Blog

Volatility is no longer a phase — it is the environment. Geopolitical risk, unpredictable trade policies and national political instability are forcing businesses to operate with shortened horizons: investment is deferred, hiring tightens, finance teams model multiple scenarios, and strategy becomes iterative.The reflex is to pause. But companies that keep investing in leadership during downturns consistently exit stronger — because leadership quality determines whether uncertainty becomes paralysis or advantage.<blockquote><h3>That is why the 2026 shift is clear: from defensive hiring to strategic hiring, starting with critical leadership roles.</h3></blockquote><h3>Why executive hiring is harder in 2026 (beyond scarcity)</h3>In France, executive recruitments are increasingly difficult not only because profiles are rare, but because expectations have fundamentally changed. Organisations are asking for a new combination of capabilities:<ul><li>Strategic vision and execution rhythm</li><li>Human intelligence and performance discipline</li><li>Change leadership and resilience under pressure</li><li>The ability to align diverse stakeholders and inspire across generations &nbsp;</li></ul>In practice, risk has moved into the operating model: leaders must deliver transformation while navigating scrutiny from boards, employees, regulators, investors and social opinion. Credibility is no longer a soft trait, it is a strategic asset.<h3>A CV is no longer enough </h3>The right leaders are rarely active candidates — they are identified, assessed, and convinced. And they must be validated beyond titles, using evidence of judgement, behaviour, and decision quality in real situations.<h3>Our response at RH Performances? </h3>We focus on leadership fit that is both cultural and strategic:<ul><li>Personality alignment with your culture and leadership context</li><li>Structured interviews grounded in real experience-sharing</li><li>Behavioural insight + role-play scenarios via PerformanSe ECHO Assessment centre to test reactions under pressure</li><li>Post-hire impact through onboarding support and executive coaching to accelerate the first 100 days &nbsp;</li></ul>In uncertain times, leadership is not a function. It is the strategy.More info abour our French Accredited Partner, RH Performances:Homepage: <a href="https://www.rhperformances.fr/" data-mce-href="https://www.rhperformances.fr/">https://www.rhperformances.fr/</a>&nbsp; Recruitment page: <a href="https://www.rhperformances.fr/recrutement/" data-mce-href="https://www.rhperformances.fr/recrutement/">https://www.rhperformances.fr/recrutement/</a>&nbsp;#ExecutiveSearch #Leadership #Talent #France #ENEX #BigIdeas2026

When Uncertainty Strikes, Leadership Is the Strategy for 2026

The impact of AI is no longer theoretical. It is visible in the organisational&nbsp; decisions happening around us: restructuring programmes, redefined divisions, redesigned operating models, and repeated rounds of workforce reductions across large companies, particularly in banking, IT and complex administrative environments.A major driver is the rapid automation of task clusters that were historically labour-intensive: customer service, first-line support, administrative workflows, data management, reporting, sales enablement, and parts of pre-sales. Increasingly, “knowledge work” is also in view as organisations deploy AI to assist with summarisation, drafting, analysis, classification, and decision support.<h3>Yet a paradox is emerging</h3>While AI adoption is real, there is also a growing overestimation of how quickly AI can replace end-to-end work, and a corresponding underestimation of the governance and organisational changes required to make AI truly productive. Many leadership teams struggle to assess the transformation holistically: what to automate, what to redesign, where to keep human judgement, how to build trust, and how to preserve coherence across functions.When that holistic view is missing, hidden operational gaps appear. Not because AI “doesn’t work”, but because:<ul><li>processes were never simplified before automation</li><li>responsibilities became unclear during reorganisations</li><li>accountability moved faster than capability</li><li>and the human system (communication, alignment, culture) could not keep up &nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>This is why the executive search challenge in 2026 is shifting. The question is no longer only “Who is digitally literate?” It is increasingly: Who can lead humans through AI-enabled transformation without losing stability, trust and purpose?</blockquote> <h3>The counter-effect: the human premium rises</h3>AI can accelerate execution and reduce friction in many workflows. But it does not replace what organisations most often lack during transformation: high-quality leadership behaviour at scale. As automation increases, the value of distinctly human capabilities becomes more visible and more decisive:<ul><li>Emotional intelligence: sensing resistance early, building psychological safety, and mobilising teams without coercion</li><li>Judgement and moral compass: making decisions that are compliant, defensible, and trustworthy under scrutiny</li><li>Sense-making: connecting complex signals across business, technology, operations, and people—then translating them into direction</li><li>Real problem solving: moving beyond dashboards into root-cause thinking, trade-off management and execution discipline</li><li>Stakeholder leadership: aligning multiple functions, interests and narratives in environments where incentives are not automatically aligned &nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>In practice, the next generation of great leaders will be defined by their ability to work with AI while remaining deeply human: using AI as a multiplier, not as a substitute for responsibility.</blockquote> <h3>What we see in the Belgian market</h3>At <a data-mce-href="https://mentorprise.be/" href="https://mentorprise.be/" title="Mentorprise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mentorprise</a>, we have seen growing client demand for leaders with high EQ for many years, says Jeroen De Maeyer, Partner at Mentorprise. That demand is now accelerating as the AI transformation becomes more tangible and more disruptive. Organisations increasingly recognise that AI changes tools and workflows, but leadership determines whether transformation is trusted, adopted and sustained.The implication for executive search is clear: assessment must evolve. Beyond experience and track record, boards and CEOs must test for:<ul><li>emotional maturity under pressure</li><li>ethical clarity</li><li>ability to lead through ambiguity</li><li>capability to connect strategy with day-to-day execution</li><li>readiness to redesign organisations while maintaining engagement &nbsp;</li></ul>The next frontier is not “AI vs humans.” It is humans who can lead with AI — without losing trust, coherence and responsibility. In an era where many tasks can be automated, the scarce resource becomes leadership quality.For executive search in 2026, that means one thing: the organisations that win will not only hire high performers. They will select leaders with the EQ to hold people together while technology reshapes the work the coming 3 to 5 years.#Mentorprise #Belgium #GlobalExecutiveSearch #ENEX

Why High-EQ Leadership Becomes More Valuable in an AI-Driven Economy

In 2026, executive search is entering a new phase. The strategic question is no longer only who is the strongest leader today, but also: how sustainable is this leadership over time?Across industries and geographies, executives are expected to lead longer careers in environments defined by AI acceleration, geopolitical instability, regulatory complexity, and constant transformation. The pressure is not occasional or cyclical — it has become structural.&nbsp;Many leadership roles now demand continuous decision-making under uncertainty, frequent reinvention, and high emotional load, with limited recovery time.This is why leadership longevity is becoming a board-level concern. And it is important to clarify: longevity is not primarily about age. It is about brain health and cognitive resilience, the capacity to maintain mental clarity, learning agility, and emotional regulation under sustained pressure.Boards increasingly recognise that modern leadership effectiveness depends on factors that traditional assessment methods often underweight. In today’s environment, the decisive differentiators at the top of organisations include:Decision clarity under uncertainty: maintaining sound judgement when information is incomplete and stakes are high. Learning velocity: the ability to continuously reskill while leading others through AI-driven change and business model shifts. Emotional regulation and energy management: sustaining performance without drifting into burnout, reactivity, or cognitive fatigue. As a result, boards are beginning to ask new questions during succession and hiring discussions:<ul><li>Who can navigate complexity for the next decade without cognitive erosion or burnout?</li><li>Who can keep learning while simultaneously leading teams through reinvention?</li><li>Who can create the conditions for sustainable performance—not only personally, but across the organisation? &nbsp;</li></ul>Executive assessment must therefore evolve. Beyond experience, track record, and reputation, organisations need a sharper lens on leadership sustainability, including:<ul><li>cognitive resilience in high-load environments</li><li>adaptability to AI-augmented decision-making</li><li>stress management and energy discipline</li><li>capacity to build sustainable leadership ecosystems (teams that can perform without constant escalation)</li><li>succession readiness as an ongoing discipline rather than a one-time event &nbsp;</li></ul>Ignoring leadership sustainability creates hidden governance risk. When leaders are selected primarily for short-term performance signals, organisations may later face costly consequences: rising executive turnover, impaired decision quality, reduced organisational stability, and delayed transformation outcomes.In a world of permanent volatility, competitive advantage will not only come from hiring “high performers.” It will come from selecting leaders built to last — mentally, emotionally, and strategically — and capable of sustaining clarity and momentum through prolonged complexity.#StudioBase #Italy #GlobalExecutiveSearch #ENEXLearn more about our Italian Partner: <a href="https://www.studiobase.eu/">https://www.studiobase.eu/</a>&nbsp;

Why Leadership Sustainability and Brain Health Will Shape Executive Search in 2026

people sitting on chair near glass window during daytime

<h2>Food for thought from our Namibian partner, Elite Employment</h2>After two decades in executive search in Namibia, one shift is unmistakable: boards are asking better governance questions. The focus has moved beyond “Can this person do the job?” to a more consequential test: “Can they carry institutional responsibility under pressure?”In emerging and politically sensitive environments, executive appointments rarely fail because leaders lack qualifications. They fail because leaders underestimate complexity—the competing forces that shape decision-making and accountability. Executives can find themselves operating at the intersection of regulatory oversight, political expectations, public scrutiny, media attention, and stakeholder sensitivities. In such contexts, performance is not judged only by results, but by how results are achieved and whether the leader can sustain legitimacy.This is particularly true in state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and higher education, where governance requirements and reputational risk are high. A single governance misstep—poor disclosure, weak procurement discipline, conflicts of interest, or misjudged stakeholder engagement—can quickly erode trust. Once trust is lost, even strong strategic plans can stall, and organisations can spend years recovering credibility.Boards are responding by raising the quality of the assessment conversation. Increasingly, they want evidence that a leader can:Navigate board dynamics: manage tension, disagreement, and diverse agendas without becoming political themselves. Balance performance with compliance: deliver outcomes while staying disciplined on controls, auditability, and process integrity. Withstand scrutiny with calm and consistency: remain transparent, principled, and resilient when decisions are challenged. Maintain ethical clarity: recognise grey zones early, escalate appropriately, and avoid decisions that “look acceptable” but weaken institutional integrity. In smaller economies, the stakes are amplified. Leadership pools are finite, networks are tight, and reputations travel quickly. A misaligned appointment is therefore not only expensive; it can be systemically disruptive—creating organisational instability, stakeholder backlash, and prolonged governance remediation. The impact can extend beyond the organisation itself, affecting confidence across sectors and institutions.What this means for executive search in 2026 is clear: the differentiator is no longer capability alone. The differentiator is judgement under pressure—the ability to make sound decisions when information is incomplete, tensions are high, and external expectations are conflicting.Governance-ready leadership is no longer a “nice to have.” It is the baseline. Boards that recognise this and incorporate it into how they select leaders will reduce risk, protect institutional credibility, and create a stronger foundation for long-term performance.#EliteEmployment #Namibia #GlobalExecutiveSearch #ENEXLearn more about Elite Employment: <a href="https://eliteemployment.com.na/" data-mce-href="https://eliteemployment.com.na/">https://eliteemployment.com.na/</a>&nbsp;

𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

Modern High-Rise Buildings in Ljubljana at Sunset

<figure id="figure-lg5cmxkivmf10m0py" class=""><img id="lg5cmxkivmf10m0py" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24nkvetZX80LOZMZBvcnJ5u9br9OPbEjjuQ4uw55qYKf1vxHNGDgA6mbggv3eVBw.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24nkvetZX80LOZMZBvcnJ5u9br9OPbEjjuQ4uw55qYKf1vxHNGDgA6mbggv3eVBw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>As pioneers of external HR services, HILL International Serbia brings more than three decades of experience in executive search and selection for managerial and specialist roles across diverse industries. Becoming part of HILL International Austria network and starting our journey in 1990. in Serbia, we had a significant task to educate the market and build trust in completely new approach and perspective of the recruitment and HR processes in general. Today what differentiates us is our unique approach derived from our expertise and passion as well as high quality of the services.Covering both Serbia and North Macedonia, our team combines deep knowledge of local labour markets dynamics with a strong commitment to delivering tailored solutions. We are basing our approach on professionalism and partnership.&nbsp;We are passionate about our work, oriented to people and on a mission to find best possible solutions for our clients and candidates. By consistently going the extra mile, we have built long-term relationships based on trust, expertise, and results.We interviewed&nbsp;Mina Jokic, Managing Partner, HILL International Serbia.<figure id="figure-sevan6tkymmimut4lt"><img id="sevan6tkymmimut4lt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7xCdAV0bLCoXPloamgVKPEZKbN2CWE02ADYo9R0AuySlYe9eIK6S0tlCKhNwG053.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="25%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7xCdAV0bLCoXPloamgVKPEZKbN2CWE02ADYo9R0AuySlYe9eIK6S0tlCKhNwG053.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 25%;"></figure><h3>How would you describe the current state of your local executive labour market?&nbsp;</h3>Over the past years a new wave of business migrations from Serbia to EU and other countries has emerged. This trend significantly affects labour market and availability of candidates from different branches and for different position levels. The labour market in general is quite dynamic and is mirroring a wider global economic situation. Demand for experts in IT industry, along with experts for Sales, HR and Finance, Accounting and Administration and Technical experts was extremely high in post Covid period. This trend affected other less perspective and popular industries in which companies had a difficult task to find their way to keep employees and match their expectations with high standards IT industry and different outsourcing companies set in the labour market. On the other hand, in the last 2 years many layoffs and downsizing activities are recorded in different branches including IT sector. What we see now is a new movement and rebalancing of the workforce over different branches and significantly lower demand for new employment on the labour market followed by downsizing trends in automotive and connected industries.&nbsp;<h3>Which political or economic developments in your country/region are having the biggest impact on Executive Search right now?</h3> In Serbia we are facing a turbulent and completely unpredictable economic situation impacted, among other, by complex political environment. The significant part of Serbian citizens alongside students’ movement is on a task of rebuilding value system and ethical and moral principals throughout whole Serbian society. Businesses are trying to keep the level of operations alongside assessing their leadership, management structures and strategies concerning adaptability, efficiency and ability to align to fast changing environment and circumstances. Aligned with this, they are interested in exploring labour market and to get expert advice from their trusted HR partners. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>What leadership capabilities are most in demand in your market today — and how are they evolving? (What do clients expect from their leaders now vs. a few years ago?)</h3> We have been witnessing, for few years now, an era of removing strict boundaries and hard organizational structures. Authorities are set simply from expertise and knowledge a person is demonstrating, while old hierarchical structures are going to past. Organically leadership overtook more important role over a strict management processes. Modern companies are moving to more agile organizational structures which offer wider range of responsibilities, but also opportunities for cooperation, learning and development and more flexible and faster reaction to changes. Leaders for the future need to be versatile including people-centric approach, expertise and knowledge, combined with digital and AI literacy and awareness of global sustainability challenges. <h3>What is the biggest hiring or retention challenging your clients are facing at C-level? (Cultural shifts, competition, remote leadership, etc.)</h3>In C-level roles it is noticeable somewhat erratic movement. The trend for often job changes and constant search for better opportunities started with gen Z but fast spread across whole working population whereas significant percentage of C-level executives started exploring different new options. &nbsp;On the other hand, many companies sensed the need to bring strategical changes in employment structure aimed to make organization more agile, efficient and adaptable to unpredictable and fast changing environment. &nbsp;So, the task on both sides is not easy and in this processes HR experts are taking the crucial role to make good assessment of both companies’ and candidates’ needs and find a good match. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Looking ahead: what do you believe will define successful Executive Search and leadership advisory in your country in the next 3 years?&nbsp;</h3> Expertise and knowledge combined with humanistic approach and reasonable portion of AI technologies and tools. During this turbulent period, we are noticing that many companies are looking for additional assessments and reliable solutions to secure decision-making process. Main differentiators are efficiency respecting quality of executive search processes, candidates experience and accessibility, overall expertise and market standing. In Serbia, similar to the global trend, many different options are available in the segment of executive search and external HR services while markets tend to be overwhelmed with different options. Having this in mind it is likely that in 3-5 years there will be better understanding of who can provide appropriate level and quality of the services. Learn more: <a href="https://www.hill-international.com/en-RS/contact-2">https://www.hill-international.com/en-RS/contact-2</a>&nbsp;

ENEX Partner Serbia, HILL International Serbia - 35 Years of Excellence: Blending innovation with a legacy of heritage

<figure id="figure-jz6s5k2dxmimtzj2t" class=""><img id="jz6s5k2dxmimtzj2t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14W9FdGMc6Lq0byTqpndh5VYZ39imzYVXy3cGaaC7FOjInyz0osABCEN4KcXJpJF.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14W9FdGMc6Lq0byTqpndh5VYZ39imzYVXy3cGaaC7FOjInyz0osABCEN4KcXJpJF.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Founded in San Diego, California, and proudly serving both Latin American and U.S. markets, GOSECO Executive Search is a boutique leadership advisory firm with a sharp focus on results, values, and long-term partnerships. GOSECO supports companies in identifying, engaging, and retaining high-impact executives through executive search, talent mapping, succession planning, and leadership assessment services.With a deep understanding of cross-border dynamics and cultural complexity, GOSECO works across industries — particularly in manufacturing, logistics, technology, and consumer sectors. Their mission is to empower organizations with transformative leadership while staying grounded in ethics, transparency, and human connection. As a member of the ENEX Global Executive Search network, GOSECO brings global reach with a local heart.<h3>Mexico &amp; Latin America: Talent in Transition</h3>The executive labor market across Mexico and Latin America is entering a phase of accelerated transformation. According to GOSECO, demand remains high for bilingual, multicultural leaders, especially those with experience in digital transformation, operational excellence, and supply chain resilience. Top-tier talent is now more mobile, as hybrid and remote roles offered by regional and international firms have reshaped expectations. While leadership availability has improved since the pandemic, competition remains fierce in technology, consumer, and industrial markets.This evolving market is deeply influenced by political and economic transitions. The aftermath of Mexico’s recent presidential election and the ongoing developments around nearshoring, labor law reform, and national security are making organizations more cautious. Stability and continuity in senior leadership have become non-negotiable, especially as regulatory pressure increases, from ESG reporting to labor compliance. Compensation strategies are also shifting in response to inflation, currency volatility, and rising executive mobility across borders.In terms of leadership capabilities, the market is signaling a clear pivot: from operational managers to transformational leaders. Emotional intelligence, cross-cultural team management, and strategic foresight are no longer "nice to have". They are core requirements. Executives are now expected to lead change, manage complexity, and embed ESG thinking into their strategy. GOSECO emphasizes that the ability to influence without formal authority and inspire across regions is increasingly in demand.Among clients, one of the most prominent challenges is reconciling compensation with expectations around flexibility. While many C-level candidates expect hybrid models as standard, several firms, &nbsp;especially in traditional sectors, are still transitioning toward these practices. Moreover, the influx of U.S. recruiters into the Mexican market has created new mobility pressures. Cultural misalignment and succession planning gaps continue to pose challenges for retention, especially in legacy organizations.Looking forward, GOSECO believes the firms that will thrive in Executive Search are those that combine local knowledge with global insight — and go beyond recruitment. Clients want true partners: advisors who can guide them on leadership development, DEI, and culture transformation. Agility, data-driven assessment, and the courage to challenge traditional profiles will define the future. For GOSECO and ENEX, this is not a trend — it’s a strategic commitment. Learn more: <a href="https://www.gosecosearch.com/" data-mce-href="https://www.gosecosearch.com/">https://www.gosecosearch.com/</a>&nbsp;

Blog

When Uncertainty Strikes, Leadership Is the Strategy for ...

Why High-EQ Leadership Becomes More Valuable in an AI-Dri...

Why Leadership Sustainability and Brain Health Will Shape...

𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃...

ENEX Partner Serbia, HILL International Serbia - 35 Years...

GOSECO, Accredited Enex Partner Mexico and US - Rooted in...