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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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