In the competitive realm of executive search, identifying exceptional candidates for key leadership roles requires a fresh perspective and a willingness to explore uncharted territories. It is from this novel viewpoint and in these overlooked areas that incredible talent is discovered. When an extraordinary animal welfare organization engaged us to identify its next visionary CEO, we knew our approach had to go beyond traditional boundaries.

The Scion Executive Search (SES) team embraced the concept of sourcing unorthodox, qualified candidates, and embarked on a transformative journey to identify a leader who would not only meet the organization’s immediate needs but also propel its long-term growth and success. Having witnessed firsthand how this strategy can redefine an organization’s future, we firmly believe that remarkable outcomes can be achieved when the power of unconventional talent is unleashed in the executive search process.

The Search Landscape

A national animal welfare organization sought an incoming CEO to lead its program development and community outreach efforts. The organization retained the services of SES to identify the ideal candidate for the position: an individual who possessed a deep understanding of the human-animal bond while also demonstrating the leadership and strategic skills necessary to mentor and motivate a dedicated team toward unprecedented success.

Our team anticipated that achieving optimal outcomes would be constrained if they restricted the talent pool solely to experienced candidates with industry-specific backgrounds. They recognized that candidates with diverse perspectives and a range of skills would fuel the client’s success. Foreseeing this, they obtained approval from the client organization and its Board of Directors to accept experience from all sectors, so long as the candidates demonstrated a progressive trajectory that fulfilled the CEO role’s requirements. This ignited an extraordinary search process that would showcase the impact of including unexpected candidates in the talent pool.

Navigating the Terrain

The SES team, committed to comprehending the explicit and implicit needs of the organization, embarked on a preparatory journey of discovery conversations and extensive research. Leveraging our vast executive network, our team identified candidates with progressive track records from diverse industries who could bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. Collaboration and communication were at the forefront, and the SES team ensured that the hiring committee remained informed of market demands and search progress through data-driven updates.

With a firm grasp of the organization’s needs and a commitment to finding the best match (conventional or otherwise), the SES team took great care in evaluating each candidate, assessing their alignment with the organization’s values and their potential to drive positive change. After identifying a diverse group of individuals who showcased a range of skills, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, the SES team presented the hiring committee with a carefully curated selection of top contenders. Our goal was to meet the organization’s requirements and provide a range of exceptional choices, which enabled the hiring committee to make an informed and confident decision. By presenting a diverse and qualified roster of candidates, we ensured that the organization had the best opportunity to choose a CEO who would bring a fresh perspective and drive organizational growth.

Selecting from the Contenders

After thoroughly and thoughtfully considering the candidates presented by SES, the hiring committee ventured into selecting the best-qualified candidate to assume the role of CEO. Engaging in thorough interviews and comprehensive discussions, the committee carefully weighed each candidate’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with the organization’s mission.

Through a collaborative decision-making process, the hiring committee agreed on the candidate who best embodied these qualities and exhibited the potential to drive revolutionary change within the organization. Their selection of a qualified candidate, though one who did not fit their original idea for the role, marked a significant milestone in the organization’s journey and set the stage for an exciting and impactful future under the new CEO’s guidance.

The Peak

The organization’s newly selected CEO has greatly influenced the organization within just a year of their tenure:

They have received glowing accolades from their colleagues and external stakeholders, who commend their incredible leadership, zeal, and camaraderie. The newly selected CEO has enhanced the reputation of the organization within and without. (This favorable response prompted the client organization to engage SES for an additional executive search.)

News of the CEO’s contributions to a positive and energizing work environment has attracted an influx of qualified candidates to the client organization, thereby expanding its reach and impact.

The organization has also experienced increased community engagement and nationwide influence. This benefit was made possible through the newly selected CEO’s work to foster relationships and partnerships with other animal welfare organizations.

The Takeaway

The success of this CEO search can be attributed to the incredible teamwork and collaboration within the SES team. Our team’s dedication to supporting one another and sharing potential leads played a pivotal role in streamlining and advancing the search process. This collaborative approach eliminated the need to start from scratch with every new search, allowing team members to leverage their collective knowledge and build upon previous successes.

By fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, we have maximized efficiency, strengthened our candidate pool, and consistently delivered exceptional client results. The successful partnership and the subsequent impact have further solidified our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and driving meaningful change in the executive search industry.

This case study showcases the power of unconventional talent in executive searches and demonstrates how thinking beyond the conventional can yield remarkable results. By embracing diversity and seeking candidates with transferable skills, SES enabled the client organization and its Board to find a CEO who not only elevated their organization but had an immediate and positive effect on the community it served.

Scion Executive Search: Your Partner in Executive Recruitment

When partnering with SES, you can expect a transformative and collaborative experience that goes beyond traditional executive search firm practices. Our dedicated team brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to explore, enabling them to identify exceptional candidates for key leadership roles. We thrive on building strong relationships with our clients, taking the time to understand their unique needs and delivering tailored solutions that drive long-term growth and success. Through our unwavering commitment to teamwork and knowledge sharing, we create a continuum of high-touch client interactions, ensuring that each search builds upon the successes of the past. Contact us today to get a search started or visit our website to find out more about us!