Change is constant, but one truth has remained unwavering for us over nearly two decades: relationships are the most important aspect of our work.

Understanding our clients’ needs beyond what is stated in a job description is essential. By being tapped into their culture, history, and leadership, we’re able to connect on a deeper level. This knowledge and 20+ years of experience enables us to “vibrate at the same frequency” as our clients during the search process and attract talent that aligns with their energy and values.

Those relationships are the foundation of our commitment to constantly improving how we operate and execute. It’s why we spend time building candidate relationships in our spare time so we can move quickly when a need arises. It’s why we dig into their competitors to see what they are struggling with and what is working well, so we can share useful insights with them.

Our Story: Bad Timing Breeds Curiosity and Grit

We started Spire Search Partners in late 2007, despite advice from several well-connected individuals suggesting that it was not a good time to take such a risk. Having experienced downturns before, we were determined to take the leap, so we did it anyway.

By early to mid-2008, the markets were an absolute fiasco. We had no choice but to get really scrappy and get really good at attracting talent when no one was willing to take a career risk. We survived many months in a stagnant market. It wouldn’t be the last time we questioned our decision to start the business!

The market rebounded dramatically, only to pause again about 18 months later… and we stuck to it.

It would be the first of many times we thought, “What a great time to be in this business.” We’re advancing people’s careers while solving some of the most pressing issues facing the world’s top financial firms — a win-win-win business model.

What Drives Us

Through the ups and downs, change has remained our only constant. We embody the same “Far Beyond Driven” spirit that many of our clients do in their own quests for success. Everyone’s capital is green; the true differentiator lies in the individuals who create the vision, execute the strategy, and move the organization forward.

These are the companies we always resonate with and have the pleasure of collaborating with. The best talent rarely comes knocking at your door seeking a new challenge, and quite often it exists outside your immediate network, which can shift your frame of reference.

The Science and the Art of Search

Finding the best talent requires both precision and intuition. Talent assessment has become more of a science than ever before. What different psychometric tests can tell us about ourselves and others is impressive and impactful.

Understanding how a person’s personality fits within a team can help mitigate hiring risks. Knowing what truly motivates them is a great way to be sure you are aligned. However, with 20 years under our belt recruiting for top companies globally, we know there is still a fair bit of art to the process.

It’s the X factor, combining a sense of urgency, the ability to present opportunities effectively, a clear understanding of career paths and their potential to accelerate or deviate, and market insights that offer an unbiased perspective. Additionally, it requires the ability to connect with people, listen to them, and ask the right questions.

While technology has often threatened to render search professionals obsolete, it has consistently created opportunities to improve our capabilities, elevate our services, and discover new ways to support our clients. AI is once again driving this evolution, and we are excited to ride the wave.

These technological improvements have so far raised the bar for who firms hire, driving up compensation, creating greater, more fulfilling opportunities for people, and elevating the talent market as a whole.

What We’ve Learned

Information is our currency. We must share it, receive it, think critically about it, and draw connections. In search, this means we’re constantly gathering market intelligence, understanding who’s moving where and why, and connecting dots that others miss.

Our perspective allows us to see the market at 30,000 feet. We anticipate our clients’ needs as the world evolves and identify the best players in the market even before a client expresses a need.

We are nothing without the companies and individuals who have placed their trust in us and partnered with us to achieve their goals. It is a beautiful symbiosis, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Here’s to 18 years – and excited to see what’s next.