feel good.

Why being a values-led business is so important to Collingwood

We have always been a values-led company at Collingwood and a few years ago we decided that we wanted a client portfolio that aligned to these.

How Can Executive Coaching Help to Accelerate People, Performance and Profits?

We are experts in providing executive coaching to meet several business needs including performance optimisation, change management, succession and career transitioning or on-boarding

Is Executive Coaching a Cost or an Investment?

Executive and leadership coaching has grown in popularity and practice over the past few decades. The role of an executive has arguably become more complex and the levels of volatility, uncertainty, and ambiguity have risen globally.

6 key elements in Executive Coaching

This blog looks at some of the crucial ingredients and 6 key elements that will help to distinguish what executive coaching should be and assess when it is a valuable intervention.

A Route to Strategic Sales Leadership

Peter Drucker, the well know management and leadership consultant suggests that “management is doing things right” whereas “leadership is doing the right things”.

How to predict sales success

If there is one area of a company that requires rigorous and effective recruitment, selection and development then surely it is sales.

How does coaching differ from consulting, mentoring and training

There is often confusion around the overlap between these four approaches to learning and personal development

Key Elements of an Effective Search and Selection Process

Our research indicates that an evidence-based focus on the 7 key aspects of the executive search and selection process will improve its quality, and support the achievement of high-performance outcomes.

4 key leadership principles to manage change

We’ve been reflecting on how leaders should respond to the disruptive nature of VUCA change and, in doing so, engaged with the VUCA prime model

Five Key Psychological Roles of a High Performing Executive Team

A large part of an executive team’s working week involves ‘firefighting’ activity, reacting to unplanned events, crises and problem issues. This can be as much as 40% but certainly is rarely below 20%.

Characteristics of a Purpose Driven Leader

What makes a purpose driven leader? Research has identified these 10 key personal characteristics which are required to define todays purpose driven leaders

How to Deal with Board Effectiveness - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) are now inherent in business. The business landscape has changed significantly over the past 10 years and is continuing to do so at an accelerated rate, driven by a rapid change in the global economy, technology advancements, and cultural diversity.

How to Achieve 400% Higher Revenues

What’s your company’s core purpose? Do you know why your company exists, rather than what it does or how it does it?

How to develop your leadership succession strategy

A leadership succession strategy is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key business leadership positions in the company

4 Factors that Truly Distinguish 'High Potentials' from the Pack

Douglas Ready, Professor of Organizational Behaviour at London Business School, has undertaken research on high-potentials. His results showed that the top 3% to 5% of talent can be defined as ‘high potential’, with intangible factors that truly distinguish them from the pack

What are the top qualities of an outstanding Finance Director?

Today’s finance directors are striving to contribute more to organisational performance, and FDs have emerged as much more rounded, commercial and strategic business leaders than the traditional role of ‘scorekeeper’ of yesteryear.

10 Key Factors Of A Good Leader

Ensuring that your business has strong leaders with the correct leadership skills is crucial to being successful. Without a clear vision or a strong leadership to keep your business on track, you are unfortunately not likely to achieve your aspirations and the dreams you have set. Your senior team may already possess many of the innate leadership qualities below. We have used behavioural and leadership profiling by Thomas International and Hogan Assessments to provide an accurate insight into how people behave at work, answering questions such as: what are their strengths and limitations? How do they communicate? Are they self-starters? Are they leaders? And what motivates them? How do they act under pressure?

Why Companies Should Move from Working with Contingency Recruiters to Partnering Executive Search Specialists?

We have explored some frustrations of working with contingency recruiters and why you should partner with executive search specialists

Why do Companies Believe that Contingency Recruiters Proactively Headhunt for them?

We have explored why companies should work with a proactive executive search partner rather than a contingency recruiter

Key Factors You Should Consider When Recruiting A Sales Director

Are you looking to hire a Sales Director or Sales Leader? Costly mistakes are often made in the hiring process due to lack of initial input in working out what you require. Get it right first time! Collingwood Executive Search have put together this helpful guide - 12 key factors you should consider when recruiting a Sales Director, which will help you make the right decisions before you start your hiring process.

Storytelling is Far More Effective than Glossy Employer Branding

ERE.net have published a report by entrepreneur Alon Laniado on employer branding which really resonates with my experience as a head-hunter. Here are some tips to improve your story brand

A Robust Recruitment Process that isn’t Only Relevant for Board Roles!!

There is a misconception that executive search is a recruitment process relevant for only hiring board level roles. It is, in fact, a robust recruitment process that adds values to a range of roles up and down the hierarchical ladder

Looking for The Best Talent? Then Acquire Instead of Recruiting

Exploring how companies need to adapt and implement a recruitment strategy to find the right candidates for the role

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