45 reasons to start 2025 with optimism The ultimate paradox: most people believe that the world is going backwards, and that we are heading towards chaos, although the data makes it clear that this perception is false. The world doesn’t get worse, it gets better. This doesn’t mean it’s a…

Family-owned companies form the backbone of many economies, often combining long-standing traditions with entrepreneurial vision. These businesses frequently emphasize values like trust, loyalty, and stewardship, which shape their internal culture and leadership approach. However, navigating cultural fit and effective leadership in such organizations can be uniquely complex, given the overlapping…

As a CEO and an owner of an Executive Search firm Bo Le Associates, my team and I get the chance to frequently speak with business leaders and entrepreneurs. The overwhelming feedback recently is that the domestic and global environment remains very challenging with uncertainty caused by geo-political tensions, tariffs…

Why personal exchange and networking are of great importance in an increasingly digitalised world. A balance between personal and digital Digitalisation is omnipresent in today’s working world. Virtual meetings, social media and digital platforms have revolutionised the way we work and communicate. But despite these technological changes, the personal aspect…

During the first four years of this decade, the only variable that has remained the same is the disruption for company leaders in different business sectors. The pandemic, wars, climate change, artificial intelligence, the political and social reorganization of countries have been, among others, some of the great challenges faced…

Asia is a world of opportunity for global companies, with its dynamic, fast-growing markets. But the challenge lies in identifying leaders who can excel both in cutting-edge innovation and within culturally rich, diverse environments. At CFR Global Executive Search, we understand this complexity and specialize in placing executives who combine…

A recent study conducted at IESE Business School and Copenhagen Business School examines nationality as a source of inequality (differences that do suggest hierarchies or unequal status). While we empathize more with our fellow countrymen, we don’t necessarily consider them better leaders. Our beliefs about competence are steeped in bias.…

Last September, we had (the BeljonWesterterp team from the Netherlands) the privilege of attending the annual international CFR Global Executive Search meeting in Montreal in Canada. This conference, aimed at professionals in the executive search field, focused on strengthening international connections and leveraging each other’s expertise. Although we had previously…

In a tight labor market, companies naturally open their doors to new employees. However, it’s equally important to keep the “back door” closed if you want to ensure the continuity of your business and grow for the future. This can be achieved by fostering a values-driven and lasting company culture.…