Why Executive Placement Needs a Talent Agent Approach

Over the past few months, I've been quite busy "recruiting". This term has been part of my vocabulary since I was young, playing football at a club level, and it referred to capturing other young talent to join the team. As I got into the world of hospitality, I quickly realized that my success as a leader depended on the quality of my recruitment practices. The better I recruited top talent around me, the more effective I became.

Now that I'm officially "recruiting", I realized that this approach was extremely limited. Being on the receiving end of traditional recruitment practices throughout my career, I realized that they were extremely transactional. Think about this: how often do you research the recruiter that is connecting with you for any given role?

I also consider the fact that, by now, I know the 3 or 4 people I should call if I need help finding the right talent. Why? Because they have taken a long-term, relationship driven approach. They got to know me, my style as a leader, and what I was looking for in any given situation. This is the approach I've decided to take with my Executive Placement opportunities.

I decided to go against the grain and rethink the way we treat human capital.

In today’s fast-paced business world, finding the right person for the right role is not a one-time task. It’s a journey, an ongoing commitment. People change. Companies evolve. Roles morph. Thus, it’s more about fostering relationships that stand the test of time and reflect the values we hold dear—values that ultimately shape our reputation.

My journey in reshaping executive placement was inspired by my early experiences as a high-level football player, where I saw firsthand how athletes were treated, guided, and managed throughout their careers. Talent agents in sports don’t just place players on teams—they nurture and advocate for them, providing ongoing support to help them thrive in the high-stakes world of competitive sports. This approach stuck with me, shaping the way I view executive placement.

Through observing how talent agents work in industries like sports and entertainment, I’ve crafted a different approach to executive placement. Rather than focusing solely on placement, my approach is about truly representing exceptional individuals—what I call “Unicorns.” These are professionals who aren’t just great at what they do; they’re the best, bringing both success and substance wherever they go. My role as a Talent Agent is about more than just the role they’ll fill; it’s about ensuring they have the mentorship and support needed to thrive throughout their careers.

Rather than focusing solely on placement, my approach is about truly representing exceptional individuals.

I'm a Talent Agent, not a Recruiter

Traditional recruiters often approach the job with a single goal: to place a candidate and move on. But a Talent Agent’s work doesn’t end once an offer is signed. Much like a talent agent in Hollywood who nurtures and advocates for their client’s long-term growth, a Talent Agent in the executive world is committed to a continuous relationship—one that prioritizes alignment of values and supports mutual growth for the organization and the individual.

“Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story.” - Casey Stengel

This quote speaks volumes to me. For a team or an organization to excel, the right talent isn’t just a checkbox; it’s about nurturing these individuals within the right culture and environment. My role isn’t about finding talent alone; it’s about ensuring they can thrive and elevate the team they join.

Each Placement is a Relationship, not a Transaction

Building deep, trust-based relationships is fundamental to the Talent Agent approach. Simon Sinek, in Leaders Eat Last, puts it perfectly:

“The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.”

To me, a Talent Agent’s role isn’t only about presenting a “perfect” candidate; it’s about cultivating an environment where this candidate and the organization can grow together.

As part of this commitment, I work closely with candidates, supporting them not just as they transition into a role but as they continue to grow. My conversations go beyond resumes and job descriptions—I focus on aspirations, challenges, and the unique strengths each individual brings. Similarly, with clients, I dig deep into their culture and long-term goals, ensuring every placement aligns with a shared vision.

I Represent Unicorns

A Talent Agent champions their candidates, not just placing them but positioning them to shine. My work with Unicorns—top professionals with unique strengths and unwavering commitment to excellence—is about far more than matching skills to requirements. It’s about curating individuals who bring value, impact, and resilience to every role they undertake.

Daniel Coyle, in his book The Talent Code, explains the importance of “deep practice” and “master coaching” in developing talent. He writes, “Talent is not born; it’s grown.” This idea drives my approach to representing these exceptional leaders, helping them find roles that inspire them and challenge them to reach new heights. Through mentorship and personal investment, I help ensure that every candidate I place is set up to make a lasting impact.

Let's Focuse on Legacy

Being a Talent Agent is about creating legacies, not transactions. For me, success is measured by the transformations my placements bring, not just by a title or role. It’s an ethos that reminds me daily of the responsibility I hold in representing both clients and candidates.

Jim Collins, in Good to Great, states, “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.” My work revolves around matching vision with the people who can bring it to life. Every placement is a commitment to excellence—a reflection of the core values that I uphold as a “matchmaker” of talent and potential.

Let's Connect

The shift from recruiter to Talent Agent requires embracing the role of mentor, guide, and relationship builder. I’m passionate about this journey, knowing that every placement is more than just a job filled—it’s a future shaped, a partnership created, and a legacy left behind.

As I continue to develop this approach, I’m grateful for the chance to work with incredible leaders and Unicorns who share this dedication to purpose-driven impact. Together, we’re not just filling roles; we’re building futures, fostering growth, and inspiring excellence.

And to me, that’s the true meaning of being a Talent Agent.