The agri-food sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer habits. In this dynamic context, executive and managerial profiles must evolve to effectively lead companies toward success.
Emerging Trends and Leadership Implications
Events such as TUTTOFOOD Milan 2025 have highlighted the importance of key themes like sustainability, innovation, and internationalization. In particular, it became clear that growth depends on highly innovative products, more sustainable processes, and expansion into increasingly competitive international markets.
These trends directly influence the skills required of those who lead companies.
Key Competencies for Leaders in the Sector
1. Systemic Thinking and a Sustainability Mindset Integrating sustainable practices into business strategies is crucial. Leaders must be able to assess environmental, social, and regulatory impacts and translate them into actionable decisions.
2. Ability to Drive Innovation Fostering the adoption of digital technologies, promoting cross-functional teams, and leveraging pilot projects are essential competencies to remain competitive.
3. Intercultural Leadership and International Expansion With exports serving as a primary driver of growth, managerial leadership must be capable of operating in multicultural environments and managing global supply chains.
4. Agile Management and Data-Driven Thinking Using data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive marketing is now essential. Soft skills such as adaptability and critical thinking complement a strong data-driven culture.
5. Employer Branding and Talent Development Attracting and retaining talent requires the ability to create inclusive, appealing work environments while maximizing the potential of internal teams.
The Role of the Head Hunter in This New Landscape
In this evolving scenario, the role of the head hunter is key to identifying and attracting talent with the necessary strategic competencies. Our mission is to support companies in selecting leaders capable of driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and successfully navigating global market challenges.
Since, as mentioned, the food & beverage sector is constantly evolving, companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Identifying and integrating the right skills will be crucial to addressing future challenges and seizing the opportunities offered by the market.
The 25th Pambianco Fashion Summit titled “The Fashion Industry and the Management of Uncertainty,” was held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. The event highlighted the impact the pandemic has had on global markets and the actions taken by companies to address this crisis. Resulting from this year’s turbulent events, the luxury fashion sector was severely damaged by the global closure of shops, as well as by the lack of tourists – something still having an impact in European markets. The key component for facing adversity, common to all the interlocutors present at the summit, ultimately relies on “resilience.” Thanks to the willpower and team spirit, the featured companies present at the event expressed gratitude and satisfaction for the results obtained. A recovery was highlighted in the third quarter, especially in the Asian market driven by China, where domestic consumers returned to travel, giving advantage to the areas where tax-free poles have been created (Hainan) and ultimately enabling those to benefit from the new concessions introduced by the government. From the analysis conducted by PwC on Millennials and Generation Z, it has been discovered that in the new normal, consumers will have greater attention to the price of products and will seek a safe and accessible customer experience. Engagement will be shifted towards digital and companies will have to place more and more attention to issues relating to sustainability. If the number of consumers who moved their shopping channel online during Covid-19 has increased in all markets, and that number will no longer return to pre-pandemic levels, it is also true that the physical brick & mortar store will continue to represent an important space for the consumer; consumers want to “touch and feel” and will continue to seek that. Omnichannel is now essential, and it has to allow a true integration between physical and digital, giving rise to a “phy-gital” shopping experience. Another interesting find, provided by Silvio Campara, CEO of Golden Goose, underlined how the crisis has definitively changed the way of approaching the consumer, who can no longer be defined by the 4 P model (Place / Product / Price / Promotion) but from a new model based on 4 Cs (Consumer / Community / Conversations / Consideration) that all revolve around People. A key role in the world of fashion is certainly played by Italy, where 41% of European fashion production takes place. Furthermore, 60% of the high-end product is produced in Italy (data: National Chamber of Fashion). Italian textiles and clothing allocate about 66% of their production to exports (data: Confindustria Moda). Fashion is, therefore, the second most important industry at a national level and it is extremely important to protect the entire chain that goes from large brands to SMEs. In addition to the issues of sustainability and digitalization – in order to overcome the crisis, it will be crucial also to focus on competencies and on the training of people (both for technical roles and within the retail locations): this strategy will protect the fashion chain and create added value. Even if the numbers are still not trending positive, signs of cautious optimism came from the summit; once the health crisis is resolved, consumers will return to travel and choose European markets for their purchases because they are more advantageous to them. Ultimately, a new approach to the global consumer and an organic integration between online and offline will allow for greater engagement and the possibility of a complete customer experience. Interested in the summit? Find out more here!
In the intricate dance of global commerce, the proximity of nations often plays a crucial role. Nowhere is this more evident than in the evolving relationship between the United States and Mexico. The rise of nearshoring—the practice of relocating production processes to nearby countries—has sparked a new chapter in their economic interdependence. Nearshoring has emerged as a strategic response to the limitations an d uncertainties associated with traditional offshoring practices. As US companies seek to optimize their supply chains and reduce dependency on distant manufacturing hubs, Mexico has emerged as an attractive alternative. The geographical proximity, coupled with favorable trade agreements such as the USMCA, has positioned Mexico as a prime destination for nearshoring initiatives. The convergence of Asian investment in Mexico under the USMCA framework holds promise for all stakeholders involved. Despite the difficult relations with the US in the most recent year(s), thanks to the Nearshoring, Asian firms gain access to a vast consumer market, reduced trade barriers, and a competitive edge in global supply chains. Meanwhile, Mexico stands to benefit from increased foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and job creation, bolstering its position as a manufacturing powerhouse in the Americas. The impact of nearshoring on the US-Mexico relationship transcends bilateral trade figures. It catalyzes economic growth on both sides of the border, stimulating job creation, infrastructure development, and innovation. By leveraging Mexico's skilled workforce and strategic location, US companies gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace while contributing to the socio-economic advancement of their southern neighbor. As Mexico gears up to welcome a wave of new businesses and witness the expansion of existing enterprises in 2024, the outlook for job opportunities has never been brighter. With projections estimating the creation of up to 400,000 jobs in the formal sector within the first three months of the year, the Mexican workforce stands poised to embark on a journey of growth and prosperity. By embracing innovation, seizing opportunities, and leveraging their talents, individuals can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of Mexico's vibrant labor market. In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, talent has emerged as the ultimate differentiator and driver of organizational success. By partnering with Consea Group, companies gain access to a strategically committed to helping them attract, retain, and develop top talent that propels their business forward. Whether it's navigating the challenges of globalization, addressing industry-specific talent gaps, or adapting to evolving market trends, Consea Group empowers clients to stay agile, innovative, and ahead of the competition. With established offices in Mexico (since 2015) and in the US (since 2017) Consea Group brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Leveraging their deep understanding of different markets and industries, their team of seasoned professionals is adept at identifying and attracting top-tier talent, both locally and internationally. Whether it's executive leadership roles, specialized technical positions, or niche skill sets, Consea Group has the insight and resources to deliver customized solutions tailored to each client's unique requirements. Follow Consea Group to stay updated on the latest labor market trends and check out our latest open positions! Authors: Antonella Cerabona, CEO North America & LATAM Enríque Pedroza, Business Development Manager MX Read the article in Spanish:
Nearshoring: un punto de inflexión para el comercio mundial
En la intrincada danza del comercio global, la proximidad de las naciones suele desempeñar un papel crucial. En ninguna parte esto es más evidente que en la evolución de la relación entre Estados Unidos y México. El auge del Nearshoring (la práctica de reubicar los procesos de producción en países cercanos) ha desencadenado un nuevo capítulo en su interdependencia económica. El Nearshoring ha surgido como una respuesta estratégica a las limitaciones e incertidumbres asociadas con las prácticas tradicionales de deslocalización. Mientras las empresas estadounidenses buscan optimizar sus cadenas de suministro y reducir la dependencia de centros de fabricación distantes, México ha surgido como una alternativa atractiva. La proximidad geográfica, sumada a acuerdos comerciales favorables como el T-MEC, ha posicionado a México como un destino principal para iniciativas de nearshoring. La convergencia de la inversión asiática en México bajo el marco del T-MEC es prometedora para todos los actores involucrados. A pesar de las difíciles relaciones con Estados Unidos en los últimos años, gracias al Nearshoring las empresas asiáticas obtienen acceso a un vasto mercado de consumo, barreras comerciales reducidas y una ventaja competitiva en las cadenas de suministro globales. Mientras tanto, México se beneficiará del aumento de la inversión extranjera directa, la transferencia de tecnología y la creación de empleo, lo que reforzará su posición como potencia manufacturera en las Américas. El impacto del Nearshoring en la relación entre Estados Unidos y México trasciende las cifras del comercio bilateral. Cataliza el crecimiento económico en ambos lados de la frontera, estimulando la creación de empleo, el desarrollo de infraestructura y la innovación. Al aprovechar la fuerza laboral calificada y la ubicación estratégica de México, las empresas estadounidenses obtienen una ventaja competitiva en el mercado global y al mismo tiempo contribuyen al avance socioeconómico de su vecino del sur. Mientras México se prepara para recibir una ola de nuevas empresas y ser testigo de la expansión de las empresas existentes en 2024, las perspectivas de oportunidades laborales nunca han sido más brillantes. Con proyecciones que estiman la creación de hasta 400.000 empleos en el sector formal dentro de los primeros tres meses del año, la fuerza laboral mexicana está preparada para embarcarse en un viaje de crecimiento y prosperidad. Al adoptar la innovación, aprovechar las oportunidades y aprovechar sus talentos, las personas pueden desempeñar un papel fundamental a la hora de impulsar el crecimiento económico, fomentar la innovación y dar forma al futuro del vibrante mercado laboral de México. En el panorama empresarial hipercompetitivo actual, el talento se ha convertido en el principal diferenciador e impulsor del éxito organizacional. Al asociarse con Consea Group, las empresas obtienen acceso a una compañia estratégicamente comprometida para ayudarlas a atraer, retener y desarrollar los mejores talentos que impulsen su negocio. Ya sea enfrentando los desafíos de la globalización, abordando las brechas de talento específicas de la industria o adaptándose a las tendencias cambiantes del mercado, Consea Group permite a sus clientes mantenerse ágiles, innovadores y por delante de la competencia. Con oficinas establecidas en México (desde 2015) y en EE. UU. (desde 2017), Consea Group aporta una gran cantidad de conocimientos y experiencia. Aprovechando nuestro profundo conocimiento de diferentes mercados e industrias, nuestro equipo de profesionales experimentados son expertos en identificar y atraer talento de primer nivel, tanto a nivel local como internacional. Ya sean roles de liderazgo ejecutivo, puestos técnicos especializados o conjuntos de habilidades específicas, Consea Group tiene el conocimiento y los recursos para ofrecer soluciones personalizadas adaptadas a los requisitos únicos de cada cliente. ¡Siga a Consea Group para mantenerse actualizado sobre las últimas tendencias del mercado laboral y consulte nuestros últimos puestos vacantes! Autores: Antonella Cerabona, CEO North America & LATAM Enríque Pedroza, Business Development Manager MX
Digital Transformation at the Top: Why Companies Need Leaders Fluent in AI and Innovation
Digital transformation is reshaping every sector of the global economy. While technology continues to evolve at extraordinary speed, meaningful transformation still depends on people. More specifically, it depends on leaders who can connect strategy with innovation and guide organizations toward new ways of working. AI is no longer a technical consideration but a fundamental leadership capability. Artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics are redefining how companies operate and compete. For most organizations, the challenge is no longer whether to adopt these technologies but how to embed them into decision making and long-term growth. This requires executives who are open to change and confident in navigating it. Leaders fluent in AI and innovation are becoming essential.
Why Digital Transformation Fails Without Leadership Buy-In
Many digital initiatives fail because they begin at the operational level without full alignment at the top. When executives see digitalization as a technical upgrade rather than a strategic evolution, progress becomes fragmented. Teams may introduce new tools or systems, yet the broader cultural and organizational shifts do not follow. Successful organizations take a different approach. They view digital transformation as a collective effort that depends on clarity of vision and the ability to bring people together. Leaders play a central role in explaining why change is needed, setting priorities, and supporting teams as they learn and adapt. Their involvement provides direction through uncertainty and helps build the trust required for innovation to take root.
The Business Risk of Executives Without Digital Expertise
As markets shift and new technologies accelerate, the cost of appointing leaders who lack digital fluency continues to rise. Executives are expected to interpret complex data, evaluate AI-driven insights, and make decisions in an environment where conditions change quickly. Without these capabilities, organizations struggle to respond effectively or anticipate what comes next. Business performance is not the only area affected. Companies without digitally aware leadership often face challenges in talent retention, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration. Opportunities to innovate are missed. Growth initiatives lose momentum. In response, many organizations are placing greater emphasis on AI executive hiring to ensure their leadership teams can transform emerging technologies into strategic advantage.
How Consea Identifies Leaders with Proven Innovation Credentials
At Consea Group, we understand that digital transformation requires leadership that is both visionary and practical. Our executive search and leadership consulting practices are designed to help clients identify professionals who can translate new technologies into meaningful business value. Our approach looks beyond technical experience. We focus on the qualities that support innovation and sustainable change. This includes the ability to set a clear direction, encourage collaboration, and create an environment where teams feel empowered to experiment and learn. We also evaluate how leaders approach uncertainty and how they guide others through periods of transition. By combining industry knowledge with behavioral insight, we help organizations identify leaders who bring integrity, adaptability, and a long-term mindset to digital transformation.
Securing Future-Ready Leadership
The organizations that thrive in the years ahead will be those led by individuals who are prepared for the future and understand that innovation is not a separate initiative but an essential part of business strategy. These leaders recognize that AI and data are reshaping every dimension of organizational performance and that the role of leadership is to create the conditions for progress. As transformation accelerates, the need for executives who are digitally fluent, strategic, and deeply people-focused will continue to grow. Consea Group partners with organizations worldwide to identify and develop the leaders who will shape the future of digital transformation.
Speak with our consultants to explore how Consea Group can help you identify leaders who are ready to guide your digital transformation journey.
Consea’s Resume Myths, Tips, and Tricks
Advice from our recruitment team that will help your resume stand out. The first impression does not have to be the one that matters when selecting a Candidate but the resume is the business card through which Candidates make themselves known by the companies. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your resume. MYTH: A graphic / creative CV captures more attention The European format is not always the best choice when writing a resume, you can also use more creative templates but on the basis of your graphic skills. An essential and clear resume is better than one which is incomprehensible and difficult to read. SUGGESTION: If you do not have graphic skills, create a typical resume in MS Word that contains all the essential information and describes your work experience better than a thousand graphics. TIP: There are several websites that offer templates and ideas to create an original but at the same time effective resume. If you do not already know them we suggest you try Canva www.canva.com. MYTH: You have to insert the photo on your resume Certainly, being able to associate a face to a resume is a great help and makes the resume emerge but you need to remember that the photo must be professional and appropriate. SUGGESTION: It is better not to insert personal photographs or taken from group photos. Take time to take a picture which shows your professionalism and represents only you. TIP: Once you have taken the photo, use it both for your resume and LinkedIn profile. It will allow you to give uniformity to the way you present yourself and will make you easily recognizable. MYTH: Provide details about hobbies and personal characteristics. Adding your hobbies and personal characteristics to your resume can be a plus but only if they provide real added value. SUGGESTION: Each information that you decided to write in your resume is evaluated therefore it is better to insert only these elements that could have a value for the position you apply for. TIP: Think about which competence (transversal or specific) can recall the information provided and select only the relevant ones (e.g. competitive activity – determination and achievement of results; reading – curiosity / information and education; cooking – creativity). MYTH: Less is more! A resume does not necessarily have to be one page, especially if you have several years of experience, but at the same time it should not be discursive or include too much details as it risks losing effectiveness. SUGGESTION: An effective resume is between 2 and 3 pages. It reports professional experience in chronological order from the current position to the oldest. It contains relevant information and a brief description of each role, highlighting specific skills and knowledge (There are companies that associate different role content to the same job title. If a short description is therefore associated with the job title it will be easier to identify Candidate’s responsibilities.) It is useful to add some detailed information such as the number of people managed / business size / results achieved. Finally, it is worth specifying the knowledge of a foreign language through the competence levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and not through terms such as “good”, “fluent”. TIP: The resume is your business card – Imagine that those who receive it do not know you and they want to have an overview of your skills and then explore them in an interview, but if some key information is missing (knowledge of a particular sector, program / channel …) they could exclude you from the selection process. MYTH: Lying in resume makes it more appealing It is well known that lies have short legs so it is better to expose your work path honestly and be able to motivate any discontinuities in your work experience. SUGGESTION: A good recruiter does not judge the book by its cover but, wanting to build a relationship of mutual trust and reliability with the Candidate, will tend not to contact people who have talked about a different work path than the one actually lived or have boasted skills / responsibilities never acquired. MYTH: Give a “personal” touch to the CV / Do not insert personal details It is not necessary to enter detailed information about your personal life (e.g. names of children, spouse…) but do not forget to enter your contact information (phone number and e-mail address – verify if they are correct!) in order to be effectively contacted. It is often useful to put in your date of birth, which does not have to be seen as a discriminating factor but as a data that allows you to see the profile as a whole.
Our office is getting bigger: new opening in Singapore
Consea Group, one of the leading executive search and HR consulting firms in the world, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Singapore in June 2023. With the opening of the new office, Consea Group aims to expand its reach in the Asia-Pacific region and better serve its clients. The new office in Singapore will be the seventh branch at international level, joining its offices in Shanghai, Krakow, Sao Paolo, Mexico City, Chicago, and New York. Consea Group is dedicated at providing its clients with the highest quality executive search services, and the new office in Singapore will be no exception. With almost 20 years of experience in Asia thanks to the Shanghai office, Consea decided to follow the trend of senior managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors to conduct business in the Asian countries to consolidate and diversify its presence in the region, while maintaining a strong interested and attention to China. Due to her strong experience and knowledge of the Asian Market, the Consea’ Singapore office, already operational for a few weeks, will be managed by Gaia Ceccatelli, in Consea since 2019, as General Manager APAC. With an overall bullish hiring market in Singapore, there was a strong appetite to hire from almost every sector for a wide range of roles, with the highest demand being for executive and mid-management (5-12 years of experience) level professionals. A notable change was the increase of regional roles based in Singapore; with the country gradually becoming the APAC hub of choice for more multinational companies. This competitive recruitment landscape came as the economy fully opened up post-COVID-19, and companies would like to meet their growing demand to hire. Despite candidates showing greater willingness to move roles, it remained a candidate-short (and driven) market for the last months. The HR market is still a big challenge! Consea Group’s CEO, Chiara Altomonte, made the following statement about the company’s expansion into Singapore: “We are very excited to be expanding our presence in the Asia-Pacific region and to be able to offer our clients the same high-quality executive search services that we are known for. We are confident that the opening of our Singapore office will help us better serve our clients and help them finding the best candidates to fulfil their open positions.” We have many initiatives in the pipeline, follow us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss all the updates and projects we are developing! Authors: Chiara Altomonte – General Manager and Head of the Fashion & Retail division
Navigating China Retail Landscape and HR Implications
As mentioned in our previous article on China Labor Market Outlook, numbers for China seem to be encouraging and improving for this 2024, further evidenced by last year GDP growth of 5.2%, which accounts for one third of global GDP. While several macroeconomic indicators are pointing in a promising direction, there are also other areas that are still cause for concern, shaping both consumer behavior and enterprise strategies. Indeed, a negative consumer and business “sentiment” still permeate in China, which is influenced by a variety of factors: the collapse in property transactions and a 5% decline in exports, zero growth in fixed asset investment by privately-owned companies, and double-digit youth unemployment. Although lower sentiment levels increased savings rate to 31.7% in 2023, which represents a significant reservoir of potential spending power should consumer confidence recover, consumer sentiment in China reflects a blend of caution and resilience. Based on McKinsey report, in general consumers are spending more conservatively and they are not necessarily opting for cheaper brands. They are seeking more value through different channels or discounts and promotions. This is evidenced by a significant portion of consumers (47%) changing retailers for lower prices rather than opting for cheaper brands (19%). Looking at the tourism industry, while international travel has rebounded significantly, reaching 77% of pre-COVID levels by early 2024, spending patterns indicate a shift towards experiences over mere transactions. However, even though buying abroad is not that attractive compared to the past (price attractiveness), Chinese travelers spend more than pre-covid as shopping is still a substantial part of the travelling experience: Japan: +117% Singapore: +40% Europe: +20% (these data are related to 2023 in comparison with the consumption in 2019) The automotive sector represents another promising area of growth in consumption. While overall auto sales grew by a 17%, during the first two months of the year, electric vehicles outpaced this number with a 37% surge, highlighting changes in consumer preference for greener alternatives. In fact, EVs now represent 35.6 percent of China's total automotive market. Thus, even though there is still a negative sentiment from consumers and enterprises, number shows that in 2024 retail sales grew of +5%, with goods contributing a 4.6% rise. Remarkably, foodservice sales leapt by 12.5 percent, indicating a robust recovery in hospitality sectors. Future Trends: Charting the Course Forward Looking ahead, key trends emerge that will shape consumer behavior and market dynamics. Consumers are increasingly seeking self-insurance, purpose-driven brands, and a sense of belonging. They are becoming savvier about what they buy and have high expectations on and willingness to pay for meaningful ESG attributes, e.g. authenticity and transparency, brand’s social responsibility and reputation. This calls for brands to establish clear identities and foster communities around their products, while maintaining a delicate balance between brand value and trendiness, which is pivotal in navigating the evolving retail landscape. HR Implications: Navigating Change and Uncertainty In the realm of HR, the shifting retail and overall market landscape and consumers spending behaviors necessitate strategic adaptation. Disruptive supply chain issues, currency fluctuations, and a shifting regional landscape necessitates cost-cutting measures, for a more streamlined and efficient operations. Considering this, businesses have adopted a more conservative outlook and measures. Hiring freezes and digital transformation initiatives are on the rise, with 40% and 34% of companies respectively prioritizing these areas. Moreover, restructuring efforts, often involving dual roles managed by single individuals, are becoming commonplace. As China's retail sector charts a course through turbulent waters, adaptation and agility emerge as the cornerstones of success. By embracing change, fostering resilient consumer relationships, and strategically navigating HR implications, retailers can carve a path towards sustainable success in China's evolving retail landscape. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date! Sources: Event: Retail Insights: Navigating Recent Uncertainties Among China Consumers: Brand Building Versus Short Term Actions, Italian Chamber of Commerce 2023 McKinsey China Consumer Report, McKinsey & Company Report: Mainland China and Hong Kong Luxury Market: Unlock infinite growth possibilities and sustainable value of luxurious lifestyle, PWC, April 2024 Article: Consumer market overcomes COVID impact, China Daily, April 2024 https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202404/29/WS662efa39a31082fc043c4923.html Authors Alessandra Yin, Senior Consultant APAC Valentina Meng, Recruitment Consultant & China Social Media Manager
The first time my CEO and I landed in Chicago was a windy cloudy day of May. We were 90% sure this was the place we wanted to implement our American HQs. We were a little bit familiar with the US geography, opportunities, and potential challenges, but we needed to get a “vibe” of the city, the Midwest culture and how it would welcome the project we had in mind for Consea’s expansion into North America. Suddenly the cloudy day became sunny and mildly warm; Chicago was welcoming us with open arms. It was 2017. I would then travel back to Chicago many other times by myself to start looking for our offices, meeting with our lawyers, our CPA, and eventually starting our operations. I traveled to other cities and their regions (such as Atlanta, New York, Cincinnati, Detroit, among others) to meet our clients and familiarize myself with their industrial areas as well as the US “way to do” business. In September 2017, Consea America was officially settled, and we already had our first clients. 5 years later… where are we? Consea America is now one of the major point of references in the Executive Search sector for companies that are already in North America and also for those that are starting up their operations on US soil. Consea America exists for those who need a local partner, not only for their recruiting needs but also a consulting and effective support in understanding the US market and its cultural aspects and differences with the EU mindset. We have a strong and solid organization composed by passionate, motivated and committed individuals that everyday are working hard and capitalize their market knowledge for our clients, candidates, and partners in general. Consea America has recently hit its 5 Year Milestone with excellent results, being the second relevant market for Consea Group in terms of revenue. In these 5 years, we went through challenging and exciting moments. The pandemic was a teaching moment for the most of us; we sat down with our network (clients, candidates, professionals of the HR and Business Consulting industry) and discussed the New Normal during our Round Table with the CEOs events. We also took the time to reinforce our team*, invest in our internal resources and prepare ourselves for the moment when the market would be ready to go back to the New Normal. And so it happened, in 2021, together with another phenomenon that experts called the Great Resignation. Year 2023, a new 5-year cycle is starting. Consea America is stronger and ready to continue supporting our partners and markets in North America. *A special Thank You to my team: without you guys all this would have not been possible! Authors Antonella Cerabona - CEO Consea America Inc.
Upskilling & Reskilling: The Future of Work, Talent Shortage, and Human Capacity Within Organizations
According to several market studies, the talent shortage has reached its highest level in Mexico. This is due to a lack of specific skills (a mix of technical capabilities and human factors) required from companies, especially in particular industries. Combined with the accelerated technological change management process e digital transformation we are living in, the scarcity of talent availability is further complicating the recruiting needs of many hiring managers. In 2022, in Mexico, and in some LATAM countries, more than 60% of employers reported difficulties in finding the right match – the highest number in the last 10 years. Today, it became essential to many organizations, to improve workforce skills as well as train and "recycle” professional talents in order to fill their internal positions and stay competitive. These two techniques are called Upskilling & Reskilling. Upskilling is the process of learning new skills or of teaching workers new skills. Reskilling is the process of learning new skills so you can do a different job, or of training people to do a different job. These tools became pivotal to address the Human Capital needs within the work environment, as well as to promote career pathing, succession planning, and retention programs, for most companies. Within the markets Consea operates with, we identified few sectors that currently are presenting the greatest demand for high-skilled profiles in Mexico: supply chain and manufacturing, finance and administrative positions, sales and marketing and engineering. To support your Human Capital needs, Consea Groupcan design a consulting plan tailored for your company, defining together an effective TALENT SEARCH and COMPANY CULTURE FITTING strategy. Follow Consea Group on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest trends in the labor market and to find out how to create and maintain a positive working environment in your organization. Authors Enrique Pedroza - Business Development Manager in Consea Group, Mexico Read the article in Spanish:
Upskilling & Reskilling: El futuro del trabajo, la escasez de talento y las capacidades humanas dentro de las organizaciones
Acorde a diferentes estudios de mercado, la escasez de talento ha llegado a su nivel más alto en México. Esto se debe a la falta de habilidades específicas (una combinación de capacidades técnicas y factores humanos) requeridas por las empresas, especialmente en industrias particulares. Combinado con el acelerado proceso de gestión del cambio tecnológico en el que vivimos y transformación digital, la escasez de talento complica aún más las necesidades de muchos Gerentes de contratación. En 2022, en México y en algunos países de LATAM, más del 60% de los empleadores reportaron dificultades para encontrar el personal adecuado, el número más alto en los últimos 10 años. Hoy en día, se vuelve esencial para las organizaciones mejorar las habilidades de la fuerza laboral, así como capacitar y "reciclar" talento profesional para ocupar un nuevo puesto dentro de la compañía y mantenerse competitivos. Estas dos técnicas se denominan Upskilling & Reskilling. Upskilling busca enseñar nuevas habilidades a un trabajador para optimizar su desempeño, mientras que Reskilling también conocido como reciclaje profesional, busca capacitar a un empleado para adaptarlo a un nuevo puesto dentro de la empresa. Estas herramientas se vuelven fundamentales para abordar las necesidades de capital humano dentro del entorno laboral, así como para promover la orientación profesional, la planificación de la sucesión y los programas de retención para la mayoría de las empresas. Dentro de los mercados con los que opera Consea Group, identificamos algunos sectores que actualmente presentan la mayor demanda de perfiles altamente calificados en México, tales como cadena de suministro, manufactura, finanzas, administrativos, ventas, mercadeo e ingenierías. Para apoyar sus necesidades de Capital Humano, Consea Group puede diseñar un plan de consultoría a la medida de su empresa, definiendo en conjunto una estrategia efectiva de BÚSQUEDA DE TALENTO que AJUSTE A LA CULTURA DE LA EMPRESA. Sigue a Consea Group en Linkedin para estar al día de las últimas tendencias en el mercado laboral y saber cómo crear y mantener un clima laboral positivo en tu organización.
Food & Beverage 2025: Strategic Skills for the Leadership of the Future
The agri-food sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer habits. In this dynamic context, executive and managerial profiles must evolve to effectively lead companies toward success.
Emerging Trends and Leadership Implications
Events such as TUTTOFOOD Milan 2025 have highlighted the importance of key themes like sustainability, innovation, and internationalization. In particular, it became clear that growth depends on highly innovative products, more sustainable processes, and expansion into increasingly competitive international markets. These trends directly influence the skills required of those who lead companies.
Key Competencies for Leaders in the Sector
1. Systemic Thinking and a Sustainability Mindset
Integrating sustainable practices into business strategies is crucial. Leaders must be able to assess environmental, social, and regulatory impacts and translate them into actionable decisions. 2. Ability to Drive Innovation
Fostering the adoption of digital technologies, promoting cross-functional teams, and leveraging pilot projects are essential competencies to remain competitive. 3. Intercultural Leadership and International Expansion
With exports serving as a primary driver of growth, managerial leadership must be capable of operating in multicultural environments and managing global supply chains. 4. Agile Management and Data-Driven Thinking
Using data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive marketing is now essential. Soft skills such as adaptability and critical thinking complement a strong data-driven culture. 5. Employer Branding and Talent Development
Attracting and retaining talent requires the ability to create inclusive, appealing work environments while maximizing the potential of internal teams.
The Role of the Head Hunter in This New Landscape
In this evolving scenario, the role of the head hunter is key to identifying and attracting talent with the necessary strategic competencies. Our mission is to support companies in selecting leaders capable of driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and successfully navigating global market challenges. Since, as mentioned, the food & beverage sector is constantly evolving, companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Identifying and integrating the right skills will be crucial to addressing future challenges and seizing the opportunities offered by the market.
Nowadays, investing in young people should not just be a slogan, but the best strategy companies should adopt to grow, innovate and gain competitive advantages over their competitors. Regarding Consea Head Hunting's experience in managing recruitment processes with the younger generation, a certain rigidity shown by candidates is emerging, expressed especially in terms of demands related to hybrid working opportunities, career plans and business ethics. As a result, there is often a significant lack of motivation and engagement when faced with an offer that fails to detail or satisfy these aspects. WHAT CAN ORGANIZATIONS DO? To make themselves more attractive to the younger generation, companies should first of all understand what is actually being sought, and in this regard, there is an increasing emergence of the importance for young people being able to identify with company values in terms of sustainability (environmental, valuing diversity, inclusive approach and equity), ethics, training (with an important focus on soft skills, skills that can become an asset to the individual and not just a direct benefit to the company as is the case with technical skills), policies for investing in resources and sharing the expected goals and their consequent development plans envisaged not only in terms of vertical growth, but also about involvement in initiatives, task forces and projects aimed at the well-being of the internal community. Equally important seems to be the attention paid to the work-life balance, flexibility and wellbeing policies within the organization. In terms of attraction and retention, an important role is played by the organization's external communication as the new generations put great importance to the company's website and its presence on social networks as well as, in general, its web reputation. COMPANY AS COMMUNITY This focus is symptomatic of the fact that nowadays the company is no longer considered a mere workplace, on the contrary, it increasingly constitutes a real community for new generations, who can appreciate opportunities of involvement that can allow them to come closer and share experiences with other employees belonging not only to different areas or functions, but also to different generations; of this a significant example could be reverse mentoring. BETRAYAL OR OPENNESS TO CHANGE? In conclusion, we can highlight one more peculiarity: increasingly, new generations are experiencing change as a development opportunity to enrich their skills and, therefore, the decision to leave one company for another should not be experienced as a betrayal; on the contrary, it would be much more functional for the organization to maintain relations with the resource who has changed reality by opting for a new context. This attitude could generate future opportunities for a new encounter and possible opportunities to reintegrate the resource, enriched by the new experiences gained in the meantime. Authors: Sara Ruffinatti – Senior Consultant & Executive Coach Marzia Pio – Junior Consultant at Consea Executive Search
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