What’s 2+2 in leadership hiring? The answer isn’t always 4. Especially when you forget to account for the hidden variables: character and context. Almost 50–70% of new executives fail within 18 months, not for lack of skill but because hiring often overlooks character, cultural fit, and adaptability. We often think of hiring as a simple maths problem. You line up competence with experience and expect to find your next great leader. Except it rarely works out that neatly.

Are you hiring for comfort or for progress? It’s an easy trap to fall into. You sit across from a candidate who reminds you of yourself ten years ago.  Or maybe they mirror someone on your team who’s been successful. They “just feel right.” That’s the comfort zone of culture fit. It feels safe. It feels smooth. But here’s the risk: If everyone looks the same, thinks the same, and solves problems the same way, fresh ideas never surface.

The champagne glasses were still clinking when the cracks began to show. A star executive had been hired at lightning speed, hailed as the catalyst for change. Within half a year, departments were working at cross purposes, key metrics were falling like dominoes, and the exit package was costing more than the company’s last major project. So the real question for leaders is this: does moving fast on hiring truly put you ahead, or does it quietly set you back months and mil

Something that I firmly believe is an investment for any company's future is leadership development. As you will go on to read, I'm clearly not alone in that opinion. It’s common sense that training people to be better, more diligent, more focused and finding gaps in their skills is always a positive thing. It's also one of the first things to go when budget constraints are required. So, the big question: is leadership development really worth the money?

Let’s talk about Diversity and Inclusion. I know, for some, it might feel like a term that had its moment a few years back. Maybe you're tired of hearing about it. Maybe you even think it's become too political. But here's the thing… Regardless of your personal beliefs, one principle remains undeniably true…  Everyone deserves an equal opportunity based on their individual merit, not on gender, race, or political leaning. 

Discover how partnering with executive search agencies in London can streamline talent acquisition, enhance strategic growth, and secure top