Candidate Case
We first met this candidate in 1998. One of our trusted sources had suggested it could be worthwhile to both of us if we should get to know each other. At the time the candidate was 30 years old, and National Account Manager at a well known Dutch corporation.
We were impressed with his personality, talents and performance and saw all kinds of opportunities for him to make a career step. He turned them all down. He explained that his long term ambition was to one day become an entrepreneur. A mere career step was not what he was after. His then current employer could offer him many opportunities to learn the things he needed in view of that longer term.
We agreed to meet up once or twice a year from then on. Over time we were able to advise him on whether or not certain career steps would add value in achieving his long term career whishes. One such advise included a firm ‘yes’ when he contemplated switching to a US based firm. His talents and performance with that new employer took him on an international career path and for a few years we kind of lost touch.
When finally we met again in 2009, he had become the managing director of a large entity within that same company. During our interview, it became apparent that he had set his mind on securing a place in his employers executive board by 2014. The only potential obstacle on his way there, as far as he could foresee, was it would imply committing to a life in the US. In stead of addressing his dilemma, we asked him what had happened to his old ambition of becoming an entrepreneur.
Now we’re not entirely sure if that question made any real difference, but the fact of the matter is that few months later we were able to introduce him to an acquainted private equity firm. The independent company the candidate now runs –and has a stake in- is doing well. And so are the candidate and his family.
We chose this candidate case over others, because we think it contains most, if not all of what we’re proud of in our everyday commitment to our candidates: Our genuine interest in the lives and careers of highly talented people, the breadth and quality of our services and the long-standing relationship that has resulted from it.
