Executive Search Blog

Our executive search blog offers expert insights into a range of recruitment and business topics.

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The Emergence of the CAIO
Oakstone International Oakstone International

The Emergence of the CAIO

It's not only AI companies which are expanding on the new technologies. Data shows that countless organisations are building out an AI-skilled workforce. That includes the decision to appoint or hire a chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO). Guest contributions from Dr. Andrea Isoni, Guillaume Laport and Dan Hammond Smith.

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The Evolution of Customer Success in 2024
Oakstone International Oakstone International

The Evolution of Customer Success in 2024

It's not merely a buzzword; Customer Success is gaining a fundamental shift in how businesses approach relationships. As we delve into Gartner's predictions for 2024, it becomes increasingly evident that customer success is not just a trend but a strategic imperative for organisations across industries.

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Navigating the Age Conundrum in the Job Market
Andy Strong Andy Strong

Navigating the Age Conundrum in the Job Market

Written by Andy Strong, Oakstone Divisional Director.

In today's competitive job market, age has become a significant factor influencing hiring decisions. There's a prevalent misconception that younger talent is preferred solely due to their high energy levels, but the underlying driver often boils down to cost-effectiveness. This bias has created a complex scenario where both younger and older professionals face challenges in securing employment opportunities that align with their expectations.

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The Financial Advantage of Fractional Hires
Oakstone International Oakstone International

The Financial Advantage of Fractional Hires

Companies constantly seek innovative solutions to streamline operations and cut costs without compromising productivity. In 2023, we witnessed drastic cost-cutting in the form of global redundancies. However, we are now seeing different strategies being increasingly adopted.

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Does Hiring Within Your Network Save Money?
Andy Strong Andy Strong

Does Hiring Within Your Network Save Money?

Written by Oakstone Divisional Director Andy Strong.

In recruitment, there's a common belief that hiring within your network is a cost-effective strategy. This approach, however, often turns out to be an oxymoron, with hidden costs and challenges that could overshadow the initial savings.

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The Impact of Marginal Gains: Insights From Our Sales Kick Off
Paul Rayner Paul Rayner

The Impact of Marginal Gains: Insights From Our Sales Kick Off

In the dynamic world of sales, staying competitive is not just important but a fundamental requirement for success. Recently, our Divisional Director, Andy Strong, led our annual sales kick-off, an event that provided a valuable perspective on the importance of continuous goal setting and the practical benefits of marginal gains.

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SaaS Leaders: Think like a VC
Steve Farr Steve Farr

SaaS Leaders: Think like a VC

Written by Divisional Director, Steve Farr.

Securing investment for SaaS start-ups is a critical milestone in the dynamic landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. Recently, I conducted a poll on LinkedIn, seeking insights from venture capitalists regarding their top priorities when evaluating SaaS start-ups for investment.

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The Growth of AP Automation SaaS: When Should You Consider a Partner in Expansion?
Andy Strong Andy Strong

The Growth of AP Automation SaaS: When Should You Consider a Partner in Expansion?

Written by Divisional Director, Andy Strong

The Accounts Payable (AP) Automation Software as a Service (SaaS) market is one sector of SaaS Oakstone has had extensive experience working in – we've hired over 200 people within and around this sector.

With projections indicating a surge from USD 6.67 billion in 2022 to USD 13.80 billion by 2029, showcasing a robust CAGR of 10.9% (source: Fortune Business Insight), this rapid expansion is fuelled by the increasing adoption of technology in AP automation processes, where 69% of professionals leverage technology for spend analysis and procure-to-pay (P2P), according to Gartner.

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A Roadmap to Success: How to Set Goals for 2024
Oakstone International Oakstone International

A Roadmap to Success: How to Set Goals for 2024

As the new year unfolds, individuals and businesses stand at the crossroads of possibilities, ready to embark on a journey of growth and achievement. Goal setting is a powerful tool that helps map journeys, providing direction, motivation, and a sense of accountability.

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Fractional Chief Revenue Officers: Strategic Growth Guidance
Oakstone International Oakstone International

Fractional Chief Revenue Officers: Strategic Growth Guidance

Fractional CROs have emerged as critical players in navigating companies through crucial growth phases.

Oakstone International are witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for fractional CROs, marking a notable shift in how companies approach revenue generation and strategic decision-making. This surge is a direct response to the increased demand from companies seeking the unique advantages fractional CROs bring to the table and a broader shift towards a fractional way of working.

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Executive Headhunters: Who Are They, and What Do They Do?
Oakstone International Oakstone International

Executive Headhunters: Who Are They, and What Do They Do?

It is not a secret that executive leadership and talent are needed to spearhead companies’ growth and innovation. Organisations often turn to a specialised breed of professionals known as executive headhunters, recruiters or consultants in this pursuit.

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What is a Fintech Recruiter? Navigating the Fintech Recruitment Landscape
Oakstone International Oakstone International

What is a Fintech Recruiter? Navigating the Fintech Recruitment Landscape

In the ever-evolving landscape of the financial technology (fintech) industry, the role of a recruiter is becoming increasingly vital. The dynamic nature of fintech requires a unique set of skills and expertise, making fintech recruiters instrumental in identifying and acquiring top talent. In this blog, we will explore the intricacies of fintech recruitment, focusing on understanding the role of a fintech recruiter, their critical responsibilities, and the challenges they face in this fast-paced environment.

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What is a SaaS Recruiter? Navigating the SaaS Recruitment Landscape
Oakstone International Oakstone International

What is a SaaS Recruiter? Navigating the SaaS Recruitment Landscape

In the ever-evolving realm of technology, Software as a Service (SaaS) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how businesses operate and deliver value to their customers. With this growth comes a demand for skilled professionals who can drive innovation and propel SaaS companies to new heights. This is where the pivotal role of a SaaS recruiter comes into play, acting as the linchpin between organisations and the talent pool that propels the SaaS industry forward.

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What is a C Level Recruiter? Navigating the Executive Landscape
jodey cheyne jodey cheyne

What is a C Level Recruiter? Navigating the Executive Landscape

These high-ranking executives are at the helm of strategic decision-making, and finding the right individuals to fill these roles is essential.

The executive search process to fill these roles is specialised to ensure the right individual is hired, minimising organisational costs and disruption.

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10 Reasons Why SaaS Professionals Shouldn't Slow Down Around the Festive Season
Oakstone International Oakstone International

10 Reasons Why SaaS Professionals Shouldn't Slow Down Around the Festive Season

The holiday season, with its festive cheer and a sense of relaxation, often tempts professionals across various industries to slow down, take a step back, and revel in the joy of the festivities. However, for those immersed in the dynamic world of Software as a Service (SaaS), the holiday season represents a unique opportunity rather than a time to hit the brakes fully.

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Exploring the Nuances of Recruitment in the FinTech Industry
Oakstone International Oakstone International

Exploring the Nuances of Recruitment in the FinTech Industry

The Fintech Control Tower has reported an astonishing number of over 26,000 FinTech companies globally. This ever-growing demand for FinTech services has attracted substantial investments in startups and promising ventures. Furthermore, recent statistics reveal that 48% of all financial industry positions require digital and technological expertise. It's no surprise that thriving FinTech companies significantly emphasise recruiting FinTech specialists to maintain their competitive edge and adapt to evolving industry trends.

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Women in SaaS: How to Diversify Your Team
Oakstone International Oakstone International

Women in SaaS: How to Diversify Your Team

While there have been some efforts to improve gender diversity in SaaS in recent years, it’s clear that there’s still a long way to go to create a more balanced and diverse workforce in the technology industry. Overall, the percentage of female graduates with core STEM degrees is steadily growing. However, the split is still just 27%. Initiatives are being undertaken in the STEM fields to encourage female representation at all levels, including leadership positions.

With the industry dominated by males, companies are taking initiatives to attract more females, but why?

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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Strategies to Boost Your Confidence
Oakstone International Oakstone International

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Strategies to Boost Your Confidence

Have you ever doubted your abilities, even in the face of success? Do you fear that others will uncover your perceived incompetence? When things don't go as planned, does self-criticism consume your thoughts? If you've experienced these feelings, you may be dealing with imposter syndrome – a phenomenon where individuals question their capabilities and achievements, believing they are not as competent as others think.

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The Power of Preparation: Consultant Stories Part 2
Oakstone International Oakstone International

The Power of Preparation: Consultant Stories Part 2

Preparation for an interview is the number one thing you can do to increase your chances of success. As a SaaS and FinTech recruitment firm, we’ve got many examples of how preparation increases your chances of success.

Here is part 2 of the stories from the Oakstone team about how preparation is key.

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The Power of Preparation: Consultant Stories Part 1
Oakstone International Oakstone International

The Power of Preparation: Consultant Stories Part 1

Preparation for an interview is the number one thing you can do to increase your chances of success. As a SaaS and FinTech recruitment firm, we’ve got many examples of how preparation increases your chances of success.

Here is part 1 of the stories from the Oakstone team about how preparation is key.

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