Posts by Allie Pyle

When businesses bring in a new leader, technical expertise and track record are usually the first things that get measured. But there’s another factor that often determines whether the hire succeeds or fails: culture fit. Culture fit isn’t about finding someone who looks, talks, or thinks exactly like the existing team. It’s about whether the…

In the past, companies often looked for executive leaders who could “get in the weeds” and make things happen. These were hands-on operators — problem solvers who thrived on execution. And in many situations, that kind of leadership still matters. But today, more and more boards, investors, and executive teams are expecting something different. They…

In today’s M&A world, many dealmakers claim that people are their most important asset; yet, too often, talent strategy is left out of the deal process. Recent research shows that talent is not just a supporting factor, but the engine that drives real value creation. 1. From Words to Action: Closing the Say–Do Gap A…

For many years, leadership hiring at middle-market companies often relied on timing and personal connections. When the business hit a growth point or an executive left, someone would reach out to their network. This approach worked well enough for a while, but in today’s competitive talent market, it is no longer sufficient. The middle market…

We see it all the time. A company needs a key executive. The team aligns on the role. The search begins… then slows. Timelines stretch, decision-makers go quiet, priorities shift. Before long, that great candidate you were excited about? They’ve moved on. Delays in executive hiring don’t just cost time. They cost talent, momentum, and…

Your executive team should be a catalyst for growth, not a constraint. Here are three signs it might be time to reassess who’s sitting at the top: 1. Strategy Feels Stuck in Neutral If your leadership team is focused on day-to-day operations but struggles to align with long-term strategy, you may be experiencing strategic drift.…

In today’s uncertain business climate, many organizations are re-centering their executive hiring strategies around one critical factor: values alignment. While technical expertise and operational acumen remain essential, companies are placing greater weight on whether candidates lead in a way that reflects the organization’s mission, principles, and long-term purpose. This is especially true in founder-led, family-owned,…

The furnishings industry is undergoing a sweeping transformation in 2025. Consumers expect more sustainable products, immersive digital experiences, and tailored options that reflect their personal styles. At the same time, supply chains and business models are adapting to economic shifts and evolving expectations about value and wellness. Whether you’re a retailer, manufacturer, designer, or investor,…

In the world of executive hiring, few terms are thrown around as casually or misunderstood as deeply as “culture fit.” It’s often shorthand for soft skills, likability, or simply a “gut feeling” about whether a candidate will mesh with the team. However, when it comes to executive search, culture fit isn’t a warm and fuzzy…