At full speed in Monte Carlo!
Kennedy Executive Search network meeting in Monaco
Every year, the partners in the Kennedy Executive Network meet in one of the partner’s cities. This year, Monte Carlo, famous for its F1 Grand Prix, provided the stunning backdrop for the annual meeting. Kennedy’s local partner Frisenberg J. & Associates, represented by its president, Caroline Frisenberg, hosted the three-day event. Partners from across the globe traveled to the microstate on the French Riviera to discuss Kennedy’s plans and priorities for the future. The meeting in the Riviera Marriott Hotel was a great success and the perfect blend of business and enjoying what the beautiful location has to offer
Going forward
One of the main objectives of the meeting was to evolve Kennedy’s vision and strategic plan. To achieve this, attendees had prepared themselves with analyzing global talent market dynamics and Kennedy’s current situation to project the desired future for the network. The strategic planning workshop was led by reputed strategy consultant and facilitator Luca Signoretti.
The outcome resulted in in a list of five of priorities to tackle in the coming months. To make sure that these priorities are given due consideration, working groups have been established. Each is led by a partner with expert knowledge on the subject matter. The working groups will be working on this in the coming year and will propose concrete steps for execution later in the year. In no particular order these priorities are:
Development of a shared services platform
Kennedy partners will be able to share critical resources efficiently, including research experts, website design and maintenance, marketing support, ATS and CRM systems. Other than time and money saved, sharing resources ensures consistent quality while allowing smooth and effective collaborations between members. The project team for this effort will be led by Gyorgy Kobelrausch, from Ikelosz Executive Search in Budapest, Hungary.
Cross-country client support and development expansion
Kennedy is a network of very selected local experts that together provide clients with an outstanding executive search and talent development consulting service wherever they need it. How can we enable international clients to further benefit from the services of partners in other countries or territories or help them with cultural insights and understanding? With so many nationalities and languages spoken between the partners, the possibilities are endless. Veerle Van De Vijver, from Tavernier & Van De Vidjer in Ghent, Belgium will spearhead this important initiative.
Marketing Effectiveness
Kennedy members agreed higher level of cross-collaboration is indispensable to reach and take their message to current and new clients around the world. Partner Saltor Talent in Spain has achieved outstanding results. Therefore, we are fortunate to now have Barcelona-based Saltor team member Alvaro Carcel driving this effort.
A Shared Toolbox
How can we turn the success of one partner, into the success of another? How can we learn from each other’s best practices and benefit from each other’s expertise? This will benefit both ourselves and our clients. Our field is at the intersection of business and social. That means we need to stay aware of trends and change in both business, and society. Many of our partners have studied and innovate in areas such as talent assessment, inclusion, equality, employer and employee branding. Monaco partner Caroline Frisenberg will work with a very experience member team to operationalize this particular knowledge so that all members can capitalize it.
Further development of Kennedy’s unique value proposition
What will make Kennedy continue to stand out in terms of service, knowledge, and value for partners, clients and candidates? Frank Knudsen from DNA Headhunting in Copenhagen, Denmark is leading the team that will help answer this key question.
Building Trust while socializing
An integral part of business is, or should be, quality non-business time: relaxation and fun. Kennedy’s meetings are known for the great mix of business and socializing. The meeting in Monaco was no exception. To be fair, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy yourself in this piece of heaven on earth. It started on Sunday, the day all the partners arrived in Monte Carlo. Local partner Caroline Frisenberg showed an unmistakable talent as a tour guide as she guided us through her city. Caroline also turned out to be the perfect hostess and opened her house, and beautiful terrace with spectacular views, for informal drinks. With influences from both French and Italian cuisine, the dinners were no punishment either, particularly the capstone dinner and cocktails at the trendy Buddha Bar in Monte Carlo’s stunning casino.
Next year
Traditionally, on the last day of the meeting, it is decided where the next meeting will take place. In 2023, Integrated People Solutions, our partner in Denver, will host us in Aspen, Colorado, USA. This year a record of 22 partners from 14 countries, representing 18 of Kennedy’s 25 partner offices joined. Hopefully, we can top this in Aspen next year. We can’t wait.
Photography: Ed Wright