Executive Search · Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Rethinking LeadershipThrough Inclusion
We empower underrepresented talent with real support, honest guidance, and lasting opportunities.
Leaders can come from unexpected places and industries. At Key Search, we foster genuine connections with candidates by offering coaching and career advice, supporting them throughout their entire journey.
Transform your hiring process with strategies that attract diverse talent, reduce bias, and create more innovative, successful teams.
Increased Innovation
Companies with diverse teams see 35% better financial performance and 70% more innovation in problem-solving approaches.
Targeted Recruiting
Access untapped talent pools through strategic partnerships and bias-free recruitment processes that identify top performers.
Culture Transformation
Build inclusive environments where all employees thrive, leading to higher retention and better team performance.
Inclusive companies are 1.7× more likely to be innovation leaders in their market.
Josh Bersin Research
What we mean
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity
Dimensions that differentiate or make alike, including but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, skills, backgrounds, personality traits, and other characteristics that shape our identities.
Equity
Structures, systems, processes and initiatives designed to promote fair treatment, access, opportunities, and outcomes for all people.
Inclusion
The feeling of belonging in your organisation and team, feeling treated with dignity as an individual, and feeling encouraged to fully participate and bring your uniqueness to work every day.
Why this matters
Women now hold 28% of C-suite roles — the highest level on record.
Source: Women in the Workplace 2023, McKinsey & Company & LeanIn.Org
Women in the C‑suite reached a record high
Their representation has grown from 17% in 2015 to 28% in 2023, marking a historic milestone.
Middle-management gains are minimal
The representation of women in manager and director roles has increased by only 3–4 percentage points since 2015, highlighting persistent pipeline challenges.
The “broken rung” remains a barrier
For every 100 men promoted from entry-level to manager, only 87 women — and just 73 women of colour — receive the same promotion.
Women of colour are drastically underrepresented
Women of colour hold roughly 1 in 4 C‑suite roles (approximately 6%), far less than their white female and male counterparts.
Director-level turnover undermines leadership progression
Women at the director level are leaving at higher rates than men, weakening the pipeline for future senior leaders.
Our Approach
We advise on diversity
Proudly powering growth across 18+ industries worldwide.
Standardise the interview experience.
Don’t believe in culture fit — believe in culture add.
Consider all dimensions of diversity.
Keep an open mind. Listen for the content of candidates’ skills to guide our thinking. Focus on core competencies.
Be aware of and explicit about our own biases. Name them. Stop the conversation when bias arises in others and probe for more information.
Be intentional about our search process. Invest time and energy that reflects our commitments.
Self-assessment
Where are you in your journey?
Organisations are all at different stages. What matters most is making incremental progress.
How well is my business attracting, retaining and engaging workers to win the “war for talent”?
Have we embedded DE&I across our organisation and line leaders?
To what extent has my business truly unlocked the benefits of inclusion?
Our Commitment
We are committed to Diversity Hiring
With a globally distributed team and a majority of female colleagues, DE&I is deeply rooted in Key Search's values. We encourage all of our clients to hire the best candidates while enriching their culture through diverse profiles.
Tailor Made Approach
Executive Search is something every organisation will need to attract top leaders in times of change or growth.
Measure and Behaviours
A detailed briefing and/or written document will help understand the parameters for success.
Market Mapping
The search firm needs to have experience of working with companies in your niche.
Emotional Connection
Show (don’t tell) work-life balance. Reward rather than penalise. Believe in cultural add, more than in cultural fit.
Meet in Person
In your first call, organise an in-person meeting (coffee, lunch or dinner). This is a must to establish a relationship when you meet.
Assess Behavioural & Cognitive Skillsets
We evaluate the full range of competencies that predict long-term performance and culture contribution.
Ensure the Best Candidate Accepts
We make sure that the best candidate will accept your offer.
Get Started
Empowering Organisations Through Diverse Leadership
Get in touch to learn how we can support your DE&I hiring goals — or to join our network of inclusive partners committed to making lasting change.