We helped uncover and accelerate an overlooked leader who ultimately earned the top job, changing the way the company saw its own talent.
Client profile
A global group providing specialized industrial services totaling $500M+ revenue
Challenge
The organization was beginning to plan for a critical leadership transition but lacked clear internal candidates who were seen as credible successors. Several potential leaders had been dismissed too quickly due to biases or narrow perceptions about readiness. The business believed it would likely need to cast a broader net to find the right candidate.
Insight
Through our assessment process, we discovered that the capability was already inside the organization — it just hadn’t been fully recognized. One candidate in particular had strong instincts, deep business knowledge, and untapped leadership potential, but their brand hadn’t matched the traditional mold.
By taking a fresh, evidence-based look at the full set of potential candidates, we helped the company reframe what credibility and readiness could look like.
Solution
ExecLead conducted a rigorous leadership assessment of several leaders using our integrated development framework, which evaluates not just capability and experience, but cultural fit, leadership brand, and potential to grow into the role. The process included:
In-depth stakeholder interviews and role profiling
Business simulations mapped to future challenges of the role
Structured leadership interviews and validated psychometric tools
Executive coaching to build confidence, presence, and influence
We didn't just identify a qualified candidate — we helped shape and accelerate their readiness. Through coaching and strategic exposure, they emerged as the clear choice in the eyes of leadership, many of whom had previously underestimated them.
Impact
The candidate was ultimately selected for the role — a decision that signaled a major shift in how the company viewed and valued this leader. The process reframed leadership potential as something to be developed, not just discovered.
This engagement reinforced a core belief: with the right lens and the conviction to invest, organizations can uncover and accelerate the talent they already have.