An investor calls late in the evening. A new portfolio company, an uncertain market.
His thinking: “Surely now’s the perfect time to get top people cheaply.”
What I see: crises, transformations, tough decisions. And a pattern that repeats itself again and again.
Plenty of people are nervous, yes. But the top 10 %? They’re different.
They listen carefully. They ask searching questions:
does the model fit the future? Is there a strategy, or just hope? Who decides when things get tight?
One top manager told me:
“I’ll only take a risk if the other side names it too.”
That’s exactly where many searches fail:
an offer that doesn’t add up. No real decision-makers in the conversation. Processes without clarity.
What counts for top candidates?
1. A package that reflects performance, risk and responsibility
2. Conversations with the real decision-makers
3. A reliable, clear process
The investor listened. We sharpened the offer. The candidate accepted. Not because of the crisis, but in spite of it.
How are you finding top candidates at the moment?
