If the culture doesn't fit, the best CV is useless

The author of this article is Stefan Barmettler, journalist at Handelszeitung, who also conducted the interview with Chad Hesters for this piece.

Chad Hesters, CEO of the global headhunting firm Boyden, talks about his experience in executive search and emphasizes the importance of cultural fit when filling management positions. Boyden operates in 45 countries with 75 offices worldwide, helping to fill top positions such as CEO and board member. Hesters emphasizes that a candidate may have an impressive CV, but if they don't fit the company culture, the placement is unlikely to succeed.

He compares leadership styles across regions, noting that Northern Europe tends to favor collaborative, consensus-driven management approaches, while the US favors strong individual leadership.He also addresses the use of technology, including AI, in the selection process, while stressing that human judgment and intuition remain crucial to identifying the right candidate.

Hesters further touches on diversity and inclusion, acknowledging their importance, but also highlighting the need for honest discussions with clients—especially in sectors where diversity remains underrepresented—about what they truly seek.

Overall, Hesters underscores the importance of understanding cultural differences, maintaining high standards, and ensuring that leadership aligns with a company’s values and strategic goals.

You can find the full article here.