Check out your Company Bowl for anonymous work chats.
Live on Business Insider: ghSMART's origin story, a double-click on our "unusual but rigorous approach" to the candidate assessment process (which actually takes a stance on whether the candidate should get the job), and founder and chairman Geoff Smart's thoughts on why talent may not be as important as cultural fit. Read the interview to learn why smart companies use ghSMART to make talent decisions.
Congratulations to ghSMART's T. Sean McKean and Elena Lytkina Botelho and Wharton research fellow and Virginia Tech Assistant Professor Louis Hickman for winning 2nd place in the Wharton People Analytics White Paper Competition. Their research ‘Uncovering an Overlooked Gold Mine of Leadership Talent’ is the first large scale research that connects socioeconomic diversity in and potential for the C-suite. The team’s paper contains some of the first evidence on how leaders who overcome dire socioeconomic obstacles (“Boundary Breakers”) bring hard-to-teach strengths and yet also, exhibit derailers that could cause them to get overlooked. It also challenges conventional views of potential that focus on nominal sources of talent (degrees, pedigree, background, appearance) and re-directs the focus on real sources of talent (knowledge, skills, experiences, track record). The full research on Boundary Breakers will be published later this year. We’re excited for the recognition, thank you Wharton People & Analytics!
Our research shows gender parity is not reflected in the senior ranks on Wall Street. Inclusive recruiting is only half the battle, sustained diversity requires coordinated focus at all levels of an organization: Boards: * Hold firms accountable for diversity at every level, not just in total population. * Make diversity integral to succession planning. C-suite: * Check in with team members across identity groups. * Establish concrete firm-wide standards for diversity. * Reinforce the tone from the top. Firms: * Develop a robust talent pipeline that exposes underrepresented groups to important finance skills earlier. * Require manager effectiveness training. * Staff women of color on big-ticket clients alongside the highest performing managers. Managers: * Give effective feedback. * Advocate for direct reports in group settings. A firm’s culture of equity is essential for achieving lasting diversity. Source: Why Finance Firms Need to Turbocharge the Careers of Women & Women of Color, and How They Can Do That for Worth Magazine by ghSMART's Shoma Hayden & Cintia Nojima.
Congratulations partner and Public and Social Sector lead Thor Mann for 15 years at ghSMART! Thor shares: “My colleagues at ghSMART have intellect and values that I adore, and they are fun. The way we build deep relationships with clients is unlike any other experience I’ve had in my career. I consider many CEO clients friends, we’ve formed a real connection. My role has allowed me to have a high-quality professional life without compromising on work or family life. I’ve taken multiple paternity leaves, and I am able to be very engaged in my kids’ lives—athletic events, doctor appointments, performances. I could have left the firm for one of two reasons: to work for a non-profit with people whose missions I care about, or to become a professor. Instead, I’ve been able to experience the best of all worlds, I serve non-profit clients who are doing good in the world, and I teach a graduate class at my alma mater. At ghSMART we get to work with the top of the house—people that make decisions that matter." Congratulations on 15 years Thor! We’re so grateful you’re part of our team.
Live on Forbes: "How ghSMART founder and chairman Geoff Smart created a leadership consultancy that has been outscoring rivals like McKinsey, Bain and BCG on metrics like pay, prestige and employee satisfaction." Leadership editor Diane Brady sat down with our founder in a 30+ minute interview to discuss who we are, what we do, and why "in the recent Vault ranking, the firm came out #1 in 10 categories." Read the article with link to video.
ghSMART was ranked #1 in 10 Vault consulting categories including 'Satisfaction'. Why? From one of our colleagues: "We have more direct interactions with CEOs and boards than any other firm. I love that sense of impact that comes from providing very meaningful and appreciated advice to clients that value our work.” ghSMART is different than other consulting firms. See our Vault listing for more team comments and all 10 of our #1 rankings. Join us!
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Gender equity is core to our values at ghSMART, our strong team of women advise, guide, and inspire us every day.
New ghSMART Principal and Team Europe member Nicola Wagener lives near Dusseldorf, Germany and has spent her professional life developing strategy: first for large corporations at McKinsey, and most recently as Head of Strategy & Portfolio at thyssenkrupp AG. She has worked in multiple countries and cultures, and through her career learned a thematic truth: “Leaders are the biggest lever for strategic change.” Nicola feels energized to work on the right topics with leaders that create real impact. Along with meaningful work, the firm’s freedom and flexibility is a huge differentiator, enabling lunchtime runs and bike rides around the lake near her home. Running and cycling isn’t just a pastime for Nicola. With nine long-distance triathlons under her belt and an upcoming race later this year in Roth, Germany, she is goal-oriented and loves the discipline of training for a race. Learn more about Nicola and ghSMART:
We believe leadership is the most important force for good. At ghSMART, you'll experience the challenge and privilege of becoming a trusted advisor - even confidant - to influential leaders who run large, values-driven organizations. The opportunity to create meaningful impact is why we are #1 in Vault categories 'Interaction with Clients' and 'Level of Challenge.' Join us.
Research from bestseller 'The CEO Next Door' by ghSMART partner Elena Lytkina Botelho and Kimberly Powell is featured in an Inc. Magazine article highlighting CEO success drivers. Author Justin Bariso identifies CEO Genome behavior 'Relentless Reliability' as a quality that "stood out above all the rest". Read the article:
