Conducting a global search for strategic clinical leadership and advice
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged by a government department to undertake a comprehensive international and Australia-wide executive search. The engagement prioritised the search for a Deputy Chief Health Officer (DCHO) (Environmental), Health Protection Branch, Regulation, Health Protection and Emergency Management. The role is a senior clinical position within the department, providing authoritative advice and leadership to support the Chief Health Officer, and the most senior decision-makers within the government.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership™ assembled a specialised team, and an experienced research and administration team, to lead the search. Key steps included:
- Targeted Search and Talent Pooling: An initial briefing with two senior members of the appropriate branch was followed by a briefing with lead decision-makers, including the Chief Health Officer. Project timelines were developed to meet organisational requirements, in addition to developing a full candidate information pack comprising the position description, selection criteria and relevant background information. A national print and online advertising campaign was coordinated to support an extensive, confidential international search process encompassing approaches to qualified individuals across Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada and the USA.
- Comprehensive Shortlisting: Due to the specific nature and complexity of the position requirements, only a small number of candidates met the brief. Future Leadership presented full reports on three highly qualified candidates, including a candidate from the United Kingdom. Future Leadership coordinated all arrangements for the shortlist interviews, including a Skype interview for the UK-based candidate.
- Panel Interviews and Strategic Presentation: The UK candidate was identified as the preferred candidate and Future Leadership subsequently coordinated all further meetings, including a four-day visit to the head office, managing all negotiations between the organisation and the candidate.
Emerging Capabilities
Stakeholder Relations
Establishes rapport with stakeholders, builds and sustains trusted and collaborative relationships.
Identifies and draws on relevant and diverse perspectives and integrates them to support productive interactions.
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term perspective. Understands and considers context. Communicates and gains buy-in to the function/organisation goals, direction and vision, promoting change initiatives.
Culture and Engagement
Fosters a positive culture, creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness. Creates an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and facilitates a psychologically safe environment.
Communication and Influence
Communicates with clarity and impact to facilitate individual and collective understanding, inspire action and enable information exchange. Leverages human-centric communication and storytelling to effectively influence stakeholders across the physical and virtual realms.
Commercial Acumen
Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace and business drivers as applicable to the organisation. Leverages the application of commercial tools and frameworks to manage opportunities, conflicts and trade-offs.
Personal Growth
Adopts a growth mindset, building self-awareness. Motivated to continuously develop personally and professionally - one's own knowledge, skills, and personal attributes and self-insight. Reflects regularly on ways to improve self, regularly evolving self, focusing on the whole person.
The Outcome
The successful candidate commenced the role with the department in March 2018. A senior health professional with a specialist registration in public health, the appointee was highly regarded in the UK demonstrating political savviness, high technical ability, and exceptional future capabilities across the social elements of her role. The appointed candidate held a broad range of experience at local, national and international levels, including at the Health Protection Agency, Merlin and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the World Health Organisation.
