The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, a major development effort led jointly by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, was poised for a high-profile rollout. This unique start-up venture already had Kofi Annan as chairman of its board, and needed to find a similarly qualified individual for its CEO. Candidates were required to have a rare combination of leadership abilities and technical experience in the private sector and development sectors, with a strong preference for candidates of pre-colonial African descent.
Using our extensive network, we found an extraordinary individual who had served in senior roles with the United Nations’ World Food Program and other initiatives but had effectively dropped off the radar, having retired early to run his own tropical farming operation. Reading that kind of leadership potential is central to how we assess candidates for the most demanding roles.
We probably could have ended our search with this brilliant and pragmatic PhD from Cornell, who had also served as deputy minister of agriculture in Cameroon, but we also found a second strong candidate with a similarly stunning résumé. Not only did we find two exemplary candidates, but to do so we successfully engaged with leaders at the very highest levels of responsibility in important international organizations and governments.
Kincannon & Reed incorporates validated interview techniques and evaluation tools to accurately assess candidates. We have the capability to measure personality traits, motivations and evaluate specific competencies and behaviors. The right assessments provide a balanced approach to understanding potential as much as experience.
Coaching empowers executives to reach their full potential faster, benefiting your organization. We partner certified coaches with executives and use a strengths-based approach to guide leaders through a process that maximizes their potential to drive success.
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We bring a history of success delivering advisory and fiduciary board members specifically for family, start-up, and growth organizations. Our industry networks and broad access to executive leadership bring willing candidates from every corner of the market to serve on your board.
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