Showing posts with label Executive Consulting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Executive Consulting. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bench International Expands Presence in Europe with Opening of Offices in Switzerland

Bench International, a global, milestone-based, performance-driven executive recruiting and consulting firm serving the life sciences industry, recently opened new offices in Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland consistent with its global growth strategy. The offices are strategically placed to serve Switzerland's main linguistic regions. They will be closely aligned with Bench's European headquarters in London to effectively and efficiently serve life sciences clients operating throughout the continent.

"Expanding our physical presence in Europe enables Bench to better partner with our clients, as critical business functions continue to evolve into cross-border roles," said Denise (DeeDee) DeMan, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Bench. "Our global offices and team embody the diversity that our clients need in candidates."

Tobias (Toby) Ernberg has been hired to head the Swiss offices and joins Bench's executive team as a senior vice president. He previously held key positions at multinational companies, including Novartis, Vestergaard Frandsen, and Reuters. He brings to Bench more than 15 years of experience in areas such as consumer health and management consulting.

"Toby's expertise is invaluable as we grow and fulfill the executive recruitment needs of diverse, global life sciences companies that operate in an environment where skill sets and industry business practices are increasingly transferable across geographies," said Janet Foulkes, global senior vice president and head of Europe for Bench.

"I'm excited to be leading Bench's European expansion into Switzerland," said Toby Ernberg. "Working closely with Bench's global team of seasoned professionals, I look forward to developing our business, growing into new areas, and contributing to global retained searches."

Bench's Swiss offices are cantonal and State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-certified, which authorizes Bench to work with Swiss-based companies and permits it to undertake cross-border placements.

About Bench International

Bench International specializes exclusively in providing senior talent to the global life sciences sector. Bench's multinational team of accomplished recruitment professionals, each equipped with long-standing in-depth life science industry experience, has successfully met client needs for executive leadership since the firm's founding in 1974. In addition to its Los Angeles headquarters facility, Bench maintains offices in New York, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. For more information, visit www.benchinternational.com.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. Open West Coast Office

Jorgenson Consulting Inc. (JCI) a leading executive search firm focused on community and economic development organizations and Greg O’Sullivan, Economic Development ONCALL (EDONCALL), based in northern California announced today they have formed a west coast strategic alliance. The alliance enables JCI to better service existing clients and broadens JCI’s executive recruitment services west of the Rockies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Greg O’Sullivan, EDONCALL formed in 1996, will join Jorgenson Consulting as the Managing Director of the west coast region serving Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. EDONCALL has several other strategic alliances offering clients a full range of economic development services including the 2009 alliance with Research on Investment (Montreal Canada) providing communities with national and international lead generation services, and Pollina Corporate Real Estate (Chicago) site selection.

“Joining forces with Greg helps our team meet the challenges of an increasing demand for seasoned professionals to meet the community and economic development needs of our clients,” said Todd Jorgenson, Managing Director and Principal. “It’s a natural fit for both of our firms. Having access to Greg’s network of connections, energy and private sector consulting experience is pretty exciting. The California market is changing rapidly. Meeting those demands, alone, over the next few years will provide our firms with continued growth.”

Todd and Greg finalized the alliance late last week and have started to developed plans for leveraging their combined expertise for clients. The two agencies plan to enhance their collaboration through a select group of partner resources and an ongoing employee exchange. The firms will market the services under Jorgenson Consulting’s strong brand, reputation and identity.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

McKinsey Report Confirms Executive Coaching Helps Women Advance Careers Further

A new report shows inadequate career development keeps women from reaching top corporate leadership positions. That’s no surprise to Executive Coach Lenann McGookey Gardner.

“Women in middle management don’t usually receive the coaching, leadership training, and mentoring that helps them climb higher on the corporate ladder,” said Gardner. “Women can benefit from coaching to further their careers – they just need to take action to get it.”

The new report by management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. examined barriers to women’s advancement in corporations. The study found that most companies don’t put middle management women in programs to help them develop their abilities so that they qualify for the next promotion. Many women’s ambitions sour as barriers to advancement become increasingly insurmountable.

While the McKinsey report suggests businesses work harder to change the mind-sets that limit women’s opportunities, Gardner suggests women in business take responsibility for their own advancement.

“Women who get executive coaching stand out from their peers,” said Gardner. “They get better at interacting with high-powered people, dealing with office politics, and achieving better work life balance. It’s so gratifying to see people I’ve coached go on to achieve amazing things.”

Another challenge women executives face is a lack of role models. The report noted that only 11 chief executives of Fortune 500 companies are women, and just 26% of vice presidents and other senior managers are women.

Gardner, who rose from an associate marketing representative of a Fortune 100 company to vice president of a major diversified corporation, mentored and developed hundreds of subordinates along the way. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“Sometimes, what you need is an impartial, objective confidante outside of the corporation, who can help you see reality clearly,” said Gardner. “An executive coach can be a sounding board, a mentor, and yes, even a role model.”

Women can take an online assessment to see if Executive Coaching could help their individual situations at http://youcanleadcoaching.com/assessment/.

Lenann McGookey Gardner provides professional coaching in leadership, communication, marketing, and business development skills. Over the last 19 years, she has worked with hundreds of professionals, including consultants, accountants, hospitality executives, scientists, engineers, and attorneys, to hone new skills and generate millions of dollars in new business. For more information, visit http://YouCanLeadCoaching.com.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Executives Network Encourages Executives In Transition to Offer Consulting Services

While economists are cautiously optimistic about an economic turnaround, unemployment remains high. According to Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke, the U.S. unemployment rate will take years to drop. As a result, many unemployed professionals are finding themselves out of work longer than ever before. One way for unemployed executives to maintain an income and continue learning new skills is to do consulting. This has prompted Executives Network, a national, high-level peer-networking organization for executives, to create the “Selling Consulting Services While in Transition” program. This consulting training program officially launches in March.

“We're very excited about this program and truly believe it will make a very positive impact on executives in transition who want to turn their knowledge and skills into cash while between jobs,” said Executives Network President Molly Wendell, who adds the program is not intended for people who want to be full-time consultants.

There are a number of benefits for selling consulting services while waiting to land a new position. Wendell says it demonstrates to potential employers you’re proactive, keeps your professional skills sharp, provides an opportunity to learn new skills that can make you more marketable, enhances your resume with new accomplishments, eliminates gaps in your employment, and grows your list of references.

John Coyne, CEO of business consulting firm Pivot Business Resources, is providing the training for this program. Coyne has taken training modules he’s previously designed for business owners and adapted them to those looking to temporarily sell consulting services while they’re seeking employment.

“I teach people how to turn their knowledge and skills into a personal marketing strategy and a sales action plan so they can keep generating income while in transition,” said Coyne.

Participants in Executives Network’s program are required to attend Coyne’s six, one-hour webinar training sessions to learn the process of formulating and selling consulting services. The next webinar is scheduled March 21, with free informational webinars on March 11 and 15. Some of the topics covered included understanding why selling consulting services is different than looking for a job, creating a personal marketing strategy to articulate how you can help prospects solve their problems, how to build a professional referral network using the resources of Executives Network, building an ROI-based proposal that a prospect can’t refuse, and handling common objections.

The program features executives from various geographies, industries and functional disciplines, says Wendell.

About Executives Network

Executives Network is a national peer-networking resource exclusively for executives. It owns three subsidiaries: CXO, EXO and XTB (Executive Talent Board). CXO and EXO provide a forum for employed senior executives to network, share ideas, discuss issues of importance to members, and develop relationships. XTB is for director, VP and C-level executives in transition. Through monthly networking meetings, industry specific teleconferences and exclusive access to a proprietary database of professionals nationwide, this group has helped thousands of executives land new positions. Executives Network, established in 2001, is headquartered in Denver, CO. For more information, visit www.executivesnetwork.com.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

In Sync Consulting Reaches 10-Year Anniversary Milestone

In Sync Consulting, an international executive coaching and team leadership development firm founded by Suzanne Weinstein, has reached its 10-year anniversary milestone, having served more than 400 individuals and organizations to date. The firm, best known for leveraging its Weinstein Factor process, guarantees results in 90 days, whether an organization is looking to improve employee productivity or morale, increase revenues and reduce costs, or develop dynamic team leadership.

“Our 10-year history is evidence of the continuing need for business coaching and consulting services, particularly during times of economic hardship and change,” said Suzanne Weinstein, president, In Sync Consulting. “Every organization can benefit from improved employee morale, productivity, innovation and retention and, at In Sync Consulting, we pride ourselves on delivering measurable results every step of the way. Our vision is to change the world by helping business professionals learn how Living In Sync empowers them to be their most authentic selves, increase awareness and consciousness, and positively change their lives, and the lives of their team members.”

Over the past 10 years, In Sync Consulting has helped clients all over the world develop effective cost reduction and avoidance strategies. These strategies have resulted in reducing overtime by up to 75 percent (75%) by year-end and sick leave by 36 percent (36%), resulting in an average return on investment of more than $150,000. In Sync Consulting’s proven techniques have enabled clients to achieve an average turnover rate of less than eight percent (8%), a 64 percent (64%) reduction in the organization average of 22 percent (22%).

In Sync Consulting leverages the Weinstein Factor process to guarantee results in 90 days. The firm’s services include speaking engagements, executive coaching, team leadership development, conflict management, holistic organizational development and time management. Results include increased productivity, profit and competitiveness; implementation of effective strategic plans; creation of a trusting, supportive work culture; improved staff performance, motivation and retention; increased staff innovation and effectiveness; establishment of a more effective work/life balance; and improved management of change and stress.

For more information about In Sync Consulting’s executive coaching and team leadership development services, visit http://insyncconsulting.com.

About In Sync Consulting

Founded in 2001 by international consultant Suzanne Weinstein, In Sync Consulting is an international executive coaching and dynamic team leadership development firm. Leveraging the Weinstein Factor process, In Sync Consulting guarantees positive change in 90 days. For more information, visit http://insyncconsulting.com.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Kaplan-Gardner POV: Leaner and Meaner, Digital Marketing Agencies Resume Hiring and Continue Layoffs Into 2010

Digital marketing agencies will continue to lay off employees in 2009 and into 2010 and resume hiring with a refined focus on employees with specialized skills.

Kaplan-Gardner interviewed 15 senior executives from the top digital marketing agencies to gather their insights and perspectives on staffing and employment and how the industry is responding. Most agencies indicated that they'd used the economic downturn to evaluate the health of their organizations and business models. 67% of the executives acknowledged that their organizations, going into 2009, were bloated due to the hiring frenzy of the past few years. So, they became more nimble and efficient--leaner and meaner. Beginning in late 2008 agencies conducted unprecedented rounds of layoffs, affecting thousands of employees. Some agencies closed offices while others cut salaries or instituted mandatory unpaid leave.

At the same time, specific growth areas emerged--disciplines largely centered on deepening the relationship between brands and their customers, once the domain of traditional agencies. Even as corporate marketers slashed advertising budgets, they continued to move more money to digital, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. Bolstered by increased client satisfaction with the quality of their work, digital agencies are ramping up hiring again. This time the demand is largely for employees with specialized skills in Strategy, Analytics, Relationship Marketing, Social Media, and Mobile Marketing. They've also expanded the talent search to top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and even technology companies like Accenture, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM and others.

"Agencies got fat over the past five years. The economic downturn was the catalyst to get back in shape," said Evan Kaplan, Kaplan-Gardner's Co-Managing Partner.

The POV entitled, "Leaner and Meaner, Digital Marketing Agencies Resume Hiring and Continue Layoffs Into 2010," revealed the following:



* 53% of the executives disclosed that they're considering additional layoffs
* 40% of the executives are currently hiring or planning to hire more talent in key growth areas


Agency Human Resources departments and recruiters were flooded with significantly more applicants for fewer jobs. Today, they're interviewing more applicants and conducting more rounds of interviews for each position and instituting deeper background and reference checks before making offers. They're also taking 25% more time to fill positions--up to eight months at the most senior levels. In turn, job seekers have been forced to accept lower paying and lower level positions than in years past.

The executives described the layoffs as "surgical incisions," designed to trim excess fat. "Agencies are emerging leaner and meaner," said Kaplan. "They're far healthier now and will continue to take a greater percent of marketer's budgets. And that means more hiring into 2010."

The POV, "Leaner and Meaner, Digital Marketing Agencies Resume Hiring and Continue Layoffs Into 2010," is currently available as a free download at http://www.kaplangardner.com/homepage.html

About Kaplan-Gardner


Kaplan-Gardner is a retained search firm specializing in recruiting high-profile executives for the top digital marketing agencies globally. Clients engage us for their most mission-critical positions because of our deep relationships with industry thought leaders and our exceptionally-talented candidates. Candidates entrust us to place them in the most vibrant and cutting-edge positions. We seek long-term success for clients and candidates--through exceptional hires, collaboration, and enduring relationships. And we stand behind the quality of our work. For more information, please visit www.kaplangardner.com or contact:

Friday, February 27, 2009

Makarios Consulting Supplies Businesses with Powerful Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the Work

Makarios Consulting, LLC, a premier provider of custom leadership development and executive coaching programs, announced the launch of a new book on conflict management entitled Resolving Conflict: Overcoming Destructive Behaviors in the Workplace. Resolving Conflict is authored by the president of Makarios, Timothy I. Thomas, and provides strategies for conflict resolution that executives, managers, and supervisors can put into immediate practice.

“Conflict in the workplace engenders severe stress, saps employee motivation, and decreases productivity,” Thomas explains. “Conflict management is an essential skill for all business leaders. Like all skills, conflict management is not typically innate: it must be learned. That is the purpose of the book Resolving Conflict. My goal is to help leaders learn the skills they need to manage conflict in the workplace effectively. This book isn’t about abstruse theory: it’s about practical strategies for conflict resolution that net real results.”

Resolving Conflict: Overcoming Destructive Behaviors in the Workplace is available as an immediately downloadable ebook for $21.95 at www.MakariosConsulting.com. The strategies for conflict resolution discussed in the book include a review of five unique modes of managing conflict plus a full explanation of the four-step VOMP model of conflict management. Resolving Conflict is the second book in our Dynamic Solutions Series, following Creating All-Star Performers: The Power of Effective Feedback,” reports Thomas. “Both books serve as key resources for individuals in all levels of management. They teach rubber-meets-the-road leadership skills that can transform and energize the workplace. We don’t subscribe to the latest trends and fads: the steps for providing reinforcing and redirecting feedback in Creating All-Star Performers, and the strategies for conflict resolution contained in Resolving Conflict, are proven and time-tested. Put simply, they work.”

More information about Makarios Consulting is available online at www.makariosconsulting.com or by telephone at (610) 380-8735 and via email at thomast@mc-llc.com.

About Makarios Consulting, LLC


Founded in 2004, Makarios Consulting is an international leadership development and executive coaching firm. With clients on three continents, Makarios has a proven track record of producing extraordinary business results by cultivating dynamic leaders who are skilled in motivating their employees, resolving conflict in the workplace, communicating effectively, and managing organizational change. Makarios Consulting, LLC staff members belong to the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), the Organization Development Network (OD Network) and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Consulting Firm Russell Reynolds Associates Welcomes Tom Long and Brad Belanger to the Toronto Office

Shawn Cooper, Managing Director and Country Manager at Russell Reynolds Associates, is pleased to announce that Tom Long and Brad Belanger have joined the firm as consultants in the Toronto office.

Tom Long joins the firm as a Managing Director and his practice will leverage his extensive experience in senior executive search, board search and executive assessment in the consumer, industrial/natural resources and not-for-profit areas. He will serve clients’ top talent needs across a range of sectors in Canada and internationally, with a particular emphasis on consumer driven and natural resources based clients. He is also experienced in filling senior roles in public policy-driven and not-for-profit organizations.

Tom brings more than 16 years of successful executive search experience with Egon Zehnder International, where he played a leading part in establishing that firm in Toronto and the larger Canadian market. A University of Western Ontario graduate and lawyer by profession, Tom was also a partner for several years with the global strategy consulting firm Monitor Company. Having served previously as a Trustee of University Health Network, Tom is currently a Vice Chair for Sick Kids Foundation.

As an Associate in the Financial Services Sector, Brad Belanger will assist in expanding the firm's market presence in Canada. He will concentrate his efforts on Consumer Financial Services and Insurance in addition to supporting the Asset and Wealth Management and Global Banking and Markets teams. With over 13 years of search and management consulting experience, Brad will be a resource for the Industrial and Natural Resources Sector and the Corporate Officers Practice in Canada.

Most recently, Brad spent eight years at Heidrick & Struggles working as part of the firm's Financial Services Practice. Previously, he was employed both as a Management Consultant and as Head of Experienced Hire recruiting for Ernst & Young LLP in Canada. Brad earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Physical Education at Queen's University.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom and Brad to the firm,” said Shawn Cooper, Country Manager for Russell Reynolds Associates in Canada. “Their extensive experience, knowledge and acumen will bring tremendous value to their respective clients and furthers our deep sector-specific expertise.”

“Tom and Brad’s addition to the firm’s Toronto office expands and strengthens our presence in Canada, and is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the region,” said Eric Vautour, co-leader of Russell Reynolds Associates’ Americas operations.

About Russell Reynolds Associates


Leadership. In today's ever-changing global business environment, success is driven by the talent, vision and leadership capabilities of senior executives.

Russell Reynolds Associates is a leading global executive search and assessment firm with more than 300 consultants based in 39 offices worldwide. Our consultants work closely with public and private organizations to identify, assess and recruit senior executives and board members to drive long-term growth and success. We value teamwork, serving our clients with a collaborative approach that spans our international network of sector and functional experts.

Our in-depth knowledge of major industries and our clients' specific business challenges, combined with our understanding of who and what makes an effective leader ensure that our clients secure the best leadership teams for the ongoing success of their businesses. For more information, please visit us at www.russellreynolds.com.