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Keynote Search Keynote answers one question organizations are asking - how do we attract, hire, retain and develop

Keynote answers one question organizations are asking - how do we attract, hire, retain and develop exceptional talent?

10/22/2026

Choosing the right leader for your organization is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Having the right partner by your side can make all the difference.

At Keynote Search, we take a thorough, hands-on approach to executive recruitment, helping organizations find the right leaders for Director, VP and C-suite positions.

So, what does that process look like?

✅ 200 people approached on your behalf to identify potential candidates.
✅ 50 candidates interviewed to assess their experience, capabilities and fit.
✅ 15 candidates longlisted for further consideration.
✅ 5 candidates shortlisted and presented for your consideration.

But our work doesn’t stop when the right candidate is selected.

Through our Keynote Integrate program, we provide nine dedicated sessions over the first four months of employment to help new leaders transition into their roles, navigate their new environment and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Because finding the right leader is only part of the equation. Helping them succeed is just as important.

Looking to bring the right executive into your organization? Let’s start the conversation.

What is the real cost of a bad C-suite hire? It goes far beyond recruitment fees.In a recent Talent Canada article, our ...
10/20/2026

What is the real cost of a bad C-suite hire? It goes far beyond recruitment fees.

In a recent Talent Canada article, our CEO, James Baker dives into the often-overlooked consequences of a poor executive hire and why getting the decision right from the beginning matters so much.

While recruitment expenses and severance are immediate costs, the ripple effects can reach much further, impacting team morale, employee retention, decision-making and the organization’s ability to move forward with its business priorities.

James also looks at some of the common mistakes organizations make during executive hiring, including:

✅ Prioritizing credentials over leadership capabilities and cultural alignment
✅ Hiring to solve an immediate problem without considering future business needs
✅ Failing to align key stakeholders on the role’s mandate and expectations
✅ Rushing the hiring process under pressure
✅ Relying on interview performance instead of evidence of real-world results

So, how can companies reduce the risk? It starts with understanding what the business needs from its next leader, defining clear expectations, and using a thoughtful, evidence-based assessment process.

At Keynote Search, we know that successful executive hiring is about more than finding an impressive résumé. It’s about identifying the right leader for an organization’s strategy, culture and next stage of growth.

Read the full article: https://www.talentcanada.ca/the-hidden-cost-of-a-bad-c-suite-hire-and-how-smart-companies-avoid-it/

10/15/2026

Finding the right leader for your organization is a big investment. But what happens after they accept the role?

Setting a new leader up for long-term success requires more than a strong start. It takes structure, support, and a clear path forward.

At Keynote, our Integrate program provides 9 structured sessions over the first four months of employment, focusing on the key areas that help new leaders succeed:
✅ Communication
✅ Alignment
✅ Goal setting
✅ Deliverables
✅ Relationship building

Because finding the right leader is only the beginning. Helping them thrive in their role is what makes the difference.

Learn more about our Onboarding & Integration Programs: LINK IN BIO

James Baker had the opportunity to speak at the 9th Annual World Skills Conference, bringing together employers, jobseek...
10/13/2026

James Baker had the opportunity to speak at the 9th Annual World Skills Conference, bringing together employers, jobseekers, and community leaders for important conversations about Ottawa’s workforce and the future of employment.

In his keynote address, James dived into the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s labour market, including the growing role of AI in recruitment, the shift toward more flexible work arrangements, and the increasing demand for adaptable, cross-functional talent.

He also emphasized the importance of skills-based hiring, encouraging employers to look beyond traditional credentials and recognize the experience, problem-solving abilities, and potential candidates bring to the table.

For jobseekers, his message was to remain adaptable, look for new opportunities, and build meaningful connections beyond online applications.

Thank you to World Skills for organizing this event and creating valuable opportunities for employers and jobseekers to connect, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of work in Ottawa! 🤝

The punches got everyone cheering. The $1.7 million raised gave everyone something to celebrate. 🥊James Baker and Donna ...
10/05/2026

The punches got everyone cheering. The $1.7 million raised gave everyone something to celebrate. 🥊

James Baker and Donna Baker attended Fight for the Cure this past Saturday in support of The The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.

It takes a lot to sign up for an event like this. You’re committing to months of training, asking your community to get behind you, and then stepping into the ring in front of a crowd. Congratulations to every fighter who took that on.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, donors and supporters who made it happen. An incredible result for a cause that touches so many families.

Before deciding who to hire, leadership should first agree on what needs to change as a result of the hire.For a growing...
10/02/2026

Before deciding who to hire, leadership should first agree on what needs to change as a result of the hire.

For a growing technology company, that could mean preparing for another funding round, entering new markets, building a scalable sales organization, strengthening financial discipline, or reducing the founder’s involvement in day-to-day decisions.

Getting clear on those priorities helps define the executive role and what success should look like.

Swipe through to see the questions leadership should be asking first, before jumping straight into defining the candidate profile.

This process also creates an opportunity for important conversations between the founder, board, and investors. If stakeholders have different expectations for the role, those differences should be addressed before candidates enter the process.

Learn more: https://keynotesearch.com/blog/how-founder-led-tech-companies-can-avoid-costly-executive-hiring-mistakes/

10/01/2026

We recently wrapped up two of Canada’s most high-profile President searches in the defence sector, and one observation has stayed with me.

We spoke with more than 200 people for each search and met with 50 candidates per opportunity. Along the way, we connected with some outstanding leaders.

But many of the people ready and able to lead Canada’s defence companies are only five to ten years away from leaving the workforce.

That puts succession planning firmly on the agenda. For some organizations, the window to prepare their next leader could be as short as five years.

We need to identify people within the industry who are ready to step up and give them the tools, resources, training and time to succeed. That preparation needs to start well before a leadership vacancy opens.

We also need to look at leaders in adjacent sectors who can bring relevant experience and fresh perspectives, while respecting the purpose and mission of the organizations they join.

There is strong leadership talent out there. The question is whether we’re doing enough now to prepare it for what comes next.

A successful executive placement doesn’t end when the offer is signed.Brenda Kirkwood, our VP, post-placement integratio...
09/24/2026

A successful executive placement doesn’t end when the offer is signed.

Brenda Kirkwood, our VP, post-placement integration, shares how the transition into a new leadership role comes with new expectations, relationships, challenges and decisions. That’s where coaching can make a meaningful difference.

Having an objective person to talk through challenges with gives leaders space to step back, reflect and gain clarity without the pressure of being in the middle of the situation.

For newly placed executives, coaching can provide a valuable sounding board as they learn the organization, build relationships with their team and work toward their priorities.

That’s why post-placement support matters.

Our focus extends beyond finding the right leader. Supporting their integration and success in the role is an important part of the process.

Because finding the right person is only the beginning. Helping them succeed is what comes next.

Earlier this week, Donna Baker hit the green at the Rockland Golf Club for the Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce gol...
09/18/2026

Earlier this week, Donna Baker hit the green at the Rockland Golf Club for the Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce golf tournament at !

A huge thank you to Melyssa Brunet from Tandem Books for the invite! It was a great opportunity to connect with other local businesses, build new relationships, and enjoy some time out on the course.

Nothing like a little friendly competition and a day of golf! 🏌️‍♀️

Starting a new role is about more than learning a new job.It’s about understanding the business, building relationships,...
09/16/2026

Starting a new role is about more than learning a new job.

It’s about understanding the business, building relationships, finding your place within a team, and gaining the confidence to succeed.

That’s why we take a structured approach to employee integration.

We provide objective coaching and support throughout the first 120 days to help organizations:
✅ Support new employees
✅ Support promoted employees
✅ Transition newly acquired employees

With the right support from Day 1, employees can integrate more smoothly, become productive faster, and build stronger alignment with their teams and the organization as a whole.

Because successful transitions don’t happen by chance, they’re built with the right structure and support.

Learn more about our onboarding and integration program: https://keynotesearch.com/keynote-onboarding-integration/

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Ottawa, ON
K1N5X4

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