Executive Leadership

Leadership in the New Normal: What CEOs Will Look for in 2024

In our ever-evolving world, the role of a CEO is constantly being redefined. With technological advancements, societal shifts, and global challenges, leaders must adapt their approach to ensure their companies thrive in the new normal. As we look ahead to 2024, it is essential to understand what CEOs will be looking for in their leadership teams. In this article, we will explore the visionary qualities that CEOs seek, the importance of navigating digital transformation, and the growing need to embrace sustainability.

Visionary Leadership Qualities

To excel in the new normal, CEOs will be searching for leaders with visionary qualities. These are individuals who can foresee the future and inspire their teams to follow suit. Visionary leaders possess a deep understanding of their industry, anticipate forthcoming trends, and are not afraid to take calculated risks. They have the ability to envision the path forward and articulate a compelling vision that motivates and aligns their organizations.

CEOs understand that visionary leaders drive innovation and push boundaries. They recognize that complacency is the enemy of progress and that disruptive ideas are the fuel that propels organizations ahead of the competition. As such, CEOs will be seeking individuals who possess the ability to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and inspire their teams to embrace change.

Furthermore, visionary leaders are not only focused on the present and future, but they also have a deep appreciation for the past. They understand that history provides valuable lessons and insights that can shape their decision-making. By studying the successes and failures of those who came before them, visionary leaders can gain a broader perspective and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Moreover, visionary leaders are masters of communication. They possess the ability to clearly articulate their vision to their teams, stakeholders, and the wider public. They understand that effective communication is essential for gaining buy-in and support for their ideas. Whether it’s through powerful speeches, engaging presentations, or compelling storytelling, visionary leaders have the knack for capturing the hearts and minds of their audience.

Navigating Digital Transformation

As technology continues to reshape industries, CEOs understand the critical importance of navigating digital transformation. The rapid pace of innovation requires leaders who are digitally savvy and can leverage technology to drive growth and efficiency. CEOs will be seeking leaders who not only understand digital trends but can also capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Digital transformation is not just about implementing the latest technology; it is about fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. CEOs will be looking for leaders who are comfortable with ambiguity and have the ability to drive change within their organizations. These leaders will be adept at integrating digital innovations into their business strategies and ensuring their teams have the necessary skills to thrive in a digital-first world.

In today’s digital landscape, businesses must navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape to stay competitive. The rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics has transformed the way companies operate. CEOs recognize that harnessing the power of these technologies is essential for driving innovation and gaining a competitive edge.

Leaders who can successfully navigate digital transformation understand that it goes beyond simply adopting new technologies. It requires a holistic approach that encompasses people, processes, and technology. These leaders prioritize building a culture of digital fluency, where employees are encouraged to embrace new technologies and continuously learn and adapt. By fostering a culture of innovation, these leaders empower their teams to think creatively and find new ways to leverage technology to solve complex business challenges.

Embracing Sustainability

The importance of sustainability has never been more evident. CEOs recognize that consumers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the planet and that sustainable practices are not only good for the environment but also good for business. As such, CEOs will be seeking leaders who understand the importance of embracing sustainability and can integrate it into their business strategies.

Sustainability-minded leaders will be able to identify opportunities to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and develop products and services that meet the changing demands of environmentally conscious consumers. CEOs will be looking for individuals who can balance the short-term needs of their organizations with the long-term goals of sustainability. These leaders will understand that sustainability is not just a checkbox but a fundamental mindset that permeates every aspect of their business.

One area where sustainability-minded leaders can make a significant impact is in the supply chain. By working closely with suppliers, these leaders can ensure that the materials used in their products are sourced responsibly and ethically. They can also implement strategies to reduce transportation emissions by optimizing logistics and exploring alternative modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles or renewable energy-powered shipping methods.

Furthermore, sustainability-minded leaders can champion the adoption of renewable energy sources within their organizations. By investing in solar panels, wind turbines, or other clean energy technologies, these leaders can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also save on energy costs in the long run. They can also encourage employees to embrace sustainable practices in their daily work routines, such as turning off lights and computers when not in use, using reusable containers for meals, and promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives.

In conclusion, the new normal requires a new breed of CEOs and leaders. In 2024, CEOs will be looking for individuals who possess visionary qualities, can navigate digital transformation, and embrace sustainability. These leaders will be essential in driving their organizations forward and ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing world. As we move towards this future, aspiring leaders must develop these qualities and position themselves as the invaluable assets that CEOs will seek to join their ranks.

About Jennings Executive Search

Jennings Executive Search is a premier executive recruiting firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with leading companies in private equity, finance, pricing strategy, and consulting sectors. With a deep understanding of the nuanced needs of these industries, Jennings Executive Search stands out for its ability to source candidates who not only meet but exceed expectations.

Whether you are looking to build a robust team, find a transformative leader, or gain insights into talent trends in your industry, Jennings Executive Search is your trusted partner. Connect with us to discover how we can help elevate your organization’s talent strategy and drive success.

Innovative Leadership: Your Playbook to Thrive Amidst Lower Employee Purchasing Power

The modern business landscape is ever-evolving, presenting leaders with new challenges and opportunities at every turn. One pressing issue facing many executives today is navigating the realities of lower employee purchasing power. But what if we told you that there’s a playbook, steeped in innovative leadership strategies, that can help your team not just survive, but thrive, amidst these economic challenges? Let’s dive in.

Why Employee Purchasing Power Matters

Understanding the nuances of employee purchasing power is paramount for leaders, especially when its decline can have ripple effects across an organization. Here’s why this metric is more than just a reflection of economic health:

  1. Talent Attraction and Retention: In our extensive experience at Jennings Executive Search, we’ve seen firsthand how purchasing power influences talent decisions. When employees or potential hires perceive that their salaries won’t stretch as far as they used to, it can become a significant deterrent, making it challenging for companies to attract and retain the best talent.
  2. Productivity and Engagement: Lower purchasing power often translates to increased financial stress for employees. Financial worries can be a major distraction, affecting focus, creativity, and overall job performance. Engaged employees, who feel financially secure, are more likely to be innovative, committed, and productive.
  3. Company Reputation and Branding: In the age of transparency and social media, word gets around. Companies known for compensating fairly and helping employees maintain a decent purchasing power often have a better reputation, both in the consumer and talent markets. This reputation can be a significant advantage in competitive industries.
  4. Long-Term Organizational Health: Employees’ financial health is intertwined with organizational health. When employees feel financially secure and valued, they are more likely to invest their energy and loyalty into the company. This commitment can lead to reduced turnover rates, better team cohesion, and ultimately, sustained company growth.

Recognizing the gravity of employee purchasing power and its multi-dimensional impact can be the first step in formulating strategies to navigate its challenges. With the right approach and an understanding of the modern talent landscape, leaders can position their organizations for success, even in the face of economic headwinds.

The Power of Innovative Leadership

In our years at Jennings Executive Search, connecting transformative leaders with premium organizations, we’ve recognized that leadership in the modern era is about more than just decision-making; it’s about paving the way for adaptability, resilience, and innovation. Let’s delve deeper into the essence of innovative leadership:

  1. Proactive Vision: A hallmark of innovative leaders is their ability to anticipate change rather than just reacting to it. They’re continuously scanning the horizon for potential challenges, disruptions, and opportunities. By staying a step ahead, these leaders can guide their teams with foresight and preparedness.
  2. Nurturing a Culture of Innovation: True innovation isn’t about sporadic bursts of creativity but cultivating a culture where new ideas are encouraged, risks are managed, and failures are seen as learning opportunities. Innovative leaders champion environments where every voice matters, and every idea has potential.
  3. Leveraging Technology for Strategic Advantages: The leaders we’ve worked with emphasize the importance of leveraging technology not just as operational tools but as strategic assets. This means staying updated with technological trends and understanding how they can be integrated into business models for growth and efficiency.
  4. Flexibility and Adaptability: The business landscape is dynamic, and leaders must be ready to pivot their strategies when needed. This requires a mindset of adaptability, where change is embraced, and flexibility is built into the very fabric of the organization.
  5. Collaborative Decision-making: Gone are the days when leadership was a solitary role. Today’s innovative leaders understand the power of collaboration, often seeking input from diverse teams to make more informed, holistic decisions.
  6. Continual Learning and Growth: Innovative leadership is also about personal evolution. The best leaders prioritize their own professional development, staying updated with industry trends, leadership methodologies, and broadening their knowledge base. This continuous growth enriches their leadership style and brings fresh perspectives to the table.

From our vantage point, innovative leadership is the linchpin for companies aiming to navigate challenges like decreased employee purchasing power. As organizations grapple with evolving economic landscapes, such leaders are the guiding lights, ensuring not just survival but robust growth and development.

Championing Employee Benefits

Employee benefits are no longer just “nice-to-haves”; they are essential tools to attract and retain talent. A comprehensive benefits package signals an organization’s genuine commitment to its employees’ holistic well-being. According to a Glassdoor survey, about 57% of job applicants stated that benefits and perks are their top considerations before accepting a job. Companies like Salesforce and Patagonia, known for their extensive benefits packages, consistently rank high in “best places to work” lists. It’s clear that fostering an environment that prioritizes health, work-life balance, and professional growth can set a company apart in the competitive race for top talent.

Embrace Technology

In an age characterized by rapid technological advancement, organizations must remain agile and open to digital transformation. A survey by Deloitte highlighted that 85% of business leaders believe that AI will offer a competitive advantage in the future. However, embracing technology isn’t just about adopting the latest tools; it’s about integrating these tools strategically to drive operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and foster innovation. Financial giants like J.P. Morgan, for instance, have invested heavily in machine learning to identify trading signals faster than human analysts ever could. By staying ahead of the tech curve, businesses can ensure they’re not just keeping up, but leading in their respective industries.

Leading with Empathy

The best leaders are those who understand and value the human side of business. In a Gallup report, it was found that managers who lead with empathy have teams that are 17% more engaged. Especially in trying times or periods of change, empathetic leadership can be the anchor that keeps teams grounded and motivated. Companies like Microsoft, under Satya Nadella’s leadership, have emphasized empathy as a core leadership principle, attributing much of their recent success to this human-centered approach. Leading with empathy means truly understanding your team’s needs, challenges, and aspirations, and then tailoring your leadership style to support and uplift them. It’s a strategy that pays dividends not just in terms of employee satisfaction but also in tangible business outcomes.

Conclusion

Navigating the challenges of lower employee purchasing power requires a unique blend of foresight, innovation, and empathy. As a leader, you have the power to turn these challenges into growth opportunities, creating a resilient, motivated team ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

And remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Jennings Executive Search specializes in connecting visionary leaders with top-tier talent, ensuring your team is equipped to handle any economic challenge. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can support your leadership journey in these dynamic times.

About Jennings Executive Search

Jennings Executive Search is a premier executive recruiting firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with leading companies in private equity, finance, pricing strategy, and consulting sectors. With a deep understanding of the nuanced needs of these industries, Jennings Executive Search stands out for its ability to source candidates who not only meet but exceed expectations.

Whether you are looking to build a robust team, find a transformative leader, or gain insights into talent trends in your industry, Jennings Executive Search is your trusted partner. Connect with us to discover how we can help elevate your organization’s talent strategy and drive success.

Revolutionizing the Accounting Landscape: The Promising Role of AI in Accounting

Explore the revolutionary role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping the accounting sector, specifically its transformative impact on CPAs. Understand the changing dynamics of recruitment, the emerging skillsets in demand, and how firms, both big and small, are adapting to this technological metamorphosis.

Is Mentorship Right For You? Your Guide to Effective Mentoring

Wondering if mentorship is right for you? Here’s everything you know about being an effective mentor to help you decide.

What Is An Empathetic Leader? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What makes an empathetic leader, and why does it matter? Here’s everything you need to know about leading with empathy.

How to Manage a Remote Team: A Survival Guide

In this guide, we will go over 10 tips to manage a remote team successfully, from management tips to communication.

Building a Thriving Leadership Development Program and Why it Matters

Leadership development has never been more essential. Here’s why it matters so much and 6 ways you can get started.

6 Steps For Recruiting Executives The Right Way To Create Maximum Impact

Curious how you can effectively source your new leadership talent? Here are six steps to use when recruiting executives that ensure success.

Good Company Culture: What That Means And How To Create It

Good company culture is easy to discuss but much harder to implement. Here’s everything you need to know about company culture and how to build it.

10 Traits For The Best And Most Impactful Executive Leadership Possible

Executive leadership can grow or ruin a business depending on the leader. Here are the most important leadership traits that will expand your company.

Scroll to top

Brian Banister

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

BRIAN BANISTER IS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

BRIAN HAS A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERIENCE, HAVING WORKED IN STRATEGY & CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS, AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTING ROLES FOR LEADING COMPANIES AND CLIENTS IN THE HOSPITALITY, REAL ESTATE, MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, AND TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, AND TELECOM (TMT) SECTORS.

HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AT DELOITTE & TOUCHE, WORKING AS A LICENSED CPA. AFTER DELOITTE, BRIAN PIVOTED INTO CORPORATE FINANCE, WHERE HE HELD POSITIONS IN STRATEGY & CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP (IHG) AND COX COMMUNICATIONS, AS WELL AS AN FP&A ROLE AT BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP (BCG). THESE ROLES ALLOWED BRIAN TO GAIN VALUABLE EXPOSURE IN AREAS LIKE CLIENT SERVICES, STRATEGIC CONSULTING & PLANNING, FINANCIAL ANALYSIS, AND M&A AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY. HIS BACKGROUND, COMBINED WITH A PASSION FOR BUILDING LONG-TERM, VALUABLE RELATIONSHIPS, HAS LED HIM TO PURSUE A CAREER AS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER.

BRIAN’S EDUCATION INCLUDES BOTH A MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY DEGREE AND A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

Lori Shad

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

DRIVING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH PEOPLE IS OUR MISSION AND LORI’S PASSION AS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER WITH JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. SHE CONDUCTS THOROUGH RESEARCH ON EACH ROLE AND BUILDS STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH CANDIDATES TO HELP CONNECT PROFESSIONALS WITH THEIR NEXT GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

LORI SPENT 22 YEARS AT A FORTUNE 500 INSURANCE COMPANY IN PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, SALES/BUSINESS CONSULTING, AND RECRUITING ROLES. SHE USES THIS EXPERIENCE AS SHE SEARCHES FOR THE BEST TALENT TO HELP DRIVE CLIENT SUCCESS FORWARD. SHE’S FOCUSED ON DELIVERING RESULTS AND GETS THERE THROUGH DISCIPLINED AND TENACIOUS HARD WORK WITH AN EMPATHETIC, COMPASSIONATE, FUN, GENUINE, AND POSITIVE APPROACH. SHE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING CLIENTS ACHIEVE BUSINESS OBJECTIVES THROUGH UNDERSTANDING NEEDS, CREATING INDIVIDUAL, DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS, AND SOLVING PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND TEAMWORK.

LORI GRADUATED WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

Justin Graves

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

JUSTIN GRAVES IS AN ACCOUNT MANAGER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

JUSTIN HAS A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE WORKING WITHIN PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY ACCOUNTING. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH PATHSTONE FAMILY OFFICE PREPARING TAX RETURNS FOR HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS IN THE ATLANTA AREA. IN JANUARY 2015, HE JOINED COHNREZNICK, LLP, A TOP 10 PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, IN AUDIT & ASSURANCE WORKING PRIMARILY IN THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AND HOUSING MARKET. PRIOR TO JOINING JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH, JUSTIN WORKED AT FAST GROWING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, SS&C TECHNOLOGIES, WHERE HE WORKED IN THE REAL ASSETS DEPARTMENT DOING FUND ADMINISTRATION. JUSTING BRINGS OVER 4 YEARS OF TAX AND INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE.

JUSTIN GRADUATED WITH A BACHELORS OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ACCOUNTANCY FROM OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY, MAY 2014, IN ATLANTA, GA.

Justin Jennings

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

JUSTIN JENNINGS IS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. HE COMES FROM THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY WITH 15 YEARS OF MEDICAL SALES EXPERIENCE. HE ATTRIBUTES HIS SUCCESS IN SALES TO LISTENING AND LEARNING FROM HIS CUSTOMERS AND ENJOYS THE PROCESS OF SOLVING PROBLEMS. HE IS SKILLED AT DEVELOPING THE RIGHT ACTION PLAN FOR EACH OF HIS CLIENT’S UNIQUE NEEDS AND COMMITTED TO HELPING THEM CHOOSE THE BEST SOLUTION.

JUSTIN HAS TAKEN HIS SPIRIT AND PASSION FOR SELLING TO THE WORLD OF RECRUITING. HE HAS A GOAL OF SURPASSING HIS CLIENT’S EXPECTATIONS AND ASSISTING THEM WITH TALENT ACQUISITION.

JUSTIN GRADUATED WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT FROM GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. WHEN NOT AT WORK, YOU CAN FIND HIM ON HIS MOUNTAIN BIKE, THE GOLF COURSE, OR SKIING OUT WEST IN THE WINTERS.

Chip Locke

PRACTICE LEAD, TECHNOLOGY RECRUITING

CHIP LOCKE IS THE TECHNOLOGY RECRUITING PRACTICE LEAD FOR JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

CHIP BRINGS 15 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN TECHNOLOGY AND TECH RECRUITING INCLUDING HANDS-ON WORK AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AND BIG 4 SYSTEMS CONSULTANT. HE IS A TRUSTED CIO ADVISOR WITH EXPERIENCE ACROSS INDUSTRY VERTICALS AND A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS AND THE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF DELIVERY THAT ENABLE BUSINESS OPERATIONS. HIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES RECRUITING EXECUTIVES AND COLLABORATING WITH THEM FOR THE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IT ORGANIZATIONS. CHIP TAKES HIS ROLE AS SEARCH PARTNER SERIOUSLY, AND AS A TRUE PARTNER, HOLDS HIMSELF AND HIS TEAMS ULTIMATELY ACCOUNTABLE FOR DELIVERING ON CLIENTS’ HIRING GOALS.

HIS CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES CAN BE FOUND AT COMPANIES RANGING IN SIZE FROM STARTUP TO FORTUNE 500 ACROSS AVIATION, ENERGY, FINANCE, HEALTHCARE, HIGH-TECH, MANUFACTURING, RETAIL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS.

CHIP GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WITH A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

Brian Gelfand

PARTNER

BRIAN GELFAND IS A PARTNER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AT DELOITTE & TOUCHE IN AUDIT AND ENTERPRISE RISK SERVICES, WITH A FOCUS ON THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND REAL ESTATE INDUSTRIES. AT DELOITTE, BRIAN GAINED VALUABLE CORPORATE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR PUBLIC MORTGAGE SERVICING CORPORATION, AND A NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOUNDATION WITH OVER $10 BILLION IN ASSETS. BRIAN HAS PASSED ALL FOUR SECTIONS OF THE CPA EXAM ON HIS FIRST ATTEMPT.

BRIAN’S EDUCATION INCLUDES A MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY FROM KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY AND A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING FROM GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY.

Jon Jennings

FOUNDER / MANAGING PARTNER

JON JENNINGS IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER OF JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. ESTABLISHED IN 2014, HIS VISION WAS TO SHAPE A FIRM ANCHORED IN TRANSPARENCY AND VALUE CREATION. OVER THE YEARS, JON HAS HAD THE DISTINCT OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH AND LEARN FROM LEADING INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES, GLEANING INSIGHTS FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES AND COMBINING THIS KNOWLEDGE WITH THOROUGH RESEARCH. THIS HAS EQUIPPED HIM TO OFFER A DEEPER, MORE STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE ON ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN AND TALENT IDENTIFICATION.

FROM INITIALLY SPECIALIZING IN FINANCE, JON DOVE INTO PRICING AND EVENTUALLY INTO MORE BROAD COMMERCIAL STRATEGY. BY 2017, HE RECOGNIZED THAT EFFECTIVE PRICING STRATEGY HARMONIOUSLY MERGES FINANCE, PRODUCT, MARKETING, AND SALES. HE DISCERNED THAT PRICING, WITH ITS INTRICATE MIX OF ART AND SCIENCE, HAS THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER TO IMPACT NOT ONLY PROFITS BUT ALSO MARKET DYNAMICS AND AN ORGANIZATION’S OVERALL IDENTITY. TODAY, JON, TOGETHER WITH HIS EXPERIENCED TEAM OF EX-CONSULTANTS, COLLABORATES WITH PREMIER CONSULTING FIRMS TO ENHANCE THEIR PRACTICES. SIMULTANEOUSLY, HE ASSISTS PRIVATE EQUITY GROUPS AND THEIR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES IN REFINING AND FORTIFYING THEIR COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIC OPERATIONS.

THE CULMINATION OF THESE EFFORTS IS A BOUTIQUE FIRM THAT INC.COM CELEBRATED AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES. BETWEEN 2019 AND 2022, THE COMPANY WITNESSED A STAGGERING GROWTH RATE OF NEARLY 600%.