Talent Talks

Leadership Stability at HBCUs: Breaking the Cycle of Short Presidential Tenures

In this episode of Talent Talks, Rob Adams speaks with Dr. Gerri Williams, Partner at CarterBaldwin Executive Search, about the growing challenge of presidential turnover at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Drawing on her experience advising boards and leading presidential searches, Dr. Williams explores why leadership stability matters, what’s driving short tenures, and how governance alignment and more intentional search practices can help break the cycle. The conversation highlights the broader implications for students, faculty, donors, and the future of higher education leadership.

Precision Talent: The Hidden Lever in Private Equity Transformation

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams sits down with Chris Gagnon, Senior Partner at CEO Works, to explore how precision in talent deployment is becoming a pivotal lever in private equity transformation. Chris explains why so many value creation plans falter—not due to strategy or capital, but because leaders fail to match the right people to the right work. He introduces the concept of aligning work, role, and capability with rigor, moving beyond generic job profiles to truly quantify talent fit. From understanding why only one in four PE-backed CEOs reach exit, to harnessing data and AI for more predictive talent decisions, Chris offers a new framework for driving sustained impact through human insight.

Balancing AI and the Human Touch in Executive Search

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams is joined by Pete Petrella [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-petrella-8609698/], President at TalentRise [https://www.talentrise.com/], an executive search and talent management consulting firm serving mid- to large-market employers across professional services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, financial services, and non-profit sectors. Pete shares how TalentRise is navigating the evolving executive search landscape by integrating AI and automation to streamline processes—while doubling down on the human connection to improve candidate fit, culture alignment, and long-term success. From sourcing and assessments to leadership development and coaching, Pete explains how his team uses predictive analytics and behavioral tools to deliver results without compromising the personalized, high-touch experience that sets them apart. Rob and Pete also explore how TalentRise supports newly placed executives through their first 90 days with coaching that strengthens relationship-building and cultural alignment—especially critical in high-pressure, private equity environments. Tune in to hear how executive search firms are adapting to change, and why the future of talent still depends on human insight.

Culture as a Strategic Lever

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams is joined by Elizabeth May, Organizational Development Specialist at TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC). Elizabeth shares how TIVC helps organizations move beyond viewing culture as a soft concept and instead treat it as a strategic lever that drives measurable results and retains top talent. Elizabeth introduces TIVC’s Culture Insights Index (the KEY), a research-backed tool that distills culture into four actionable dimensions: structure, resources, growth, and communication. She explains how this practical framework helps organizations assess behaviors, build trust, and align culture with business outcomes. Together, Rob and Elizabeth explore how leaders can reframe accountability, improve communication, and take intentional steps to activate culture at every level — without overwhelming employees. Tune in for practical advice and fresh insights leaders can use to start building a culture worth staying for this week.

Activating Culture in a Remote World

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams welcomes Jon Levitt, Chief Strategy Officer at BrainWorks, a leading boutique executive search firm with a 30-year track record of sourcing and placing top talent. Jon shares his perspective on how organizations can intentionally activate and sustain culture at every level — even in remote and hybrid environments. Together, Rob and Jon explore practical tools and frameworks BrainWorks uses to make culture actionable, the critical role communication plays in building culture, and subtle indicators that reveal whether a company’s culture is thriving or struggling. Mr. Levitt also discusses how technology should (and shouldn’t) support culture in distributed teams, and how the definition of culture fit is evolving in executive hiring. Tune in for fresh insights and actionable takeaways that leaders can apply immediately to strengthen organizational culture and drive performance.