From Functional Expert to Enterprise Leader: What Changes at the Next Level
A strong functional track record is often what gets an executive considered for a broader leadership role. It is also where many succession decisions become more difficult. The capabilities that make someone an excellent CFO, Sales Director, Operations Director or HR leader are not necessarily the same capabilities that will make that person successful when […]
Read more
When the Executive Search Brief Changes: What the Market Is Really Telling You
An Executive Search rarely develops exactly as it looked on day one. A company starts with a clear idea of the executive it needs. There is a title, a reporting line, a list of responsibilities and usually a set of criteria that seem non-negotiable. Then the market starts talking back. Strong candidates may challenge assumptions […]
Read more
One Leadership Role, Three Different Expectations
How CEOs, Boards and HR can align on the mandate, the trade-offs and the final hiring decision Everyone has approved the job description. The search begins. Several credible executives are assessed and a shortlist reaches the final interview stage. Then a question emerges that should have been answered much earlier: what, exactly, is this person […]
Read more
Leading Through Change: 25 Years in Executive Search
Over the past twenty-five years, leadership in Romania — and across Europe — has changed profoundly. Markets opened, organizations matured, and expectations of leaders evolved from authority and control to adaptability, purpose, and responsibility. Leading Through Change: 25 Years in Executive Search captures these shifts through twenty-five concise lessons drawn from real leadership journeys. The book [...] Read more
Season’s Greetings
As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank our clients, partners, and candidates for the trust, collaboration, and shared journeys that defined this year. Leadership is built through people — through meaningful conversations, courageous decisions, and partnerships grounded in respect. We are grateful to walk this path together with leaders and […]
Read more
25 Years of Leadership, Collaboration, and Global Friendship
Last week, Pendl & Piswanger | InterSearch Romania celebrated its 25th anniversary together with InterSearch colleagues from across the world who joined us in Bucharest for the InterSearch Academy, European Group Meeting, and Industrial Practice Group Meeting. It was an inspiring week — full of learning, collaboration, and celebration. We worked hard, exchanged ideas, built new bridges… and yes, [...] Read more
Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet
Tomorrow’s leaders might have job titles that don’t even exist today. Think: AI Ethics Auditor, Climate Adaptation Manager, Quantum Computing Specialist, Personal Data Broker. These are roles on the horizon, blending technology, ethics, and adaptability. We know that leadership isn’t only about today’s requirements. It’s about preparing for the unknown, spotting potential early, and shaping [...] Read more
AI vs Human Touch: Why Executive Search is not just about data, but about people
Artificial intelligence is changing recruitment — fast. It can analyze thousands of profiles in seconds, recognize patterns, and even predict performance. But there’s one thing it still can’t do: understand people. At Pendl & Piswanger | InterSearch Romania, part of the global InterSearch network, we embrace AI tools to gain speed and structure — yet we [...] Read more