Private Equity and Operational Value Creation Through Human Capital
Unprecedented growth of the Private Equity industry over the last decade made it stronger and better resourced, whereas an increased focus on improving the operating capabilities of portfolio companies is continuously impacting its value drivers. Operational value creation models in Private Equity have been historically focusing on the following levers: sales and margins’ improvement, cost…
The Neuroscience of Learning With Rapelang Rabana
The future of employee engagement can be influenced by how a company incorporates modern learning techniques into their own leadership development programs, training scenarios, and various other offerings that will bring a learning value to employees. In a recent conversation with Rapelang Rabana, founder of Rekindle Learning, we discussed how to pull learning techniques into the future.…
Digital Hiring: What Are You Worried About, Exactly?
In my last article, I spoke about the importance of managing candidate relationships while searches are on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we figure out how to navigate from here, I’d like to think outside the box a bit about digital hires. Let’s assume, for the purposes of this article, that important hires will still have to be made while almost 90% of the country is under lockdown.…
Leadership Interview: Mehdi Tazi, CEO at Beassur Marsh Shares His Perspective on Talent Gaps
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Mehdi Tazi Chief Executive Officer at Beassur Marsh, a Morrocan based insurance brokerage during our global leadership tour. We discussed the global issue of talent gaps within organizations and what he believed was the cause and possible solutions to the problem. Interview Summary JH: In a recent international leadership survey, over 80% of CEOs…
Candidate Management During a Crisis
I am no stranger to the challenges of candidate management during a crisis. I started my career in executive search right out of college over 13 years ago, so recruiting is work that I've always done and always loved. While in the second year of my profession the great recession hit and had a significant impact on my area of expertise including venture capital, and private equity-backed…
The Impact of a Great Leader
I am always surprised by the impact that just one person can have on a team or an organization. In particular, the speed which that effect takes place. I have seen examples in multinational enterprises, where the appointment of a new CEO resulted in a change of atmosphere within a few weeks. This phenomenon happened not just to the people working closely with the CEO, but also with people who had…
Leadership Interview: Connecting With People is The Key Competency
I recently sat down with Dudu Hlatshwayo, CEO and founder of Change EQ Corporate Advisors in Johannesburg. I think you will find her answer to be thoughtful and full of insight, everyone reading this should take heed of this simple advice. Interview Summary JH: What is the number one leadership competency required in this fast-paced, unpredictable world we now find ourselves in? DH: Connection…
3 Strategies to Build Inclusive Teams
If you’ve ever played a team sport like soccer or basketball, you quickly learn that while it is helpful to have an “all-star” player, the best teams leverage the talents of all their players on the field and elevate everyone’s game in order to consistently win. The following are 3 strategies to build inclusive teams: Align on values - focus on what we share (common goals, work ethic,…
More Than a Buzzword: Let’s Be Honest About Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion is a buzzword in the business world, and countless company websites tout their commitment to building diverse teams and inclusive cultures. Human resource departments are instilling D&I training for hiring managers and discussing their role in hiring diverse employees, and creating a culture of inclusion. But what does this all mean and why should companies care? Most…
Leadership Interview: Ego Versus Eco with Ronald van Weegen
While traveling the world seeking answers on global leadership perspectives, we stopped in the Netherlands. I met with Ronald van Weegen, a seasoned senior executive in both Leadership Development and Human Resources. I asked Ronald to reflect upon his professional development and overall experience in life and provide us the one thing that he would recommend to younger executives on their…
Interview Tips for Executives
Job interviews: these two words conjure a range of emotions and reactions. Whether those sentiments are anxiety, dread, excitement, or something else entirely, the fact is that job interviews are an indispensable part of professional life, especially for executives. Even so, there is still an incredible amount of ambiguity and conflicting advice when it comes to interviewing. There are the…
Salary Negotiation Tips for Executives
If you’re reading this article, you’re either curious or at the winning end of a long and competitive hiring process. Either way, congratulations! Below, I distill thoughts for people navigating executive compensation negotiations. I encourage you to read my notes on why compensation before jumping to how to negotiate. Why compensation? For employers, the goal of compensation is to buy labor that…
The Art of Following Up for Executives
Many say there is an art to the follow-up. Could they be right? Does it really matter? The selection committee is going to hire the most qualified person for the job, regardless, so why take the time at all? For starters, follow up action is a signal many employers look for in judging candidates on their professionalism, general organization, and cultural fit. In fact, one in five hiring…
The Guide for Senior Executives to Stand Out on LinkedIn
A simple Google search will yield countless articles on making your LinkedIn profile stand out and optimize for visibility. You'll see tips for making the perfect new headshot, suggestions to add your high school Spanish class, and recommendations for taking a new online certification. All are fundamental recommendations to beef up your profile, and, generally speaking, they are indeed great…
Leading with Gratitude
At N2Growth, we aspire to practice what we preach when it comes to taking care of each other and caring for our clients in a way that is unparalleled. As we look ahead to the upcoming holiday season and ringing in the New Year, we reflect over the past year's opportunities for growth, learning, and overcoming. While doing so, we realized there is a key ingredient in leading that is embodied in…
The 15 Minute Guide to a Successful Interview
Do you want to learn the techniques which will help you to smash your job interviews out of the park and get you the offer? Learning how to answer any interview question, even those tricky behavioral interview questions begins with plenty of preparation. In this article, I will share my 15-minute guide to a successful interview. My name is Gordon Berridge, and I am the UK Partner and President at…