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

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Executive Recruiting 101: Secrets to Getting on an Executive Recruiters Radar

About 85% of jobs come from your professional network, and another 10% come from executive recruiters. So how do you find one if you haven't been in the job market for a decade? The Godfather is here to help.

Mark Wayman

a business man with a briefcase running to the right with a large sign behind him that says "Change of Plan"

Job Tips for Unemployed Executives

The White-Collar Recession started in May 2023, and the job market has been dreadful ever since. If you are unemployed, it's especially challenging. Here are The Godfather's career tips, no sugar coating, just the truth.

Mark Wayman

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

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

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