Every nonprofit board in the middle of a CEO search eventually says some version of the same sentence: “We need someone who can steer us through a fast-changing technology landscape. Maybe an outside perspective is what we need.” Then one of two things happens. The board passes on its strongest crossover finalist because “they don’t […]
The Founding Team Reckoning: When to Replace, Reshape, or Keep Your Early Leaders
Most conversations about executive mis-hires focus on the outsider you brought in and got wrong. This one is about the insider you got right, the founding VP who built your company from nothing, and the much harder question of whether they’re still the right person for what comes next. Research on founder turnover offers a […]
The Board’s New Fundraising Mandate: What Governance Looks Like in the Age of AI
Passive nonprofit board membership is fading. In 2026, trustees are being asked to lead through technology, uncertainty, and a fundraising environment that rewards institutions that govern boldly. In Part 1 of this series, we examined how AI is reshaping the competencies nonprofits need in their senior philanthropy leaders. In Part 2, we turned to the […]
The Leadership Transition Your C-Suite Isn’t Ready For
Most companies don’t fail at leadership transitions because they chose the wrong person. They fail because they defined the wrong job. The volume of transitions is not the problem. The executive succession planning process most scaling companies default to is. C-suite leadership transitions are happening right now at the highest rate in recent memory. CEO […]
Understanding the Different Types of Executive Search
Updated May 2026 | Originally published March 2015 We’re often asked by new potential clients: “How does this work?” And honestly, after more than twenty years in the business, we’re still surprised by how many companies including well-funded, sophisticated ones make the same costly mistakes when it comes to choosing the right executive search model […]
Why AI Strategy Can’t be Delegated by Executive Leadership
The boardroom conversation has shifted. What once centered on quarterly earnings and market expansion now includes discussions about machine learning models, algorithmic decision-making, and AI-driven competitive advantages. For many C-suite executives, this represents uncharted territory and that’s precisely the problem. AI isn’t another technology initiative that can be handed off to the IT department. It’s […]
Why Automated Systems Are Failing C-Suite Executive Search
Executive search has reached a critical juncture. As companies increasingly apply mass-market recruiting technologies to C-suite and senior leadership roles, they’re creating a fundamental mismatch between the tools they’re using and the caliber of talent they’re trying to attract. The result? A broken executive candidate experience that’s driving away top leaders and undermining strategic hiring […]
Beware of the CMS Resume Scam
Update 1/2/2025 This scam is continuing. The domain that they are currently using is now peexecutiveshire.com. It’s been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, “identity theft” might be taking that admiration a bit too far. Let’s introduce you to “PE Executive Hire” and their CMS resume formatting scam. Recently, our CEO […]
The Critical Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Executive Hiring
In the modern business landscape, the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) cannot be overstated, especially in the realm of retained executive search. As companies strive for innovation and competitiveness, the need for a diverse leadership team becomes increasingly evident. Here’s why DEI is not just an ethical imperative but a strategic advantage for […]
Tips for Partnering with an Executive Search Headhunter
We hear from clients and candidates that are unhappy with their past experiences in working with executive search headhunters. Typically, the unhappiness is because the expectations of the experience itself were not clearly defined. To help to better define expectations, thought it worth writing about some basic areas of breakdown that can occur both on […]