A New Kind of Leader

For years, young professionals have been choosing a different path. They start their careers at large organizations, gain experience through corporate traineeships, and then move on to startups, scale-ups, or launch businesses of their own. Flexibility, impact, and a clear time horizon are their guiding principles.

What’s striking?
This movement is no longer limited to early-career professionals.

The Entrepreneurial Leader

More and more C-suite leaders are making bold career shifts. In recent conversations with executives, I’ve heard a recurring theme: following a reorganization, a difference of opinion with the board, or simply a desire for more purpose, they decide to change direction.

Some launch their own ventures — and this wave of independent leadership shows no signs of slowing. Others combine multiple roles at fast-moving companies. One managing director recently told me: “I wanted to create something again — not just manage.”
That sentiment cuts to the heart of the matter.

The numbers back this up: a 2024 McKinsey analysis shows that 38% of senior executives in Europe are considering a flexible or independent role within the next two years. This shift requires a new mindset — not only from executive search firms, but also from boards and shareholders. They must move beyond traditional résumés and start hiring based on vision and adaptability.

The Seasonal CEO: Leadership That Makes a Difference

One trend I’ve written about before — and which continues to grow — is the rise of the Seasonal CEO.
These are leaders who intentionally step into temporary roles with a clear mission: lead a transformation, navigate a crisis, or guide a company through a critical phase. They step in, make impact, and move on.

I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful this focused approach can be.
But it takes a different kind of leader: someone who can move fast, bring others along, and drive real results — without getting tangled in bureaucracy or outdated ways of working.

📰 Also read: Ineke Kooistra on Elin Partners – “Leadership makes or breaks companies”

This trend is gaining momentum.
A 2023 Harvard Business Review article reported a 20% rise in interim and project-based C-suite roles in the U.S. since 2019 — and we’re seeing a similar shift in Europe. This evolution demands a new approach to executive search: less focus on tenure, more on emotional intelligence, agility, and trust-building. Because a seasonal CEO who only manages KPIs? They won’t cut it. Today’s leadership is about earning trust fast and leading with empathy.

When Love Brands Start to Struggle

Five years ago, love brands — companies with vibrant cultures, innovative products, and rapid growth — were the most desirable places to work.
But now, many of them are hitting a wall. Growth is slowing, and their appeal is fading.

Some companies keep their CEOs in place too long — even when there’s high turnover or cultural disconnect. Others opt for a CFO-style leader, or post job ads asking for the impossible: “We’re looking for a leader who understands operational excellence, can triple revenue in two years, and build a rock-solid KPI structure.” Really?

I get the instinct — but is that truly the solution?
Too often, we look for "blue" leaders — process-driven types who reduce everything to spreadsheets.
But real growth starts with people, not just numbers.

In my experience, companies thrive when leaders bring warmth, recognize hidden talent, and build a culture of trust.
Leadership should not become cold at the top.

A 2023 McKinsey study supports this: companies with a human-centered culture outperform their peers financially by 25%.
So why do we keep defaulting to profiles that only optimize processes?

📰 Also read: Ineke Kooistra – “Hard work or smart leadership? Time for a reality check in the boardroom.”

Trust Is the Foundation

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Trust is the foundation of great leadership.

Whether you’re a Seasonal CEO or in a long-term role, the ability to inspire and engage people is key.
You don’t build trust through KPIs alone — it comes from clear communication, shared ownership, and meaningful dialogue.

A recent 2024 Gallup study shows that companies with highly engaged employees are 23% more profitable and experience 66% lower turnover. That’s not a coincidence. That’s leadership that works.

Executive Search at a Crossroads

The field of executive search is at a turning point.
It’s time to move away from cookie-cutter profiles and start looking for leaders who fit today’s world: flexible, people-first, and ready to create impact — whether for a season or for the long run.

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