Do you find yourself intrigued by the seemingly elusive mechanics of identifying and securing top-tier executive talent?
In this insightful episode, host Denise Cooper interviews Deborah Snow Walsh, an experienced executive search professional. Snow Walsh offers a profound exploration of the executive search industry, providing guidance for both search firms and businesses in search of talent. Deborah emphasizes the significance of a 'white page mentality' for search firms, suggesting a receptive approach that prioritizes understanding the client's needs. Her experiences illuminate the value of identifying and advocating for talented individuals who may have been overlooked in traditional recruitment processes.
For businesses seeking talent, she recommends a thoughtful approach to choosing a search firm, much like interviewing potential employees. Our guest highlights the importance of finding a firm that listens more than it talks, one that provides insightful feedback, and can identify candidates who will suit not just the current state of the company, but its future direction.
Denise Cooper's conversation with Snow Walsh is a masterclass on talent acquisition and the intricacies of the executive search process, providing both search firms and companies with valuable insights into finding and placing the right talent. If you've been looking to better understand the subtleties of hiring for executive positions, this is the episode for you.
THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW
- What questions should you ask yourself when determining is this the right search firm for me? [08:42]
- How do search quality consultants help you determine which candidate to hire when you're presented with multiple qualified applicants? [13:16]
- How do you verify that the search consultant is a reputable extension of your company's brand and culture? [23:13]
KEEP UP WITH DEBORAH SNOW WALSH
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-snow-a0823b37
EPISODE RESOURCES
GUEST DEBORAH SNOW WALSH
Debbie is a builder of organizations and a talent executive, focused on DEI in thought and view. Those are her passions. She has a unique background in sales, having successfully started her career selling large benefits packages to the Fortune 200, working for AXA Equitable. She knew nothing about benefits, or the Fortune 200. She was recruited to Lee Hecht Harrison, where she excelled in selling outplacement and coaching services to large, multi national organizations. When she was recruited again into the search business, she was already focused on female and minority talent and made the decision to become an entrepreneur and open her own firm. Ultimately, her organization included ten professionals and served companies including IBM, JPMorgan Chase, the GAP, Pfizer, AXA Equitable, and Prudential among others. In 2011 she was recruited to Zurich Insurance to run Talent Acquisition, University Relations and Diversity. She enjoyed the opportunity to see talent in action and build an organization. She returned to outside search and ultimately her own firm. Her clients include those from her previous firm as well as CDW, Icahn Enterprises, Citizens Bank, Pet Supplies Plus, Bloomberg and AIG.
She focuses on everything Talent: acquisition, development, management, assimilation, experience and retention. Debbie’s expertise is in consulting with corporations on their internal policies and practices to make them efficient, executive search and executive coaching. She has been involved with HRPS, was co-chair of its annual conference and various planning committees. She is part of the original CHREATE team, understanding and addressing the HR leadership of 2025. She is frequent and popular speaker before business groups.
Brown and Brown Insurance Company which serves other insurance company. Head of Talent for them.
