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In this episode of Between Two COOs, Michael Koenig interviews Evan Grossman, partner and head of the CEO and board practice at True Search, one of the world’s leading executive recruiting firms. Evan shares insights into the hidden C-suite job market, the importance of networking, and how to position yourself for a top executive role. The conversation delves into the nuances of executive hiring, including mitigating risk with non-traditional candidates, leveraging AI for scale in recruiting, and how companies identify and evaluate board members.
Evan also discusses career growth strategies for COOs aspiring to become CEOs, emphasizing the value of cross-functional experience and self-awareness. Anecdotes about the tight-knit nature of the executive ecosystem underscore the importance of humility and relationships in the hiring process.
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Key Takeaways:
• Hidden C-Suite Job Market: The majority of C-level roles are filled through networking, talent partners, and executive recruiters before job postings are even considered.
• Role of Networking: Building strong relationships within your industry and maintaining top-of-mind positioning with decision-makers is crucial.
• Non-Traditional Candidates: Market shifts, such as the rise of AI and post-COVID changes, are creating opportunities for candidates from unconventional backgrounds.
• AI in Executive Recruiting: True Search uses AI-driven tools like Thrive to manage data at scale, identifying the best candidates more efficiently.
• Career Advice for COOs: Gaining hands-on experience in both value creation (product/tech) and value capture (go-to-market) functions can prepare COOs for CEO roles.
• Culture Fit: Evaluating culture fit involves assessing how a candidate aligns with and enhances the company’s existing culture without disrupting it.
• The Board Member Journey: To be considered for a board position, candidates need specialized expertise and experience managing boards or navigating complex organizational challenges.
Notable Quotes:
• “Position yourself within your network as someone ready to step into a C-level role—start those conversations early.”
• “If everyone’s a thought leader, no one is a thought leader. Focus your voice and expertise on what truly adds value.”
• “To be a successful CEO, you need to have hands-on experience in both product and go-to-market functions.”
Evan’s Unforgettable Moments:
• Two finalists in a CEO search accidentally meeting mid-interview process due to scheduling overlap—illustrating the small-world nature of the C-suite ecosystem.
• Delivering news to two candidates while they stood together on the sidelines of their kids’ soccer game, showing how interconnected the executive world can be.
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