AC Lion Digital Executive Search

Expanding into the US is a game-changer for many tech companies—but it takes more than a stellar product to succeed. In this edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, we’re diving into how the right leadership team can make or break your entry into the US market. Here’s what you’ll discover: ✅ Key Insights into the US Talent Market: What makes this hiring pool both rich and challenging? ✅ Cross-Cultural Leadership: Why adaptability and cultural fluency are essential for cohesive teams. ✅ Building for Growth: How scalable leadership ensures sustained success. ✅ Regulatory Expertise: Avoid pitfalls with leaders who understand complex US compliance. ✅ Leveraging Networks for Success: How AC Lion connects companies with industry leaders and decision-makers. Whether you're a tech startup venturing into the US or an established company aiming to scale smarter, this edition is packed with actionable advice to shape your recruitment strategy and drive long-term success. 👉 Don’t miss out! Subscribe now and get exclusive insights to fuel your international growth.

If you're excited about the potential of Generative AI (GenAI) to transform businesses and customer experiences, you're not alone. Kenneth Lin from Credit Karma shares insights on how leaders can leverage GenAI to truly innovate in an article for Fast Company. His piece offers an interesting perspective on the necessity for rapid exploration, the importance of prompt engineering, and why staying static in this area might lead your business to be left behind. This is a must-read for anyone curious about the endless possibilities GenAI holds for reimagining products and services. What are your thoughts? Have you considered how GenAI could revolutionize your product or enhance your offerings? https://lnkd.in/gZvYKPrT #GenerativeAI #Technology #BusinessTransformation

In recruitment, using a diverse range of assessment methods is essential for understanding a candidate’s personality and suitability for the job. It's important to combine objective testing with subjective evaluation to get a well-rounded view. Here are some methods to consider: 1. Traditional questionnaires and surveys 2. Behavioral interviews 3. Role-playing and simulations 4. Psychometric testing 5. Gamified assessments 6. Social media analysis 7. Peer reviews and references 8. Group activities and team assessments Each method offers unique insights and contributes to a more comprehensive evaluation process. For more details, check out the full article below: https://lnkd.in/gkd9yTid #Recruitment #CandidateAssessments #HiringTips

Learning from the best in new-venture building can transform your approach to success. Recent research from McKinsey Digital reveals that ventures with expert strategies in place can achieve 3.4 times more revenue in their fifth year compared to those without. Here are some key insights from the article: 1. Adopt a disciplined portfolio approach: Experts spread their investments across multiple ventures, averaging six new ventures in five years, compared to fewer than two for novices. This strategic spread increases the chances of hitting market needs effectively. 2. Secure dedicated funding: Committing financial resources upfront is crucial. Experts are significantly more likely to have dedicated funding, leading to larger, more scalable ventures. 3. Balance independence with core connection: While leveraging the core organization's assets is beneficial, experts grant new ventures independence to navigate their own paths, often exploring entirely new industries. 4. Ensure C-suite support: A C-suite sponsor can be a game-changer. Experts are likelier to have dedicated leaders focusing on venture creation, ensuring strategic alignment and support. 5. Build a dedicated team: Forming a specialized team with expert talent is pivotal for growth. Experts often have flexible compensation to attract top talent and foster skills within their teams. 6. Look beyond internal capabilities: Successful builders often acquire businesses or form partnerships to fill capability gaps, significantly boosting revenue potential. Read McKinsey's full article if you want to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eiZjRp9e

a true honor. excited to get more involved in Dejassi Africa https://lnkd.in/dbakJsNw

The right talent can make or break your business. In growing fields like fintech, AI, and marketing tech, having a skilled, adaptable team is crucial. Success often depends on finding the right people and building a team that can keep up with the pace of innovation. Here’s what matters most when building a talent team that will drive your business forward: 1. Lay a strong foundation. Your team is the backbone of your business. Starting with the right people sets the stage for long-term success. 2. Pinpoint key skills. Look closely at your goals. Which skills will support them? Knowing this helps you find the perfect fit. 3. Build an employer brand that attracts. The best talent wants to join companies with a standout culture. Show why your workplace is where they’ll thrive. 4. Use tech to streamline hiring. Smart tools can help you find quality candidates fast. AI-powered recruitment can make sure the right people are seeing your openings. 5. Network with purpose. Industry contacts and referrals are gold mines for talent. Be active in your field and build genuine connections. 6. Offer competitive packages. Top talent expects fair pay and growth opportunities. Stay in line with industry standards and offer perks like flexibility and career development. 7. Make a great first impression. From the first interview to the onboarding process, show candidates why they’ll love working with you. 8. Foster a team-centered environment. In growing industries, teamwork is everything. Create a culture where ideas and skills are shared openly. 9. Focus on retention. Retaining great talent takes real commitment. Provide learning opportunities, respect work-life balance, and make your team feel valued. 10. Keep evaluating your approach. Talent needs evolve. Regularly check in on your hiring strategy to make sure it’s still aligned with your business goals. Out of interest, what’s one quality you think every great team member should have? We’re AC Lion, a leading recruitment firm specializing in high-growth sectors like fintech, AI, and marketing tech. Building a team that drives success takes insight and strategy - if you’re looking to grow, feel free to get in touch.

Some boards thrive; others struggle. Success in board governance doesn’t happen by chance - it’s built on four essential pillars that elevate a board from passive to proactive, from stumbling to strategic. Corporate failures and high-profile scandals show what’s at stake. Effective boards drive value, resilience, and long-term stability for organizations and their stakeholders. Many boards face complex risks, demand for transparency, and strategic growth challenges. However, a board can become a weak spot or even a liability without a clear framework. Strengthening governance begins with the Four Pillars: - People - Information Architecture - Structures & Processes - Group Dynamics. Each pillar is essential, and together, they’re transformative. Here’s how: 1. People: High-caliber, dedicated members determine the board’s value. It’s not enough to have strong résumés; members must bring focused knowledge and commitment that align with the company’s mission. 2. Information Architecture: Boards need structured, strategic, and diverse information, going beyond management reports to include real-time insights and external perspectives. 3. Structures & Processes: Clear structures and processes keep boards on track with the right committees, reporting lines, and ongoing evaluations. Strategy, risk, and CEO succession processes are especially crucial. 4. Group Dynamics: Cohesive boards encourage respectful dissent, avoid groupthink, and ensure every voice is heard. Effective dynamics foster mutual respect and open, constructive dialogue. When these pillars are in place, boards become strategic assets. They safeguard against risk, drive innovation, and help the organization navigate challenges with confidence. Read the full article by Didier Cossin and José Caballero for more insights on building board effectiveness. https://lnkd.in/gCUuP-V

Leadership truly shines when it's powered by emotional intelligence. Richard Branson, the mind behind Virgin Group, put it perfectly: "Being a good listener, finding empathy, understanding emotions, communicating effectively, treating people well, and bringing out the best is critical to success," In business and life, these skills lay the foundation for building an organization that achieves its goals while valuing and nurturing its people. Branson's emphasis on emotional intelligence as a key to success encourages us to look beyond the numbers and recognize the strength of empathy, understanding, and clear communication. Consider this: - Listening opens doors to fresh ideas and shows respect for team members' input. - Empathy creates a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels important. - Understanding emotions smooths out the bumps, keeping the team resilient. - Clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page and moving forward together. - Treating people well fosters a positive environment, boosting morale and productivity. - Unlocking potential encourages ongoing growth and excellence in the team. Have you seen emotional intelligence in action in your workspace? How do you think these qualities impact day-to-day operations and long-term success? #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #ExecutiveSearch

Securing venture capital funding is essential for taking your startup to the next level. As a founder, you've put your all into your vision and built a talented team. However, potential investors are interested in more than just your idea—they're looking closely at the strength of your team. Here are some tips for attracting venture capital funding: - Emphasize a strong team: Highlight your team's skills, experience, and dynamics. Investors want to see a united group capable of realizing the vision and overcoming challenges. - Show evidence of progress: Provide proof of growth, whether through revenue, customer acquisition, or user engagement. This demonstrates potential for success. - Clearly present your business model: Ensure that your business model is well-defined, scalable, and has a clear path to profitability. A robust go-to-market strategy is vital. Read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/evkbFnGr #VentureCapital #Investment #StartUps

Understanding the main traits and characteristics that make a successful leader is crucial when hiring executive talent. Leadership is about guiding, influencing, and motivating others towards common goals. It requires a clear vision for the organization’s future, decision-making ability, inspiration, and responsibility. Here are just some of the key leadership traits to look for during recruitment: 1. Integrity: Honest and trustworthy leaders align their actions with their words, prioritizing the organization’s best interests. 2. Self-awareness: Understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, and values allows leaders to lead authentically and make informed decisions. 3. Creativity: Innovative thinking and finding unconventional solutions are essential for addressing problems effectively. 4. Flexibility: Adaptable leaders embrace change and new ideas, ensuring organizational agility. 5. Loyalty: Great leaders foster loyalty by supporting employees, offering development opportunities, and recognizing contributions. 6. Charisma: A compelling presence helps leaders inspire and influence employees, engaging them emotionally. #Leadership #Recruitment #BusinessGrowth