Adrienne Tom

Co-Founder | Small Business and Productivity Coach for Career Pros

Career Impressions: Executive Resume Writing

Do you want a resume that gets you noticed for top jobs? ⚜ As a 10X certified career professional, 2X master-level resume writer, and 32X award-winner, I write resumes and LinkedIn profiles that help C-suite executives, VPs, and directors land top jobs at billion-dollar companies, start-ups, and everything in between.

⚜ Your story deserves to be told. Everyone has value to offer employers. But conveying this story in a modern, succinct executive resume isn’t easy. I can do this for you.

⚜ You matter to me. I engage directly with all clients and complete all of the work myself. Your work will never be handed off to another writer.

⚜ I offer more than just ‘a resume’. I'm often told that my process is as valuable as the final documents. People feel more empowered and confident after our work together.

⚜ 𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. I hear amazing success stories from my clients. For 15+ years, I have written hundreds of executive resumes and LinkedIn profiles that generated increased recognition and escalated earning power for my clients:

“Adrienne, I just wanted to reach out and say again how awesome you are. Following your revamp of my LinkedIn and resume, I am getting chased down by recruiters left, right, and center, all of them waving HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE offers for increasingly high-level roles. This despite having just accepted a new role 6 months ago! I have been setting high opening bars for salary discussions and nobody has batted an eye.

I feel valued at my true worth and am being seen as an asset by these experts who specialize in high-level placements. Your work had a huge part of that.”

--- Client 2023

If you want to move forward in your career and get noticed for top jobs = let’s talk. My services:
✔ Executive Resume Writing
✔ Cover Letters
✔ LinkedIn Profiles
✔ Executive Bios
✔ Board of Directors Resumes

Canadian Executive Resume Writer and US Executive Resume Writer for CxO, CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CTO, CRO, SVP, VP, and Director titles.

Executive Resume Writer | Board Director Resume Writer >> Canadian and US Resumes

⚜ Looking to get your LinkedIn profile to bubble to the top of search results? Want to build a robust executive online presence? 

⚜ I develop LinkedIn profile content, from top to bottom, for forward-thinking executives, directors, and managers across North America to help them get found and hired faster.

LinkedIn services include:

✔️ Complete LinkedIn profile audit

✔️ Creation of customized, SEO-rich LinkedIn content to increase your profile's visibility on the #1 site for recruiters and hiring managers (over 95% of hiring personnel use LinkedIn)

✔️ Content creation for the Headline, About, Education, and 3 Work Experiences

✔️ Content suggestions for your Volunteer, Accomplishments, Skills, Awards, and Interests sections. 

✔️ Recommendations for all other sections, photo tips, and more

✔️ LinkedIn user guides and engagement strategies (you must also get active on the site to get found!)

▶️ In 2020, I was named a LinkedIn Top Voice for elevating essential career and job search topics and driving important business conversations on the platform.

LinkedIn Profile Writer >> Executive LinkedIn Content and Strategies to Get You Found!

🥇Starting as Calgary’s FIRST Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), I grew this organization to meet the swelling demands of local Albertans before expanding services nationwide and then internationally to become a leading executive resume writing firm.

🍁 Resumes were created for professionals and executives across Canada in all industries, including - but not limited to - engineering, finance, sales, project management, accounting, operations, IT, business analysis, and oil and gas.

👨‍💼👩‍💼Clients included new graduates, early professionals, mid-career professionals, managers, directors, and executives.  In 2010, with a new focus and branding, I shifted to work exclusively with senior-level clients around the world.

Executive Resume Writer in Canada | Calgary Resume Writer | Canadian Executive Resume Writer  | US Executive Resume Writer

✔ Executive Resume Writing
✔ Professional Resume Writing
✔ Job Search Support
✔ Cover Letter Creation
✔ LinkedIn Profile Creation

Canadian Executive Resume Writer | Calgary Professional Resume Writer

Thrive Global

Created and published content on executive resume writing, job search strategies, and resume trends on this new platform founded by Arianna Huffington.

Contributing Writer on Executive Resumes and Job Search Strategies

Job Search Journey

𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬🎉 – the world’s very first! 

T𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒋𝒐𝒃 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 -- 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒌.

👉 ATS-friendly resume templates to scripts for networking, interviewing, salary negotiations -- it's all there!

💡 The coolest part? Resources have been created by a community of trusted award- and accolade-winning job search experts with past careers in HR, recruiting, journalism, and communications, among others. Many have been hiring managers and job seekers.

❤️ A common goal of helping job seekers to land more quickly.

Resources to help every step of the job search journey. 

Take the guesswork out of your job search to land a meaningful job faster – at Job Search Journey.

After leading the launch of this resource site, I am pleased to have sold it and passed the torch to another amazing team of professionals who will take it to the next level.

Co-Founder |  Job Search Resources: Resume Templates, Networking Scripts, Interview Guides and more!

CareerPreneur Partners

💡After recognizing the need for an 'on-demand’ support system and high-touch help for small business owners and independent career professionals, I helped start CareerPreneur Partners.

🤝 CareerPreneur Partners: Business & Productivity Coaching provided one-on-one, custom coaching to careerpreneurs, helping them navigate small business challenges to be more productive.

📈Defining careerpreneurs as "people who proactively manage their career like an entrepreneur to make things happen" ...these are savvy individuals, often working for themselves as solopreneurs, mompreneurs, freelancers, and independent career pros that could use a support system on a variety of business hot topics.

⭐️ Going from fledgling to flourishing in my independent career practice, I am often called upon to mentor and guide other careerpreneurs through establishing their own successful ventures. It was an honour to partner with business owners during my time in this role to help them flourish. After several successful years, I stepped away from this initiative to focus on my other ventures.

Forbes Coaches Council

▶️  Appointed to this invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches.

▶️ Developed and distributed thought leadership articles and tips for publication on Forbes.com.

▶️  Identified, researched, and produced executive leadership and job search posts for astute business leaders (managers, directors, VPs, and C-suite professionals). Topics included: executive resume writing, LinkedIn development, interview preparation, job search tactics, and career strategies.

Council Member  | Content Contributor on Executive Resumes and Executive Job Search 

LinkedIn

▶️  Recruited to join the exclusive content creator team, (one of only 2 Canadians), developing articles and posts to support the Job Seeker Premium Site on LinkedIn.

▶️  Identified hot topics and generated comprehensive job search articles on the subjects of LinkedIn, interview preparation, resume writing, and job search strategies.

Job Search Content Creator >> Resume Writing and Interview Tips

University of Calgary - Career Services

▶️ Aided post secondary students with a variety of job search techniques, including resume creation, interview preparation, job search advice and networking.

▶️ Reviewed hundreds of student resumes of all disciplines, hosted workshops and provided one-on-one career advising.

▶️ Communicated with recruiters, executives, and employers throughout North America. Shared and analyzed industry trends and compiled educational job search materials for students and employers alike. 

▶️ Spearheaded the organization of five annual Career Fairs. Transformed the events into the top- attended and highest revenue generating events for Career Services. 

▶️ Oversaw application preparation and processing for hundreds of Co-operative and Internship students in a variety of disciplines.

▶️ Managed high-level communications with leading employers, executives, and recruiters of all industries. Provided and gathered job search insights and best practices.

Career Advisor | Career Fair Coordinator | Co-operative Education & Internship Administrator

▶️ Supported several hundred engineering students of nine separate disciplines through the program’s application process; addressed queries from students, employers, campus members, and professors. 

▶️ Reviewed and approved student resumes and assisted in the organization of site visits, information sessions and annual events.

Engineering Internship Program Administrator

Let me tell your career story. For 15+ years, I've moved forward the careers of global C-suite executives, VPs, and directors through my captivating executive resume writing.

⚜ TIME for a CAREER MOVE? LOOKING TO LEVEL UP?

You've located the right resource. My expertise is writing compelling executive resumes for Fortune 500
executives, global business professionals, and forward-thinking senior-level leaders across all industries, helping them land top jobs at billion-dollar companies, start-ups, and everything in between.

⚜ WANT to LAND an EXECUTIVE JOB FASTER?

I do more than write resumes. I unearth the value of every top professional that I partner with and shape their career story, positioning them as the candidate of choice (read more about this in my current role below).

As Canada's first Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM), 32-time award winner, and 10-time certified professional, my executive resumes have differentiated top business leaders from the competition to secure them greater recognition, higher compensation, and faster job placement!

MY EXPERTISE:

☑ 10X certified career professional

☑ 32X award-winning Canadian / US executive resume writer and LinkedIn writer

☑ Published in 7 resume and cover letter books

☑ Hired by LinkedIn / LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search & Careers 

☑ Featured in the Globe and Mail, NBC News, Monster, Calgary Herald, and Forbes

☑ Produced hundreds of resumes for C-Suite (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CTO, etc.), SVP, VP, and Director roles

☑ Appointed to Forbes™ Coaches Council

☑ Named one of the Top 15 Career / Job Search Experts to Follow on LinkedIn

☑ Recently awarded The Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert Certification 

⚜ WHAT OTHERS SAY (don't just take my word for it; read more recommendations in this profile):

"Adrienne provides so much more than merely a resume writing/interview coaching service; she provides you with a complete communication strategy that will help you market your brand to prospective employers." - Sales Executive

"The documents Adrienne produced on my behalf could not have told my professional story more accurately and perfectly." - Finance Leader

⚜ Learn more about my executive resume writing services at: 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.𝐜𝐚 ⚜

Executive Resume Writer: 
🌐 www.CareerImpressions.ca 
📧  adrienne @ careerimpressions. ca

Every year, my most-read blog is the annual Executive Resume Trends report.
If you’re a job seeker wondering how resumes are shifting for 2026, this is the deep dive you need.

I invited leading resume writers, recruiters, and career strategists to share what’s actually happening in the market: what’s working, what’s fading, and what separates memorable resumes from forgettable ones. Their insights were candid and incredibly aligned.

A clear theme emerged.

Technology may support the writing process, but authenticity and clarity still win interviews. Hiring teams are asking for resumes that feel personal, specific, and results-focused.

Here’s a preview of what experts shared:

• Story-first resumes that blend narrative with data continue to outperform
• Skill stacking and hybrid fluency are becoming essential across industries
• Sustainable resume strategy now matters more than ever in longer searches
• One-page limits, ATS obsession, and AI-generated boilerplate are holding people back

If you want your resume to stand out in 2026, this expert-backed discussion will help you get there.

Before you update another bullet or chase another template, take ten minutes to read what industry leaders are advising for the year ahead. It could save you hours of guesswork and help you build a document that truly reflects your value.

The full breakdown is here in Executive Resume Trends for 2026: What Works and What to Retire https://lnkd.in/gv7VbcjX

Thank you again to every expert who contributed their insight. Your perspectives shape this report each year and help job seekers navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.

=====
♻️ Reshare to help more job seekers!

32X Award-Winning Executive Resume Writer → I Help C-Suite Execs, VPs, Directors, and Leaders in Canada and the U.S. Land Opportunities Faster ٭ LinkedIn Branding ٭ Career Storytelling ٭ Board Resumes

Open article: Executive Resume Trends for 2026: What Works and What to Retire - Career Impressions by careerimpressions.ca

Executive Resume Trends for 2026: What Works and What to Retire - Career Impressions

I want to let you in on a little secret—actually, seven. 🤫 
I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of resume advice on the internet. “Do this…” “Don’t do that.” It can get confusing. Here’s the thing...

I’ve been writing resumes for nearly 20 years. Yes, that long. Over the years, a few fundamentals, best practices, and resume trends have held steady, making the difference between a good resume and a GREAT resume.
 
I’m sure you only want a great resume when the time comes to hand it over for a dream job.

You want the resume – and yourself – to be noticed, right?!
 
Here are my seven secrets to resume success.
 
What else would you add to the list?
 
#resume #resumewriting

7 Resume Secrets

Your resume may be all about you, but it isn’t meant for you. It is written for the person deciding whether to move you forward. Before adding any detail, pause and ask yourself 4 quick questions.👇 

1. Does every detail align with the job?

It is easy to list every course, certification, and project you have completed. The real test is whether the detail supports the role you want today.

Example: If you have several finance-focused courses but are pursuing a role outside of finance, those courses may not help the reader understand your fit.


2. Are all examples relevant to the role -- and are they results-rich?

You likely have many proud moments throughout your career. But if an example does not move the needle for the job you are targeting, it is better to remove it or replace it with something more aligned. Relevance keeps the reader focused on what matters most.

Additionally, tasks alone do not elevate a resume. Resume readers want measurable proof of your abilities, so focus on the results that show what you can do.


3. Are you spotlighting related work history or providing a career chronology?

A resume is not meant to be a full archive of your professional past. Older roles do not always need as much detail, or any mention at all. Positions outside your target industry also do not require heavy explanation.

Some exceptions exist, but the goal is the same: be strategic and selective.


3. Are language and keywords appropriate?

Industry language should support, not confuse. If you spent years in healthcare and are now targeting high-tech, soften the healthcare-heavy terms and shift toward keywords that reflect the new space. You want the reader to see you fitting into their world.


At the end of the day, write your resume for the reader. If a detail will not matter to the decision-maker, it risks distracting them and weakening your message.

Strong resumes are focused, relevant, and aligned to a clear target.

A senior leader told me recently, "I’m posting on LinkedIn every week, but nothing’s happening. No recruiters, no engagement, no leads."

If that sounds familiar, it’s usually one of two things:

1. Your content isn’t connecting with your audience.
You’re sharing updates, but they don't reflect your perspective, leadership, or results. People don’t just want to read what you do.  People here on the site want to know what and how you think. What makes you unique??

2. Your network isn’t working for you.
You need to foster connection and engagement. The algorithm rewards genuine conversation, not silent scrolling or passive likes. Don't just share. Comment and  engage! 

If visibility isn’t growing, it’s almost always one or both.
If I were to help you dig deeper, here’s what I’d ask:

* Who are you writing for: peers, recruiters, or potential employers?
* Are you commenting meaningfully on others’ posts each week?
* Do your posts show your industry knowledge?
* When someone visits your profile, do they see clear leadership positioning?
* Are you using your “About” section to tell your story or list your job history?
* Do you follow and engage with companies you’d actually like to work for?
* Have you reached out directly to new contacts after connecting

A few small tweaks in focus and tone (and profile content) can turn engagement into opportunity. I’ve seen executives go from invisible to in-demand by showing up with purpose and a personalized point of view (and ensuring their leadership story is clear on the profile). 

If someone said, “LinkedIn doesn’t work for me,” what would you tell them to do differently next week?

If you are trying to create great content for your resume -- tell a story. Address: Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why. 
Let’s walk through a simple example.

Imagine a past role where you were asked to improve employee engagement.
Most people would list a basic line like:
“Improved employee engagement.”

That statement is accurate, but it does not communicate the scope, context, or results. When you expand the details, your value becomes far clearer.

WHO was involved?
A team of 4 cross-functional internal staff.

WHAT was involved?
You directed the team to create and implement a national employee incentive and training program.

WHEN did this occur?
In 2021, while working as Operational Manager for Big Corp in Seattle, Washington.

WHERE did this happen?
Within a national organization supporting 32,000 employees.

HOW did it end?
The new program was built and launched in 5 months. Engagement increased 65% as a result.

WHY does this matter?
Because the details help a hiring leader quickly understand the scale of the work and the impact delivered. Focus on what your target reader needs to know...not everything must be shared. 

Once you gather these pieces, combine them into a single, high-impact resume statement. An example:

✔️ Increased employee engagement 65% by directing a team of 4 to create and launch a new national training and incentive program, which rolled out to 32,000 staff in just 5 months.

How to Tell a Story in Your Resume

A decade ago, if you’d told a board or executive recruiter you were considering a six-month C-suite contract, they might have raised an eyebrow. Executives were expected to stay the course: steady hands, deep roots, and long tenures.

But the landscape has changed.

Today, fractional and interim leadership is no longer a stopgap. It has become a strategy for both companies and executives.

Organizations can’t afford to sit still while searching for a permanent leader. Many CEO and C-suite searches still stretch multiple months. Investors do not wait that long. Markets do not pause.

Enter the fractional executive, a leader who steps in quickly, stabilizes operations, and delivers measurable results while the board conducts a longer search.

And here is what might surprise you most:
For many executives, this is not a temporary pivot. It is a career by design, one that offers variety, flexibility, and impact across multiple industries.

Fractional leaders thrive on speed and precision. They do not just “fill gaps.” They solve problems.

They bring an outsider’s lens, fresh thinking, and a results-driven approach that many organizations need right now.

Demand is rising, too. It is not hard to see why. In a climate defined by rapid change, experience-on-demand is invaluable.

Fractional work gives executives the chance to:
• Expand influence across multiple sectors
• Demonstrate agility in fast-moving environments
• Maintain momentum between roles
• Keep networks active and skills sharp

But it also brings new challenges: compressed timelines, evolving authority, and highly variable compensation models.

That is why positioning, branding, and clarity are everything.

If you have ever wondered whether fractional or interim leadership could be a strategic move rather than a stopgap, this is the time to explore it.

Read the full feature here:

Open article: Fractional and Interim Executives: Why These Leadership Roles Are the Future of Executive Careers - Career Impressions by careerimpressions.ca

Fractional and Interim Executives: Why These Leadership Roles Are the Future of Executive Careers - Career Impressions

“How public should my job search be?”
A common question I get from executives is whether to quietly explore opportunities, or go public and announce they’re open to new roles.

From my experience, I see two sides: executives who stay too quiet can miss warm leads and recruiter visibility. And those who go public in the wrong way risk awkwardness or mixed perceptions. 

Yet, the reality is that visibility fuels opportunity... if managed with intention.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there should be strategy involved.

I’d love to hear your take: if you were exploring a new executive role, how open would you be about it publicly on LinkedIn?

1️⃣ Very open — I’d announce it and post about my goals
2️⃣ Somewhat open — I’d quietly signal and share
3️⃣ Private — I’d only tell trusted contacts
4️⃣ Depends — on my company, market, or timing (tell us more in the comments!).

I’ll share next week what tends to work best for executives at the Director-to-C-suite level and why visibility strategy is often a bigger factor than the resume itself.

If you were exploring a new executive role, how open would you be about it on LinkedIn?

The author can see how you vote. Learn more

Are your resume bullets pulling their weight?
Take a closer look. Are your statements:


==> Sharing basic details that anyone could claim?

==> Describing job duties instead of measurable results?

==> Missing quantifiable details that prove impact?

If you said yes to any of these, it’s time to elevate your content. Weak bullets report. Strong bullets reveal value.

Read each line of your resume and ask yourself:

“So what?”

==> Is this detail meaningful to the reader?

==> Does it show results or outcomes?

==> Is it specific enough to stand out?

==> Why is this worth including?

If you can add even a small, relevant detail that clarifies your impact, do it. Those subtle expansions—metrics, scope, or context—can transform a basic statement into one that commands attention.

The goal: value-enhanced bullets that sell your results, not just summarize your responsibilities. And if content isn't strong or related: remove it or improve it.

Check the comments for a free resource to help you refine your resume bullets and make every line count.

#resume

Cormis Partners

Spearheads the growth and strategic direction of Cormis Partners’ aviation & aerospace executive search practice. Cultivate and nurture high-level client relationships across the global industrial and aviation sectors, positioning the firm as the go-to advisor for senior leadership talent. Drive revenue growth by securing and expanding new business opportunities, developing tailored search strategies for C-suite and senior leadership roles.

Represent the firm at industry forums and events, consistently strengthening brand presence and reinforcing thought leadership. Publish articles and participate as a speaker at top industry conferences, establishing Cormis Partners as the recognized authority in executive search within aviation and aerospace.

Partner - Aviation & Transportation  |  Infrastructure  |  Energy

Drove the successful delivery of executive search mandates across the global industrial sectors. Partnered with C-suite and senior leadership to identify, assess, and secure top-tier talent for critical leadership roles. Executed end-to-end search processes, leading candidate identification, market mapping, and engagement strategies. Played a key role in delivering high-caliber shortlists within 4-5 weeks, ensuring data-driven decision-making and exceptional client satisfaction.

Principal Consultant

Partnered with C-suite and senior leadership to identify, assess, and secure top-tier talent for critical leadership roles. Executed end-to-end search processes, leading candidate identification, market mapping, and engagement strategies. Played a key role in delivering high-caliber shortlists within 4-5 weeks, ensuring data-driven decision-making and exceptional client satisfaction.

Senior Associate

The Centre for Aviation Psychology

The world has changed and so has aviation & aerospace. As operators have restructured this has inevitably led to wide-scale job insecurity - and sadly for many, job losses. With a toolbox of sector-specific skills and experiences, seeking employment beyond aviation is a daunting prospect for most and life-changing for many. Where does one start?

For those who are seeking friendly and personalised support, we can offer you a range of services. These can either be purchased on an individual basis or at a corporate level, as part of an outplacement package. 

We apply a flexible approach and work with the individual to ensure that they are able to compete in the market place with confidence. We provide grounded, informed and positive assistance which results in a more effective outcome for both the individual and the company. 

Results You Can Expect:

✓ Clarity on your career direction.
✓ Confidence in articulating your strengths.
✓ Certainty in knowing you have a resume that is authentically you.
✓ Control over your job search.
✓ Credibility at job interviews.

▶︎ Get in touch for a free initial consultation
✎ arpad@centreforaviationpsychology.com
☎ +44 (0) 7546 620 202

Career Transition Coach & Outplacement Consultant 

Laing O'Rourke

As a Senior Resourcing Advisor within Laing O'Rourke’s executive search and leadership assessment unit, I played a key role in strategically sourcing senior talent for critical functions, directly contributing to the company's global infrastructure projects.

• Led the successful recruitment of over 70+ senior executives across engineering, design, commercial, HSE, project controls, estimating, planning, finance, HR, and legal, with a 90% placement retention rate over two years.

• Spearheaded global talent searches for leadership roles on high-profile projects across sectors such as rail, road, defence, oil & gas, resources, and general infrastructure, filling 50+ roles critical to project delivery, with an average time-to-hire reduction of 30%.

• Established and maintained talent pools across 10+ key geographies and sectors, providing Laing O'Rourke with access to over 500 pre-qualified senior candidates, resulting in a 20% faster response time for urgent executive needs.

• Delivered 25+ executive searches and market intelligence reports annually for external clients in the UK and Australian construction and engineering sectors, supporting over £2 billion in infrastructure project value through strategic hires.

• Designed and delivered 10+ market intelligence products, including compensation benchmarking, competitor analysis, and market mapping, improving recruitment strategy alignment with industry trends and increasing offer acceptance rates by 15%.

These efforts provided critical insights and executive leadership talent that enabled Laing O'Rourke to deliver on major global projects and maintain competitive advantage in a highly complex and evolving sector.

Senior Resourcing Advisor  | Executive Search & Leadership Advisory 

Spencer Stuart

My core focus was advising clients on talent acquisition and leadership development within the Finance function, delivering high-impact appointments across industries, with a particular focus on Industrial, Financial Services, and Life Sciences sectors.

• Delivered finance leadership hires for FTSE 100, Fortune 500, and PE-backed firms, including Group CFO appointments, as well as direct report roles in divisional and regional Finance Director positions, Commercial & Corporate Finance, Financial Control & Accounting, FP&A, Tax, Treasury, and Internal Audit.

• Provided strategic talent advisory services across various ownership structures, including large corporates, small-cap public companies, PE portfolio firms, family-owned businesses, and not-for-profits

• Identified and sourced finance leaders for global organizations operating across 5+ countries, enabling clients to fill critical leadership gaps and strengthen their finance function for long-term growth.

• Advised clients on leadership development and succession planning, helping finance executives transition into expanded roles, driving organizational continuity and performance improvements.

Associate | Financial Officers Practice EMEA

Cripps Sears & Partners

Cripps Sears & Partners, established in 1973, is a leading international executive search firm specializing in the Energy & Natural Resources, Infrastructure, and Professional Services sectors.

As an Associate, I played a pivotal role in delivering high-impact executive and board searches across the energy transition, oil & gas, renewables, utilities, and mining sectors globally.

• Led or supported over 40 executive and board-level searches annually, with a 95% success rate in placing candidates who exceeded performance expectations within their first 12 months.

• Spearheaded global talent searches across 25+ countries, securing leadership for multinational corporations, private equity-backed firms, and SMEs, resulting in a 20% reduction in time-to-hire and a 90% offer acceptance rate.

• Delivered key hires for $100M+ energy transition projects, including senior executives in renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainability roles, helping clients drive innovation in energy transition initiatives.

• Developed and implemented data-driven search strategies that identified high-caliber candidates across critical functions, enhancing the firm’s talent pool by 30% year-over-year.

• Built and managed long-term client relationships, contributing to 85% of clients returning for additional searches within 18 months, reinforcing trust and satisfaction through exceptional outcomes.

• Delivered detailed market intelligence and competitor analyses, providing clients with insights that informed hiring decisions for critical projects, including multi-billion-dollar infrastructure developments and renewable energy initiatives.

Associate | Global Industrial Markets

G2 Legal Limited

G2 Legal is a specilaist legal recruitment firm that places lawyers at all levels into Private Practice, In-House and Public Sector entities. I worked within the company's London Commercial Team. 

• End-to-end recruitment of qualified solicitors across all practice areas into permanent positions. 
• Worked with associate-level candidates and liaised with clients to understand their requirements
• Clients ranged from leading U.S. and international firms through to niche & boutique practices
• Met KPI's such as time to fill, days to offer, candidate satisfaction and interview-to-hire

Trainee Consultant | Transport & Infrastructure

Bird & Bird

At Bird & Bird's International Aviation Group I worked on various EU regulatory matters including passenger rights. In particular, I handled large number of claims under EU Regulation 261/2004 in connection with denied boarding, cancellations and flight delays and the Montreal Convention against multiple airline clients. The role required me to utilize my strong connections within governmental, regulatory and aviation trade bodies.

EU Regulatory Specialist | Aviation Group 

Stewarts

Stewarts is the UK's largest litigation-only law firm and specialises in high value and complex disputes. I was part of the firm's Aviation & Travel Department which acts for claimants around the world and have successfully recovered record compensation in complex international aviation claims. I was involved in a wide range of accidents in a significant number of jurisdictions including Ethiopian Airlines ET409, Sudan Airways Flight 109, Kenya Airways Flight KQ-507 as well as Air France Flight AF447. The cases I worked on have ranged from airliners, light aircraft, private jet and helicopter accidents.

Paralegal/Legal Analyst | Aviation & Travel Group

▶︎My Profile 

With a solid foundation in aviation law and extensive experience in executive search, I specialize in connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations, driving success through strategic leadership placements.

✈️ Elevating Aviation & Aerospace Excellence
My career has been dedicated to understanding the unique needs of this industry and delivering exceptional talent solutions that align with organizational goals. I’ve successfully worked with multinational corporations, and private equity-backed firms to place leaders who drive growth and transformation.

🌍 Global Reach
My global perspective is complemented by hands-on experience in delivering executive and board-level assignments across the aviation and aerospace landscape. From the UK to Continental Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia, I bring a deep understanding of the industry's nuances and regional dynamics. 

🚀 What Sets Me Apart:
• Specialized Sector Knowledge: With a background in aviation law and sector expertise in engineering, logistics, and infrastructure, I provide a unique perspective that is highly relevant to the aviation and aerospace industries.

• Strategic Talent Mapping & Pipelining: I excel in identifying and cultivating talent that aligns with your strategic objectives, ensuring that you have the right leaders in place for future success.

• Succession Planning Expertise: My approach to succession planning is designed to prepare your organization for the future, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.

• Multilingual Advantage: I offer a global reach and the ability to engage with diverse talent pools across multiple regions.

🌟 How I Can Help
• Executive Search & Recruitment: I specialize in placing high-caliber executives in key roles within the aviation and aerospace sectors, ensuring a perfect fit for your organization’s culture and strategic vision.

• Leadership Assessment: I help organizations identify and develop leaders who are equipped to drive innovation and growth.

• Career Transition Coaching: I support executives in their career transitions, providing tailored guidance to ensure they quickly adapt and excel in new roles.

🎤 Thought Leadership & Engagement
As an active contributor to industry discussions, I regularly speak at executive education programs and publish on topics such as diversity and inclusion in aviation and aerospace. 

Reach out via:

📧 arpad.szakal@cormispartners.com
📞 Direct: +44 (0) 20 3800 1751
📱 Mobile: +44 (0) 7546 620 202
🏢 Office: +44 (0) 20 3800 1750

Arpad Szakal, ACC

I learned this the hard way.


Early in my career, I chased the “perfect job”. 

Great company. 

Exciting role. 

Solid pay.

What I didn’t realize? 

You don’t just choose a job.

You choose a boss.

And the wrong one can wreck more than your career:

It can drain your energy

Crush your confidence, and 

Make work feel unbearable.

After some painful lessons

I started asking questions few ever think of.

Questions that reveal what kind of leader someone really is.

Here are 15 tough questions you can work with:

1. “Of all the people who’ve worked for you, how many have been promoted — and how did you help them get there?”

Good leaders build people. 

Bad leaders build power.

2. “Tell me about a time someone challenged your idea. What happened?”

This exposes whether feedback is welcomed (or feared).

3. “What’s the last mistake you made that cost your team? How did you handle it?”

Leaders own their mistakes. 

Bosses blame.

4. “Which team member keeps you awake at night — and why?”

It shows whether they care about their people or just the results.

5. “How do you decide what to delegate — and what to control yourself?”

Micromanagers suffocate growth. 

Trusting leaders create it.

6. “If someone quit tomorrow, how would you respond?”
 
Do they panic, or do they reflect on why it happened?

7. “What’s one thing about this team you’d never want anyone outside to know?”

The answer often shows transparency (or its opposite).

8. “When was the last time someone left because of you? What did you learn?”

Good leaders learn. 

Bad leaders deflect.

9. “How do you celebrate small wins — or do you only notice the big ones?”

Recognition is fuel.

Not fluff.

10. “If your team had a mantra, what would it be?”

It reveals culture faster than any HR slide deck.

11. “How do you protect your team when things go wrong?”

Do they shield and support — or throw people under the bus?

12. “What frustrates you most about your team — and how do you deal with it?”

Leadership isn’t frustration-free. 

It’s about handling it without crushing people.

13. “How do you handle burnout on your team?”

Good bosses see humans first. 

Bad bosses see only output.

14. “What’s the one thing you want everyone on your team to remember about working with you?”

Their answer tells you exactly what kind of legacy they’re creating.

15. “If I could only leave this team having learned one thing, what would it be?”

It reveals whether they value growth (or just compliance).

Don’t just chase titles or brands. 

Look for leaders who:

- lift, 
- protect, and 
- challenge you.

So next time you’re interviewing, don’t just pick a role.

Pick a leader you’d actually want to follow.

Your future self will thank you.

♻️ Share this to help your network 
#culturematters #aviation #hiring

Aviation Lawyer Turned Executive Search Expert | Connecting Top-Flight Talent with Leadership Opportunities | Building Companies & Careers Globally | Aviation, Transportation, Infrastructure & Energy

taplio

The Battle

Adrienne Tom

Arpad Szakal, ACC

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreAdrienne Tom's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreArpad Szakal, ACC's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Adrienne Tom

Arpad Szakal, ACC

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Adrienne Tom's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreArpad Szakal, ACC's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreAdrienne Tom's LinkedIn Performance