On The Water ~
Over the years, I have found many parallels between the Executive Search industry and my second favorite hobby – fishing. Both have their challenges which I enjoy – but require you to adapt to situations along the way in order to get the best possible results.
This past year, I had the opportunity to appear as a guest on the fishing show “Lake Commandos” with host and Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame member, Steve Pennaz. Steve’s been filming for over 30 years and yet every episode he produces is unpredictable and unique.
During our day of fishing with lightweight tackle for 3-5 pound walleyes and bass, Steve hooked a massive, 70 pound Lake Sturgeon on a Medium-Light fishing rod, spooled with only 8 pound test line! Somewhere in the heat of the battle, we realized that we had one of those unpredictable curveballs to contend with – we didn’t have a landing net big enough to safely land the fish.
After an almost hour-long battle, the fish (and both of us too!) eventually began to tire. Steve finally got the fish next to the boat. My job was basically to became a human landing net. So I reached down and grabbed the body of the fish and “barrel-rolled” it into the boat. It was important to subdue the gator-like tail to prevent it from coming back to life and turning into a WWE tag-team match in the back of the boat!
Click this link to watch a 90 second video that condenses the fight and eventual successful catch and release of the Sturgeon https://vimeo.com/439063016
In The Office ~
Like Steve, I’ve been in my field for over 3 decades and can honestly say that my job is different every day. Each executive search is unique and requires thinking on your feet, resiliency and yes, always adapting to what comes your way. A few examples come to mind – –
Adapt to Market Opportunities
A couple years ago, I was working with a client that was in the middle of interviewing a short list of final candidates for a critical leadership role on their executive team. They were anxious to conclude the search and make an offer. However, later that day, we learned that two of their largest competitors had just announced they were merging. The potential role redundancy and uncertainty created in those merging companies presented an opportunity for us.
I asked that my client not proceed with an offer until I recontacted one particular high-potential individual at one of the merging companies. Long story short, she not only agreed to interview but became the unanimous top candidate and was eventually selected for the position. I was reminded of the valuable lesson of adapting to market changes and always being opportunistic on behalf of your client.
Improvise When Necessary
I also re-call a CEO search years ago where the chosen candidate was returning to the US from an international assignment. The new CEO was excited to get started in his new role, and the family was looking forward to returning stateside as well. Well, everyone except maybe the 12 year old Golden Retriever who was a bit anxious to travel.
Our new CEO took a different flight than his family to visit several company sites his first week on the job. His spouse, two small children and their heavily-sedated 70 pound dog were delayed on a different flight and didn’t land until late the following day.
Around midnight, I received a call to see if I could drive to the airport and “assist” carrying a sleeping Old Yeller to their vehicle. I agreed and drove to the airport in a 30 mph wind. When I arrived, fortunately I didn’t have to “barrel-roll” the dog, but no one else was big enough to help me either. I ended up carrying 70 pounds of dead weight about half a block in below zero temperatures. Finally, I made a “safe release” into one of the girls waiting arms in their warm car. Little did I know that it was actually really good training for a future Lake Commandos show several years later!
Conclusion
The old saying is that “Change is the only Constant.” Whether its fishing, executive search or other pursuits in life – it helps to always be aware of changing dynamics, to problem solve, keep your knees bent – and adapt as necessary. Feel free to contact us if your organization is in need of executive leadership talent and you need a guide for the journey.
If you are interested in seeing the entire Lake Commandos “Sturgeon” episode – it can be viewed on the Outdoor Channel beginning on March 8th and will air several more times depending on what market you are in. Lake Commandos is a 13 episode program and all of this seasons shows will air throughout Q2 on the following days (times are EST):
Lake Commandos – Outdoor Channel Schedule
Sundays 11:30 AM
Mondays 9:30 AM
Wednesday 6:30 AM
Saturdays 7:00 AM