ThinkingAhead Executive Search’s Post

In the early stage of starting a company, the highest leverage decisions you’ll make are the people you hire. So be intentional about who joins your team. This reminds me of one of my early-stage hires at Shortcut… I had already worked with him prior and knew he’d be a great fit for the team. He was interested in joining - but with a caveat: He was expecting a baby in the coming months and would need 6 weeks off soon after coming on board. Without hesitation, I told him we’d work it out. Well, fast forward to today, and that employee is still with the company over 9 years later. He’s the longest-serving member of the company other than myself. When you have a chance to bring someone truly special onto the team, go the extra mile to make it happen. One early stage hire can have a lifetime impact on your company’s trajectory.

I was speaking to a transitioning veteran this evening about the manufacturing space. The pros The cons Me: "I have to cut this a little short, I have to head into work tonight." Him: "I hate to ask, but why?" I explained that we do quarterly Town Halls and this week we are discussing some policy changes and doing some safety messaging and reinforcement, and most importantly fielding questions from the team. Him: "But why tonigh...OH, night shift." Me: "Absolutely." He asked how I dealt with it. 🤔 It isn't really a big ol' hairy deal for me really. The Army prepped me pretty well for this. And it's only every so often. So my work/life balance is proper for me. Then he asked about my 'normal' hours. Me: "6-6:30A into the office to catch the tail end of the night shift. Work through the start of 2nd shift usually until around 4-5P. Catch up a little at night at times at home on emails, etc. It just depends." I do this to get as much shift coverage as I can, to improve accessibility as much as I can, to increase visibility as much as I can. 'Seasons' in HR can cause lulls and ramp ups of course---open enrollment, policy roll-outs, seasonal peaks for customers, internship/co-op recruiting and onboarding, community events, outreach across the 'off-shifts', etc. So the weird hours happen from time-to-time. Him: "I don't know if manufacturing is for me." Me: "Glad I could help." Me, our EHS Manager, and our Plant Manager of course are here tonight. 3rd iteration of Town Halls, and a couple more tomorrow. It's good to get feedback...communicate important topics (NOTHING is more important than safety, closely followed by quality to our customers IMO while taking care of our team). I'm just as happy talking someone OUT of a function or industry as talking them INTO the function or industry. With as much experience-based evidence as I can provide. It's not selling for me. It's just story-telling and listening in return.

🌟 Excited to Share Milestones: Wrapping up my second week at Career Strategies in Austin! 🏡💼 🚀 Business Development in Full Swing: We've hit the ground running, and I'm thrilled to announce that our foray into the Austin market is officially underway. 🌆 The techniques and the dream team around me make every day run like a well-oiled machine. 🤝 A Refreshing Atmosphere: It's truly refreshing to be part of a company where a simple, genuine "good morning" can bring out the best in my abilities. The familial atmosphere at Career Strategies fosters collaboration and makes the workplace feel like a second home. 💡 NOT LIKE THE REST: Breaking the mold of the typical "wait for "x" months to see ideal commission" that is often cited in these roles, I'm ecstatic to be part of a company that values and rewards hard work from the get-go. 💪🏽 🔜 Taking the Reins: Next week, I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to take the reins and run free, applying the stellar training I've received with my guys Tyler Walker and Luis Angeles. The journey ahead is bright, and I can't wait to make a MARK in the Austin market! 🚀🌟 #CareerStrategies #AustinRealEstate #DreamTeam #CareerSuccess #BusinessDevelopment #NewBeginnings #multifamilyhousing #multifamily #leasingconsultant #maintenancetechnician #staffing

There are still 4 working weeks left in 2023. That's plenty of time to find your dream candidate and get them ready to rock January! The talent experts at Freeman+Leonard are here to help you squeeze the most out of 2023. Let’s get a running start on 2024! 🤩 #staffingtrends #q4 #hiringpartner

We're thrilled to introduce the next team member featured in our CSH Spotlight series. In this series, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Clark Schaefer Hackett a remarkable place to work. Today, we're excited to highlight Katherine Trummer! Read Kate's responses to our questions below. Q: When did you join CSH? A: February 2018 Q: How did you first hear about CSH? A: My mom used to work at the company across the hall of the Miami Valley office. Q: What is your role and location? A: Talent Management Consultant; Miami Valley Q: What does your day-to-day look like? A: I focus my time on New Hire orientation, which includes everything from a new hire's first emails to their first days and beyond. I also oversee the firm's Professional Designation program. Q: Where did you go to school, and what did you study? A: I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a major in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development and a minor in Marketing. Q: Which of CSH’s REAL Values (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership) do you value most? A: Respect—to me, this is something leads into the other values and everything else in my professional and personal life. Q: What makes your workday exciting? A: Getting to meet everyone that joins the firm on their first day and helping to set the tone of their CSH experience. Q: What's one thing you've learned from your coworkers that you're grateful for? A: So many things! My background before coming here was in retail, so everyone here has taught me something different about the professional services world. Q: What do you like to do outside of work? A: Lots of walks with my husband and dog, as well as having friends over for game nights. Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: I always wanted to be a teacher, and by doing orientation, I get to do that a little bit. #CSHSpotlight #EmployeeAppreciation #REALValues

🌟 Wednesday Wisdom at Foxton Wayne 🌟 Once upon a midweek, our team at Foxton Wayne found themselves in a familiar scenario—a client needed to fill a critical role, and fast. They reached out to us, sharing a story that’s all too common: a project had ramped up quicker than expected, and they needed the right person on board to keep the momentum going. The challenge was clear: find someone with not just the right skills, but the right mindset—a candidate who could hit the ground running and truly make an impact from day one. So, we rolled up our sleeves and dove in, just like we do every time we’re faced with a mission. We scoured our network, carefully reviewing CVs and connecting with professionals who fit the bill. By midday, we had identified a standout candidate—a perfect blend of experience and ambition. By the end of the day, the candidate had been presented, interviewed, and offered the role. Success stories like these are what drive us at Foxton Wayne. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about crafting careers and empowering businesses to thrive. Here’s to turning challenges into triumphs, one connection at a time. Happy Wednesday! Info@foxtonwayne.co.uk | 0161 543 9008 #WednesdayWisdom #RecruitmentSuccess #FoxtonWayne #CareerStories #MidweekMotivation #TeamWork #MakingItHappen

I love a good Systems Champion and the more I talk to them, the more I’m convinced that they’re the secret to winning in business!  😎 I had a great conversation with Maddie Todd from Real Property Management Express, who's gone from intern to Systems Champion! 🏆 Maddie unlocks the secrets to streamlining operations and fosters a transformative culture shift. I posted the link to the interview in the comments below… Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways I got from the interview was how the introduction of systems significantly reduced employee turnover and sped up the time to onboard new team members. But I’d love to know what your takeaway from it 👇 #BusinessProcessManagement #OperationalExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment

Have you ever taken your Zoom meetings from your favorite museum, a historic library, or on a boat from Lake Michigan? Ready to redefine your workplace experience this summer? Join us in embracing the spirit of collaboration, community, and economic impact with the "Work From Summertime Chi" campaign! Partnering with the esteemed "Why Chicago" Collaborative, we're thrilled to present an initiative aimed at transforming how Chicagoans work, connect, and thrive during the best time of the year…. Summertime Chi! Drive Economic Impact: By participating in this initiative, you're not just reimagining Chicago’s work experience—you're contributing to the economic vitality of our city. Your presence supports local businesses, cultural institutions, and the overall growth of Chicago's workforce. Do you have events or a location that you’d like to amplify to techies and the business community? Don't miss your chance to be part of something truly transformative. Post your location and event today to make this summer one to remember! #WorkFromSummertimeChi #WhyChicago #CommunityImpact #EconomicGrowth #ChicagoProfessionalScene

When I think about my why’s of making a presence and contribution to the Talent Acquisition world, I look back at this picture and see such a “late-blooming”, wide-eyed Wendy with excitement to help others. Rose colored lenses but 1000% intention to lift others up. Little did I know my why’s would evolve after meeting so many bright minds. From executive leaders and their teams with a mission to save the world, new grads and intern talent that inspired a new lens and approach of how I connect, non-profit partnerships and that one HBCU Career Director I openly wept with in a convo that opened my mind to the lack of resources, safety and shelter some do not have. For those that have abundance in life, I think about how I can support your next chapter to help level up your dreams. A culmination of these perspectives that remind me of my top priorities I can deliver (non job description related principles I have) whether I hire someone in the retail field or corporate world… 1. Did I help improve the quality of food in your fridge for you and your family? 2. Did you get to add that extra few days of vacation or more time at Disneyland or weekday sporting events with peace of mind knowing we both align with worklife balance? 3. Did I help you open the door to your future career goals at any “level”? 4. Did I notice your high potential and intend to nicely shove you into exciting adventures when you are on the verge to discovering a whole new you? 5. Did I remind you to be proud of yourself as you keep exploring your story when you accept an offer? This is how you create a ripple effect when your heart is in the right space and not treat people like a metric. Happy holidays and insert my (new year, new you statement I can’t think of while penning this). Grateful for my really, really inspiring teammates that make “work” fun - excited to add more ideas to the drawing board and bring to life in 2024. 🪄 Pictured: 2019 Skechers western ankle booties + Wendy who learned how all HR functions tied together beyond just interviews and offers, coming back from driving our corporate new hires around campus in a special vintage Hummer on their orientation day. Thank you mom and dad for forcing me to learn how to drive an ugly embarrassing Mazda MPV champagne minivan and mastering reverse parking. 🤣

☀️Summertime is the Ideal Time to Plan Your Q4 Hiring☀️ ☀️ Now is the time to think ahead and strategically plan for Q4 hiring – why? 🤔 ·       Many hiring managers have budgets that need to be used before the end of the year. Now is the time to ensure you have the right talent in place when Q4 begins and most importantly that you don’t lose your budget! 🥺 ·       The talent market tends to heat up in the autumn, making it more competitive. By starting your hiring process in the summer, you can secure top candidates before your competitors  ·       Summer provides a less hectic period for onboarding and training new hires. By the time Q4 arrives, your new team members will be fully onboarded and ready to contribute effectively 🎯 So, let’s use these sunny days to plan ahead and ensure a successful Q4 and beyond! 📅  Let's chat Louise O. and we can help you make this happen  You’re future self will thank you for it!! 👏 #HiringStrategy #Q4Preparation #TalentAcquisition #FuturePlanning #Techrecruitment #BusinessGrowth