Leadership Insights.

Executive hiring is as much art as science. The Foundation Talent has spent decades at the intersection of both. Browse the latest writing on leadership, executive careers, hiring strategy, industry trends, and what it really takes to build a team that performs when it counts.

Insights from The Foundation Talent

Insights from The Foundation Talent

business man stacking blocks that have the words career limiting move written on them

Counteroffers: The World's Most Career-Limiting Move

My completely unscientific survey shows 85% of executives who accept a counteroffer are terminated within 12 months. Do you really think your employer likes you leveraging them for a few extra dollars? Let me give you two real examples of why you should never accept a counteroffer.

Mark Wayman

If They Treat You Poorly as a Candidate, Do You Really Want to Work There?

I'm going to tell you the story of how NOT to treat people. In my 22 years owning an executive recruiting company, I have never had a candidate treated this way. This should be an HR case study. The intent is not to call out the company. Admire and respect the CEO. The purpose of this post is to say, "You will never hire quality executives if you treat them this way." I submitted a VP level candidate, and the first two phone interviews were positive. They invited him for a pr

mwayman2

You Are Family, Until the Day You Are Not - Career Advice

Last week I received resumes from several people who ignored my outreach just a year ago. Ghosted my emails. Didn't respond to my LinkedIn requests. Now they need help. Here's the career advice I give everyone, before they ever need a recruiter.

Mark Wayman

an asian man sitting at a desk with a laptop staring off into space

Job Hugging: Smart Career Strategy or Playing It Too Safe?

Job hugging, staying in a job longer than usual for comfort or security, is on the rise. In an uncertain market, that's understandable. But is it the right move for you? Here's how to think through it, depending on where you are in your career.

Mark Wayman

sad woman looking at the box that includes all of the items packed up from her work desk.

Long-Term Employee Facing a Layoff? Here's What to Do.

Anyone who understands how private equity works knows exactly what's coming. Hundreds, if not thousands, will be in the reduction in force. If you're a long-term employee at a company facing that kind of pressure, here's my honest advice on when to stay, when to go, and how to protect yourself either way.

Mark Wayman

script typography that says Do What You Love

Don't Chase Your Dreams. Do This Instead.

Everybody has dreams. Doesn't mean you're going to be that thing. After a brief career as a professional bowler, a tech executive, and two successful company exits, including one acquired by IBM for $75M, I've learned that finding what you're talented at beats chasing what you think you want. Here's what that looks like in practice.

Mark Wayman

woman interviewing for a job with a group of three: two women and a man, with concerned looks on their faces.

The Red Flag Interview Question That Could End Your Job Search

More than any other interview question, "Why did you leave your last job?" has the potential to end things right there. After 22 years in executive recruiting, I've heard every version of the wrong answer. Here's what to say instead.

Mark Wayman