Alison Ryan’s Post

We are delighted to be running our hugely popular webinar on how to build a portfolio of Non-Executive Directorships again next Tuesday 15th October at 12.30pm. Please click to sign up!

At Executive Headhunters EMA Partners, we're proud to be members of the global Association of Executive Search & Leadership Consultants (AESC). This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence and ethical practices in executive search. But what does this mean for our clients? Choosing an AESC member like us significantly reduces the risk of a bad hire. We're vetted to meet rigorous quality standards, ensuring that we adhere to industry best practices. This thorough vetting involves evaluating firm processes, conducting client reference checks, and reviewing any potential ethical breaches. Our dedication to maintaining these high standards means you can trust us to deliver exceptional results. Moreover, our AESC membership provides us with a competitive advantage. We have access to hard-to-reach talent and are committed to continuous learning, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry. In a landscape where top talent is scarce, our extensive networks and deep industry expertise allow us to connect with the most suitable candidates for your executive roles. Feel free to share your thoughts or get in touch at alisonryan@executiveheadhunters.co.uk if you want to know more. #headhunting #talentsearch #executivesearch

As a working parent, I'm all too familiar with the constant pressure of trying to achieve work-life balance, and the resulting guilt of feeling like I'm continually letting down either my family or my work, or both! I've noticed a recent shift in the conversation from talking about the seemingly impossible goal of work-life balance and instead focusing on achieving work-life integration. This article explains the difference brilliantly and could be a great read for anyone who, like me, would appreciate a more realistic approach to combining work and the everyday pressures of life. Fingers crossed work-life integration will be more achievable!

This is a great read for anyone trying to build an effective Leadership team. It's based on a 10 year research program which examined how new CEO's and Executives succeed and has some fascinating insights. The examples from Microsoft and General Electric are particularly interesting!

Business transformation is a key part of the mandate for many of our assignments over the past few years. But it is about more than just adopting new technologies; it's about reimagining your offering to create value for clients in a rapidly evolving landscape. We've been speaking to key leaders within clients who have undergone significant transformation and compiled some of their top tips: First, client centricity is non-negotiable. Every decision must revolve around how it affects the client experience. It's not about what technology can do, it's about what your client needs it to do. Take time to truly understand these needs by engaging in regular, honest dialogue. This will form the framework for any tech-driven solutions you provide. Change may be daunting, but it's a constant in today's business world. To encourage a change-friendly culture, articulate a clear vision. Showcase the tangible benefits of new technologies, backed by robust communication and support. When employees and clients comprehend the 'why' behind change, they are more likely to embrace it. Emerging technologies shouldn't distract, but direct your trajectory to client success. Be strategic; don't jump on every innovation bandwagon just because it's there. Validate each new technology against your client's needs and ambitions. Will it solve a problem? Enhance productivity? If not, it's just a novel distraction. Remember, your company's heritage is a treasure trove of insights - leverage them wisely. Use your history to plan for your future. Transformation is an investment in your company's relevance and longevity. If you're looking to navigate the executive landscape, or simply wish to share your thoughts on driving change, let's connect. Reach out at alisonryan@executiveheadhunters.co.uk or drop your comments below. #BusinessTransformation #ClientCentricity #Headhunting

I speak with many Corporate Finance professionals in my role as a Headhunter. The ongoing trend towards Private Equity investing in Professional Services firms is always an interesting topic of conversation for me because one of the main attractions is their human capital. The success of a Professional Services firm is determined by the quality of talent they are able to attract and retain to provide services to their clients. And the right talent at senior and leadership level will therefore be attractive to potential investors as it will drive value creation opportunities. The Financial Times recently reported on the prevalence of Private Equity investment within the Accountancy sector, pointing out that one in three of the top 30 accounting firms has taken, or is close to taking, private equity investment. I've spent the last 25 years headhunting senior staff for a variety of Professional Services businesses, including strengthening leadership teams within businesses seeking to secure investment. In my experience, Private Equity investment can be an attractive proposition for candidates considering a partnership role within a firm. Historically, people may have been content to commit long-term to partnership in the hope of getting a decent payout from their partnership interest when they retire. However, younger talent is less likely to want to commit their whole career to one firm, and a minority equity stake that grows in value over time can be more attractive. It's therefore a trend I'll continue to follow with interest, and I look forward to helping more Professional Services firms to secure the right talent so that they can also attract Private Equity investment. Let's discuss this further in the comments, or feel free to get in touch at alisonryan@executiveheadhunters.co.uk. #headhunting #PrivateEquity #ProfessionalServices

Had a fascinating chat with an MD this week. He began his career as an Apprentice at the very company he's now leading. His journey is nothing short of inspirational - a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Last week saw the publication of A-Level results, and this week, thousands of young people across the UK await their GCSE results. While university is often seen as the default path, it's important to remember that it's not the only, nor always the best, choice. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic alternative, providing young people with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, training, and independence while earning a wage. For businesses, apprenticeships can be equally beneficial. They enable them to develop top talent outside of traditional graduate schemes, fostering loyalty and a deep understanding of the company's culture and values. As a founder and chief customer officer of Executive Headhunters with 25 years of experience, I've seen firsthand the significant impact this can have on a company's long-term success. I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Have you or someone you know been through an apprenticeship? How has it impacted your career or business? Feel free to share your experiences or get in touch with me directly at alisonryan@executiveheadhunters.co.uk. #headhunting #apprenticeships #careerdevelopment