Advisory on AI and Leadership
Alongside my work in executive search, I advise leaders on AI and leadership. My perspective comes from years of business experience, inside companies and alongside their leaders.
Most of my advisory engagements emerge organically from leaders who have engaged with my books, articles, or newsletter. My approach reflects the same lens found in my writing: technology transformation is 20% technical implementation and 80% understanding the organizational and human dynamics that determine success.
From Insight to Impact
The frameworks and perspectives developed in my books and articles find practical application in three primary areas. Each engagement draws on the same sociological lens and strategic thinking that shapes my written work.
C-Level Executive Search
Searches for CEO, CTO, CDO and Chief AI Officer roles in Tech, Digital and AI companies. I define the profile each role requires and assess candidates on both capability and cultural fit.
Focus areas:
- C-level searches in Tech, Digital and AI
- CEO, CTO, CDO and Chief AI Officer roles
- Candidate assessment beyond the CV
- Support for PE-backed companies
Frameworks based on methodologies explored in "Stop Fearing AI" and my newsletter insights.
Evaluation of leadership capability and organizational culture through the sociological lens described in my writing. This work goes beyond traditional HR metrics to understand power structures, cultural dynamics, and team patterns that determine whether transformation succeeds.
Focus areas:
- C-level appointments and assessment
- Organizational culture diagnosis
- Team dynamics evaluation
- AI readiness of leadership teams
Applying the human-centered approach to AI transformation discussed in my articles.
Support for Private Equity and Venture Capital funds investing in Tech, Digital, and AI sectors. My work focuses on the human capital dimension: assessing organizational capability, evaluating leadership quality, and identifying cultural factors that create or destroy value.
Focus areas:
- Leadership assessment for tech investments
- Portfolio company leadership assessment
- Strategic counsel on AI readiness
- Executive search for portfolio companies
Insights drawn from business experience, inside companies and alongside their leaders.
Leadership Assessment & Organizational Dynamics
Leadership Perspective for PE/VC Funds
When Leaders Seek This Perspective
My advisory work typically emerges when leaders face situations where understanding organizational behavior and cultural dynamics is as critical as technical strategy. These scenarios illustrate when this perspective adds value.
We're implementing AI and want to understand the people side
You are rolling out AI and adoption is slower than planned. You want an outside perspective on the human and cultural factors behind it.
→ A conversation on how culture, incentives and informal networks shape AI adoption, drawing on the perspective in my writing.
We need a leader for our Tech, Digital or AI agenda
You need a C-level leader who can make technology work inside your organization, and a view on candidates that goes beyond the CV.
→ C-level executive search in Tech, Digital and AI, with assessment of capability and cultural fit.
We need an outside view on a leadership appointment
We're evaluating the leadership of a portfolio company
You are about to appoint a senior leader and want an independent view of how each candidate will fit your culture and challenges.
→ Leadership assessment for the appointment, from shortlist to final decision.
As a PE fund, your financial due diligence is complete but you need assessment of leadership quality, organizational capability, and cultural fit beyond what resumes reveal.
→ Leadership assessment that evaluates organizational dynamics and leadership bench strength—the human factors that determine post-acquisition value creation.
You have an AI strategy under way and want an independent view from someone who has seen how technology change plays out inside organizations.
→ An informal exchange of views on AI and leadership, as a thought partner rather than a formal engagement.
You're planning CEO or CTO transition and need assessment that considers both individual capability and organizational context—how candidates will navigate your specific culture and challenges.
→ Leadership assessment that combines individual capability with organizational context, informed by business experience.
We want a sounding board on our AI direction
We're planning a CEO or CTO transition
Exploratory Conversations Welcome
Whether you are hiring for a C-level role or assessing your leadership team on AI, I welcome confidential conversations to explore fit and scope.
Many of my most productive advisory relationships began with leaders who first encountered my thinking through books, articles, or newsletter insights. If my published work resonates with challenges you're facing, let's discuss whether there's potential for strategic partnership.
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