In today’s fast-evolving recruitment landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just a competitive advantage—it’s essential. As businesses worldwide navigate the challenges of talent acquisition, leadership development, and technological advancements, events like the IESF Annual Conference serve as a critical platform for thought leaders to come together and share insights that shape the future of executive search.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the IESF (International Executive Search Federation) Annual Conference in Amsterdam—a gathering that brought together top minds from the executive search industry across the globe. Over three days of intensive learning, networking, and collaboration, we explored the intersection of global recruitment trends and local market demands. This conference was a prime example of how  global collaboration can have a profound local impact, benefiting both clients and candidates alike.

Day 1: Shaping the Future of Recruitment

The opening day of the conference was marked by lively discussions surrounding one of the most talked-about trends in the recruitment world today: the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With Bas van de Haterd leading the charge, we delved into how AI is poised to revolutionize executive search. These conversations were not merely theoretical. The integration of AI into recruitment processes is already reshaping how we identify, assess, and engage talent at the executive level.

AI’s ability to process large datasets, analyze candidate profiles more efficiently, and provide predictive analytics offers recruiters tools to enhance decision-making. However, as these discussions made clear, AI is not about replacing human judgment but rather augmenting it. By automating routine tasks and providing deeper insights into candidate behaviors and potential fit, AI allows recruiters to focus on what they do best—building relationships and understanding the nuances of organizational culture and leadership needs.

In addition to the AI discussions, Wendy Aendekerk and Arjan de Grijs MBA led a powerful HR panel discussion. The panel emphasized the growing need for agility in HR practices, particularly in light of the ongoing digital transformation affecting industries worldwide. The focus was on how companies can foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, which is essential in the fast-paced world of executive search. The insights from this panel reinforced the notion that leadership selection must align with a company’s evolving needs, especially as technology continues to drive change in almost every sector.

Day 2: Learning, Innovation, and Micro-Expressions

The second day of the conference offered a deep dive into both learning and innovation, beginning with an exploration of the Netherlands’ economic landscape with Gertjan Van de Groep. As a key player in the Dutch recruitment market, Gertjan provided valuable insights into the region’s business environment, highlighting trends that are likely to influence executive search in the coming years. His session underscored the importance of understanding local market dynamics within the broader context of global economic shifts—a crucial consideration for any executive search firm operating in today’s interconnected world.

A key highlight of Day 2 was the presentation by Christian Smith, our new partner from Level Recruitment. His presentation on emerging recruitment strategies sparked meaningful conversations around innovation in the recruitment process, especially in how we attract and retain top talent in a competitive global market. Christian’s insights added a fresh perspective to the conference and emphasized the importance of continuously evolving our recruitment practices to stay relevant.

One of the standout sessions of the day was Job Boersma’s Masterclass on Micro-Expressions. For those unfamiliar, micro-expressions are subtle facial expressions that occur within a fraction of a second, often revealing a person’s true feelings before they consciously mask them. Understanding these fleeting expressions can be a game-changer in executive search, particularly during interviews. During the masterclass, we had the opportunity to put our new skills to the test with a live actor, offering a hands-on approach to identifying and interpreting these critical non-verbal cues. This session underscored the importance of emotional intelligence in recruitment—a reminder that even as AI grows in prominence, the human touch remains irreplaceable.

Rounding off the day, we returned to technology with a session led by Wim de Kruijf, Dominique Hommes, and Kirsten Hummel-van de Groep. Their presentation showcased how AI and other cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the recruitment industry. As we discussed the potential of these tools to enhance our efficiency and accuracy in talent identification, it became clear that  innovation is not just about adopting new tools—it’s about transforming the way we think about recruitment altogether.

Day 3: Celebrating Excellence Across Borders

The final day of the conference was a celebration of excellence, collaboration, and the power of a global network. As executive search professionals, we often work across borders, bridging cultural and geographic divides to connect the right talent with the right opportunities. The IESF Cross Border Awards recognized those who have excelled in this area, highlighting the importance of  international collaboration in today’s business world.

This year, the Top Assignor Awards were given to:
– Canada:           Normand Lebeau, Mandrake
– Netherlands: Gertjan Van de Groep, Wim de Kruijf , Van de Groep & Olsthoorn
– Israel:              Dror Katabi, Kishurim HR

On the other side, the Top Assignee Awards were presented to:
– USA:                Steve Hall, CPC, Find Great People
– China:             Daniel Liu, Dynamic Resources
– Germany:      Stephan Löw, TOPOS Personalberatung GmbH

These awards represent the power of collaboration in finding and placing the best leaders across the globe. They also underscore the value of the IESF network, where members work together to deliver exceptional results for their clients, regardless of location.

As the conference came to a close, I left Amsterdam with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of new ideas to bring back to my clients in Poland. The lessons learned over these three days will undoubtedly shape my approach to executive search in the months and years to come. Whether it’s embracing AI, refining our emotional intelligence skills through tools like micro-expressions, or fostering deeper international collaborations, the future of recruitment is bright—and I’m excited to be part of it.

Looking Ahead: Applying Insights Locally

As I return from this IESF Annual Conference, one thing is abundantly clear: the future of recruitment is global, innovative, and deeply interconnected. The insights and innovations shared at the IESF Annual Conference will allow me to better serve my clients in Poland and beyond. By leveraging new technologies, understanding local market dynamics, and collaborating with our global partners, I am confident that we can help businesses find the leaders who will shape their future.

A special thank you to all my IESF partners for your dedication and to our Dutch hosts for the warm welcome! Together, we are transforming the future of executive search.