The Future of Work: How Executive Roles are Changing in the New Normal

The Future of Work How Executive Roles are Changing

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the concept of work has undergone a profound transformation. The pandemic has ushered in a new era, commonly referred to as the “new normal,” which has disrupted established norms and forced both individuals and businesses to adapt. This article explores how executive roles are changing in response to the new normal and the role technology plays in shaping the future of work. Join us as we delve into the essential skills and competencies for future executives, and discover strategies for navigating change effectively.

Understanding the New Normal in the Workplace

Defining the New Normal

The new normal is a term used to describe the post-pandemic era, where remote work, flexible schedules, and digital transformation are the norm. It encompasses the changes that have occurred in response to the pandemic and the subsequent shifts in work dynamics. This new reality has reshaped the way we work and has necessitated significant adjustments in executive roles and responsibilities.

One of the key aspects of the new normal is the emphasis on employee well-being and mental health. With the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life due to remote work, organizations are increasingly focusing on providing support and resources to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. This includes initiatives such as virtual wellness programs, mental health days, and flexible working hours to accommodate individual needs.

Impact of the New Normal on Businesses

Businesses have had to adapt swiftly to the new normal in order to survive and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape. The pandemic has accelerated trends such as remote work, e-commerce, and virtual collaboration. As a result, businesses have had to reimagine their strategies, restructure their teams, and refine their operations to remain competitive in this dynamic environment.

Furthermore, the new normal has prompted organizations to invest in technology and digital infrastructure to support remote work and online operations. This shift towards digitalization has led to increased cybersecurity concerns, prompting companies to enhance their data protection measures and invest in training programs to educate employees on best practices for maintaining data security in a virtual environment.

The Evolution of Executive Roles

Pre-pandemic Executive Roles

Prior to the pandemic, executive roles were primarily focused on traditional leadership and strategic decision-making. Executives were responsible for driving growth, managing teams, and ensuring the overall success of the organization. However, the pandemic has highlighted the need for a more agile and adaptable approach to leadership.

Executives were also expected to set the vision and direction for their organizations, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. They often played a crucial role in stakeholder management, representing the company in high-stakes negotiations and partnerships. Additionally, they were responsible for setting and managing budgets, ensuring financial stability and growth.

Current Shifts in Executive Responsibilities

In the new normal, executive roles have become much more multifaceted. Alongside their traditional responsibilities, executives are now required to navigate the complexities of remote work, lead diverse and distributed teams, and drive digital transformation initiatives. They must possess a deep understanding of both the human element and the technological aspects of work in order to lead effectively in this rapidly changing environment.

Furthermore, executives are increasingly being called upon to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within their organizations. They are expected to create a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. This involves implementing policies and practices that promote diversity in hiring, advancement, and decision-making processes. Executives must lead by example and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers to create a more inclusive workplace for all.

The Role of Technology in Shaping Executive Roles

Digital Transformation and Leadership

Technology has emerged as a powerful force shaping executive roles in the new normal. Digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity for businesses seeking to remain relevant. Executives must embrace technology and leverage it to drive innovation, streamline processes, and enhance customer experiences. The ability to lead and champion digital transformation has become an essential skill for future executives.

In addition to driving innovation, technology has also transformed the way executives communicate and collaborate. Virtual meetings, cloud-based project management tools, and real-time messaging platforms have become integral to modern executive roles. The ability to adapt to these digital communication channels is crucial for effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Technology-Driven Decision Making

The influx of data and technological advancements has revolutionized the way businesses make decisions. Effective executives need to be data-driven and possess a keen ability to decipher complex information and extract meaningful insights. Technology enables executives to make informed decisions that drive performance and foster growth in a rapidly changing world.

Furthermore, technology has enabled executives to conduct scenario planning and predictive analysis to anticipate market trends and mitigate risks. By leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, executives can gain a competitive edge by making proactive decisions based on data-driven forecasts. This strategic use of technology in decision-making sets successful executives apart in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Skills and Competencies for Future Executives

Essential Skills for the New Normal

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, future executives must possess a diverse set of skills to succeed. Adaptability, agility, and resilience are essential traits for navigating the uncertainties of the new normal. In an era where change is constant, the ability to pivot quickly and embrace new challenges is paramount. Executives who can adapt their strategies and leadership approach to meet evolving demands will be better equipped to steer their organizations through turbulent times.

Effective communication, both within and outside the organization, is crucial for building trust and maintaining strong relationships. Beyond just conveying information, effective communication involves active listening, empathy, and the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Leaders who can communicate with clarity and authenticity will inspire confidence in their teams and stakeholders, fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.

Building Competencies for Future Challenges

Future executives must proactively develop competencies to thrive in the new normal. Embracing digital literacy is vital for understanding emerging technologies and identifying opportunities for innovation. In a tech-driven world, executives need to stay abreast of digital trends, from artificial intelligence to blockchain, to leverage these tools for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Cross-functional collaboration and the ability to lead remotely are essential for fostering teamwork and achieving organizational goals. As remote work becomes more prevalent, executives must adapt their leadership style to effectively manage virtual teams and bridge geographical divides. Building a cohesive team culture, despite physical distance, requires strong communication skills, trust-building initiatives, and the ability to motivate and engage employees from afar.

Moreover, executives must cultivate emotional intelligence and empathy to effectively manage and support their teams in a virtual work environment. Understanding the emotions and needs of team members, especially in times of uncertainty, is crucial for maintaining morale and productivity. Executives who prioritize emotional intelligence in their leadership approach can create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.

Navigating Change: Strategies for Executives

Embracing Change in Leadership

Change can be daunting, but executives must embrace it as a catalyst for growth and innovation. They must be open to new ideas, challenge the status quo, and inspire their teams to embrace change. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation, executives can successfully navigate the uncertainties of the new normal and lead their organizations to new heights.

Embracing change in leadership requires a deep understanding of the evolving business landscape. Executives must stay informed about industry trends, market disruptions, and emerging technologies. By staying ahead of the curve, they can anticipate change and proactively develop strategies to capitalize on new opportunities. This proactive approach not only ensures the survival of the organization but also positions it for long-term success.

Strategies for Successful Transition

Successful transition in the new normal requires a strategic and holistic approach. Executives must prioritize effective communication, both internally and externally, to ensure clarity of vision and alignment across the organization. They should provide ongoing support and resources to help employees adapt to new ways of working.

Moreover, executives should foster a culture of trust and psychological safety, where employees feel empowered to voice their concerns and contribute their ideas. This inclusive approach not only enhances employee engagement but also encourages innovation and creativity, which are essential for navigating change successfully.

Additionally, seeking external expertise can greatly enhance the transition process. Partnering with executive search firms like Jennings Executive Search can help identify top talent and ensure a smooth transition into the new normal. These firms have a deep understanding of the evolving executive landscape and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the hiring process.

As we look ahead to the future of work, it is undeniable that executive roles are undergoing a significant transformation. The new normal demands leaders who can navigate complexity, harness the power of technology, and foster a culture of agility and adaptability. By acquiring the necessary skills, embracing digital transformation, and employing effective strategies for change, future executives can thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Are you ready to lead the way?

Discover how Jennings Executive Search can help you find top executive talent in the new normal. Contact us today at www.jenningsexecutivesearch.com.

Statistics:

  • 90% of businesses have adopted remote work policies since the pandemic.
  • Digital transformation is expected to generate $18 trillion in business value by 2023.
  • 78% of executives believe that the ability to adapt to change will be the most essential skill for future leaders.

Embrace the future. Lead with confidence. Only at Jennings Executive Search.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions.

Change is inevitable, and in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, executives must be prepared to navigate the complexities that come with it. The ability to embrace change and lead with confidence is what sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest. It requires a forward-thinking mindset, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

One key aspect of embracing change is understanding the importance of agility and adaptability. Executives must be able to quickly assess the impact of external factors, such as technological advancements, market disruptions, and changing consumer behaviors, and adjust their strategies accordingly. This requires a deep understanding of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Furthermore, executives must recognize that change does not happen in isolation. It affects every aspect of the organization, from the employees to the customers to the overall company culture. Therefore, effective change management requires a holistic approach that takes into account the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. By involving employees in the decision-making process and providing them with the necessary support and resources, executives can create a sense of ownership and commitment, which is crucial for successful change implementation.

Ultimately, embracing change in leadership is not just about surviving in the new normal; it is about thriving and leading the way. It is about being at the forefront of innovation, driving organizational growth, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. By adopting a proactive mindset, seeking external expertise, and leveraging the power of technology, executives can position themselves and their organizations for long-term success in an ever-changing world.

As the corporate landscape continues to shift, the need for visionary leaders who can adeptly navigate these changes becomes increasingly critical. Jennings Executive Search stands at the forefront of this transformation, expertly connecting organizations with the top-tier talent necessary to lead in the new normal. With a proven track record in placing high-caliber candidates in pivotal roles such as Director of Pricing Strategy and Global Pricing Lead, we are dedicated to elevating your leadership team to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Learn More about how Jennings Executive Search can guide you in securing the executive expertise essential for success in the evolving world of work.

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.

Daniel Wilkinson

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Client Success

DANIEL WILKINSON IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & CLIENT SUCCESS. HE BRINGS OVER TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN COMMERCIAL AND PRICING STRATEGY, HAVING HELD KEY LEADERSHIP ROLES AT DELTA AIR LINES AND DELTA VACATIONS. HIS CAREER IS MARKED BY A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN DRIVING SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INNOVATIVE DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGIES, CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM LEADERSHIP, AND ENHANCED PROFITABILITY. DAN’S EXPERTISE IS IN HIS ABILITY TO INTEGRATE DATA ANALYTICS WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING, ENABLING ORGANIZATIONS TO OPTIMIZE THEIR REVENUE MANAGEMENT AND PRICING STRATEGIES IN DYNAMIC MARKET ENVIRONMENTS.

AT DELTA VACATIONS, DAN SERVED AS VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC BUSINESS/IT PLANNING & REVENUE MANAGEMENT, WHERE HE SUCCESSFULLY LED TEAMS IN DELIVERING SCALABLE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, DEFINING GO-TO-MARKET STRATEGIES AND DRIVING SIGNIFICANT INCREMENTAL REVENUE AND PROFIT.

DAN RECEIVED A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE FROM TAYLOR UNIVERSITY AND AN MBA WITH A FINANCE CONCENTRATION FROM EMORY UNIVERSITY’S GOIZUETA BUSINESS SCHOOL.

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.

BRIAN’S EDUCATION INCLUDES BOTH A MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY DEGREE AND A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING 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 EFFICIENCY AND TENACITY 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 EXECUTIVE RECRUITER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

JUSTIN HAS A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES 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 A FAST GROWING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, SS&C TECHNOLOGIES, WHERE HE WORKED IN THE REAL ASSETS DEPARTMENT DOING FUND ADMINISTRATION.

JUSTIN GRADUATED WITH A BACHELORS OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ACCOUNTANCY FROM OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY.

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 OF EXPERIENCE IN TECHNOLOGY AND 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 ON STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IT ORGANIZATIONS.

HIS CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES CAN BE FOUND AT COMPANIES RANGING IN SIZE FROM STARTUP TO FORTUNE 500 ACROSS AVIATION, ENERGY, FINANCE, HEALTHCARE, 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 PASSED THE CPA EXAM BUT ULTIMATELY DECIDED ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH THEIR PEOPLE STRATEGIES WAS HIS PASSION.

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. WITH AN INITIAL FOCUS IN FINANCE, THROUGH JON’S LEADERSHIP THE FIRM HAS PIVOTED INTO BROADER COMMERCIAL AND TECHNICAL STRATEGIES AS WELL AS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.

TOGETHER WITH HIS EXPERIENCED TEAM OF EX-CONSULTANTS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS, JON 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%.