Our Approach
A method built from four decades of getting it right.
Every search follows the same disciplined process — refined since 1982, built to find leaders who actually last.
The Process
Six steps. One dedicated team. No guesswork.
This is the same process behind every search we run — the version behind the “see our full process” link on every page.
Consultation
We start by listening, not pitching.
Before any agreement is signed, we sit down with your team to understand the role, the culture, and what’s actually driving the need to hire. We build a realistic timeline against the complexity of the search, then document the scope, communication plan, and cost in a clear roadmap — so there’s no ambiguity about what happens next.
Engagement
We map the market before we make a call.
Once you’re signed on, we build a detailed position profile and ideal-candidate criteria directly from stakeholder interviews — not a generic job description. From there, we map your specific talent market: who’s out there, what they’re earning, and which companies are worth targeting first.
Search & Shortlist
We go straight to people who aren't looking.
Most of the leaders worth hiring aren’t browsing job boards. Our network and four decades of relationships give us access to passive candidates other firms never reach. Every name that makes your shortlist has already been screened for fit, motivation, and interest — you’re meeting finalists, not a stack of résumés.
Interviews
We stay in the room for every round.
We prepare both sides before every interview — candidates get real insight into your culture and team, you get structured interview guides and our read on each candidate’s motivation. After every round, we collect and document feedback so nothing gets lost between meetings.
Placement
We stay hands-on until it's signed.
Once you’ve found your leader, we shift into offer strategy — building a compensation package informed by current market data, then managing negotiation, reference checks, and background verification until the contract is signed.
Onboarding & Integration
The search isn't done at the signature.
The first few months determine whether a placement actually sticks. We schedule regular check-ins through onboarding, help troubleshoot early friction, and stay in the loop as your new leader settles in — because a placement only counts once the hire is actually working out.
Where This Applies
One process, built to flex across every industry and function we serve.
Explore by Industry
Hospitality, Real Estate, and Retail & Luxury Retail — see how this process plays out in your specific market.
Explore by Function
Executive Leadership, Finance, Marketing, and more — see how we approach the role you’re hiring for.
Common Questions
What clients ask before they sign.
What's expected of us during the search?
Your active partnership makes the difference. We manage the day-to-day details, but we’ll need timely feedback after candidate presentations and interviews, clear direction from a designated point of contact, and availability for stakeholder interviews early on. We work with each client to find the right level of involvement for their team.
Do you work on a retained or contingency basis?
We prefer retained engagements, or an exclusive contingency arrangement — meaning you work with us exclusively for an agreed period before the search could open to other firms. Either way, the specific structure, fee, and terms are agreed upfront during the consultation, before either side commits.
What if the person we hire doesn't work out?
We stand behind our placements with a replacement guarantee. The exact timeframe depends on the role and the search — we’ll walk through the specific terms with you during the engagement, so there’s no ambiguity going in.
How involved do we need to be?
As involved as makes sense for your team. At minimum, we’ll need your input during the initial consultation and timely feedback after interviews — beyond that, you set the pace. Some clients want visibility into every step; others prefer we run point and bring them in for the decisions that matter most.
Get In Touch
Ready to put this process to work?
Tell us what you need this hire to do — we’ll tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit.