4. The personal touch

We believe that to fill these high calibre, demanding roles it has become critical to focus on more than just previously gained commercial and organisational leadership or knowledge of the functional attributes or sectors you require – though these are important.

Recruiters should also consider transferable skills, a demonstrable track record of adaptability (illustrated by some variety of organisation or sector within their career), keen, clear judgement, the ability to engage with and influence a wide range of stakeholders and evidence of where they have actively promoted a more representative, forward-looking, inclusive approach.

In today’s world, most senior individuals with the kind of profile and abilities you will be looking for are more easily identifiable than ever and – relatively speaking – accessible, thanks to platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter. Of course, that means they are accessible to everyone else too. How you appeal to their sense of purpose, their desire for a challenge, their need to have an impact, is key. Eliminating the things which reduce their motivation is all important.

For that reason, we believe that the ‘approach’ will be key. Whether you are doing this alone or in partnership with an executive search firm, you will want to consider an approach that is tailored, thoughtful and personal. The way in which individuals are engaged will make all the difference: something that feels informed, nuanced, open and transparent. Something that feels as if it directed at them.