Succession Planning in Corporate Tax Departments: Not Just for CEOs
When most people hear succession planning, they picture the CEO’s chair. The boardroom, the press release, the carefully orchestrated handoff. Maybe even a battle of wits and bravado between four rival siblings, a la HBO’s Succession.
But here’s the blind spot: very few companies apply the same level of planning to their tax function.
When Taking A Step Back In Your Career Makes Sense
In corporate tax, and really, in most competitive fields, ambition and drive are the currencies of the profession. Firms want people who are hungry, hardworking, and ready to climb. The narrative is almost always about moving up: bigger titles, bigger responsibilities, bigger teams.
But what if your goals don’t align with “up” right now?
The Case for Passive Candidates in Senior Tax Roles
In the fast-paced world of senior tax recruitment, organizations often chase the spotlight, seeking charismatic, extroverted candidates who command attention in every meeting and presentation. But here’s the quiet truth: passive candidates, especially those with introverted tendencies, offer exceptional value - depth, insight, and consistency that outshine mere bravado.
Why Emotional Intelligence Is Now a Top Skill for Tax Executives
For more than a decade, I’ve owned and run a birth and parenting services business. It’s a field where emotional intelligence isn’t optional, it’s the job. I’ve spent years supporting families through experiences that can be joyful, vulnerable, unpredictable, and sometimes heartbreaking. I’ve seen how trust is built (or broken), how tone can change everything, and how thoughtful communication can make even the hardest news easier to hear.
How to Retain Great People: The Leadership Skill That Starts with Paying Attention
A few years ago, one of my team members walked into a meeting with a look on her face I couldn’t ignore. Something was off. It wasn’t anything she said out loud, but as a leader, I’ve learned to notice those moments. The pauses, the shift in energy, the way someone checks out emotionally even while physically present.
Why Work With a Boutique Search Firm?
When Ashley and I travel, we love staying at boutique hotels. There’s something special about them — the charm, the sense of place, the local ownership, the small touches that make a stay feel memorable. The food is often sourced nearby. The design reflects the region. The hospitality feels a little more human.
In a lot of ways, working with a boutique search firm isn’t so different.
Recruiters: Masters of the Vetting Game
Candidate vetting is one of the most under-appreciated and under-discussed skills in recruiting.
It’s not just about finding people—it’s about knowing how to qualify them for the right roles, in the right way, for the right clients.