Executive Search Case Study

As a Director at Daversa Partners, I’ve seen firsthand how CB Insights has transformed my personal approach to the exec search process and my business development. 

By utilizing CB Insights’ detailed analysis of industry dynamics, company performance, and executive profiles, I’ve greatly enhanced my ability to identify high-potential candidates (think the 1% of operators) and navigate competitive landscapes.

We have seen departmental wide impact both at the associate/consultant level who are in the trenches researching and calling on companies/candidates, and at the partner level where we need to get our executives as smart as possible, as fast as possible.

 This case study details the profound impact of this strategic partnership on my work.

Refining core competencies with CB Insights

Before integrating CB Insights into my workflow, I faced several critical challenges:

1. Access to Reliable Information: It was often difficult to obtain accurate, up-to-date data about potential business partners and candidates.
2. Comprehensive Industry Analysis: Gaining a deep understanding of industry trends, fundraising trajectories, and market dynamics required more detailed information. The way CB Insights organizes their markets makes this incredibly simple for me.
3. Identifying Key Executives: Pinpointing the most influential executives within target companies for recruitment was a significant challenge.

CB Insights addressed these issues by providing a customized news feed, personal briefings and thorough industry analyses, enabling me to map out prospective business pipelines efficiently.

Unlike broad news sources, CB Insights offers tailored information specific to industries, company sizes, and stages that are directly relevant to my network all through their instant insight features driven by AI.

Achieving recruitment excellence and strategic outcomes

My executive search strategy relies on meticulously mapping and identifying top candidates for C-suite positions. Since integrating CB Insights, this process has become more precise and reliable:

• Precision in Candidate Mapping: I start each search by analyzing the client’s industry, identifying 10-15 standout companies, and targeting the C-suite leaders behind their success using Markets (ESPs) and AI LIst builder.
• Verification of Candidate Credentials: CB Insights allows me to verify candidates’ claims about their previous roles and accomplishments, whether it’s a Chief People Officer managing workforce growth or a CEO leading key funding rounds.
• Targeted Executive Searches: Detailed data on funding and headcount growth helps me identify and pursue candidates who have successfully navigated significant growth phases, ensuring they align with client needs.

Navigating industry trends and competitive landscapes

Every week, I connect with 20-30 new executives, constantly expanding my network. To evaluate these candidates effectively, I need a nuanced understanding of their professional backgrounds and the key stakeholders they’ve worked with. CB Insights provides the detailed market maps and stakeholder analysis critical for this vetting process, perfectly aligning with the job specifications and scorecards I’m working on.

Elevating knowledge and operational efficiency

Integrating CB Insights has greatly enhanced my knowledge base and operational efficiency:

• Enhanced Speed and Precision: Accurate data on employee growth, funding milestones, and executive achievements accelerates my research and candidate discovery processes using instant insights, like scouting reports, business relationships, SWOT analysis and more.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: With concrete data at my disposal, I can refine candidate lists more decisively, making informed decisions about who to elevate or eliminate.
• Informed Candidate Engagement: My interactions with candidates are more informed, allowing for deeper discussions that reflect a comprehensive understanding of their backgrounds and industry landscapes.

Leveraging CB Insights’ sophisticated data capabilities has sharpened my business development strategies and improved the precision and efficiency of my recruiting efforts. This strategic alliance underscores the exceptional value of Daversa Partners’ services in executive search, delivering superior outcomes for our clients.