How We Do It

A Clear Process

We take you on an executive search journey with us. We show you how every shortlist is built and the insight behind every decision and interaction, and regular communication keeps you close to the process.

Discovery

We develop a deep understanding of the challenge, analysing your business context, the role, the profile and the ‘why’ behind it.

Briefings

We work with you to create a compelling brief that attracts the talent that meets, and often exceeds, your requirements.

Laying the foundations of a solid search

Each search begins with rigorous groundwork, where we work attentively with you to gain an immersive understanding of your requirements.

Research and mapping

We use this insight to identify target companies, using segments such as market cap, valuation and revenue, international scale, product offering, and maturity curve.

Alignment

This is where we agree details around the process with you, including the stakeholder group, assessment process, search cadence and reporting.

The search

Once the search is underway, we maintain regular communication and adapt quickly as needs evolve.

While we’ve included a standard timeline, we recognise that every role is different and flex the process to meet your priorities. We operate at pace, with velocity and agility, while maintaining thoroughness and discretion.

A Typical Process:

Stage 1:

Identification and approach.

Stage 2:

Progress report, benchmark candidate discussion and refine.

Stage 3:

Approach candidates, Zinnia assessments and benchmark interviews.

Stage 4:

Zinnia assessment and client interviews.

Stage 5:

Shortlist presentation and initial client interviews.

Stage 6+:

Additional client interviews, references and offer.

How we assess candidates

Before introducing candidates to clients, we carry out in-depth interviews to evaluate their capabilities and suitability. We focus on:

Career transitions

We use ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions to understand a candidate’s job moves. Keeping it to a 10-minute window allows us to get an overview of their career trajectory, curiosity, ambition and ability to communicate concisely.

Metrics and KPIs

We look at data to find evidence of scale, complexity, results delivered, spheres of influence, team size and structure.

Competency questions

We use these to assess how they deliver against core requirements for the role.

Candidate questions

We use these to test their curiosity, ability to think broadly and intelligence.

Our thorough, structured, but agile process ensures every recommendation is grounded in evidence and makes every introduction feel right for your business.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can work together to find the leader who will define your next chapter, we’d be delighted to start the conversation.