How Companies Choose the Right Leaders: David Lyman
“GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.”
Episode Description
In this episode of Leadership Matters, host Kaylee Thomsen speaks with David Lyman, Founder and Partner at Lyman Executive Search, about what truly determines leadership success. Drawing on decades of executive search experience, David shares why preparation, listening, and alignment are critical in the first 90 days of leadership. The conversation explores how companies choose the right leaders, the evolving traits of modern leadership, and why empathy and self-awareness matter more than command-and-control styles. David also unpacks the art and science of executive search and offers practical advice for leaders navigating growth, change, and complexity.
Chapters
- 00:00 Intro: Meet David Lyman
- 01:24 Welcome to Leadership Matters
- 01:57 The Power of Due Diligence and Preparedness
- 03:39 Warning Signs of Unprepared Leaders
- 04:46 Why Executives Flame Out in the First 90 Days
- 06:13 What Triggers Companies to Search for New Talent
- 09:04 Establishing "Swim Lanes" for Smooth Transitions
- 10:20 Promoting Internally vs. Hiring an Outside CEO
- 12:17 How Leadership Qualities Have Evolved Over 30 Years
- 16:24 The Role of Executive Search Firms vs. Networking
- 18:00 How LinkedIn Changed (and Didn't Replace) Executive Search
- 20:16 Where Companies Get Tripped Up in Hiring Decisions
- 22:00 A Success Story: Taking a Company from $100M to $200M
- 23:30 When It Doesn't Work Out: Lessons from a Tough Exit
- 26:02 Getting Board and Stakeholder Alignment Before a Search
- 29:22 Advice for Leaders Facing Complexity and High Stakes
- 30:36 Staying Nimble: David's Habits for Continuous Learning
- 31:46 Why Recency Matters in Board Searches
- 34:07 Parting Advice: Stay Positive
More In The Series
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