If you work in Industrial, Manufacturing, or CPG, you’ve probably felt it from both sides.
Companies say: “We can’t find the right talent.” Professionals say: “Roles aren’t clear, the process takes forever, and expectations keep changing.”
Both statements are true — but neither gets to the real issue. From our experience supporting hiring initiatives across these sectors, most hiring challenges aren’t driven by a lack of available talent or motivation.
They’re driven by misalignment between how work happens — and how roles are defined, filled, and supported.
The Reality of Industrial and CPG Work Today
These industries operate under constant pressure:
Operational continuity
Tight margins
Safety, quality, and compliance standards
Supply chain volatility
Continuous improvement mandates
Roles evolve quickly. Priorities shift. Teams are asked to do more with less.
Yet hiring often assumes static job descriptions, perfect candidate profiles, and linear decision-making — none of which reflect reality on the ground.
That disconnect shows up everywhere:
In long hiring cycles
In roles that change 60 days after someone starts
In candidates dropping out of the process
In new hires feeling misled or underprepared
When Job Titles Don’t Match the Job
One of the most common issues we see across Industrial and CPG environments is roles being defined by history, not by current business need.
A title stays the same, but:
Scope has expanded
Stakeholders have multiplied
Expectations have shifted
Decision authority has changed
The result?
Candidates don’t know what they’re really signing up for
Hiring managers struggle to articulate what “good” looks like
Teams absorb friction that could have been avoided earlier
This isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s what happens when organizations move faster than their hiring infrastructure.
Hiring Is a Business System, Not a Standalone Process
Hiring outcomes reflect how clearly an organization understands itself.
Strong results tend to happen when companies:
Are honest about trade-offs (speed vs. experience vs. potential)
Align internally before engaging candidates
Communicate what success looks like in the first 6–12 months
Respect candidates’ time and perspective
Treat hiring as part of operational delivery, not an administrative task
When that alignment is missing, even the most attractive brands struggle to convert strong candidates — especially experienced professionals who know their value.
What Candidates Are Responding to Now
Across Industrial and CPG talent markets, professionals are less focused on hype — and more focused on clarity.
They’re asking:
What problem am I being hired to solve?
How will my work be measured?
Who do I need to influence to be successful?
What will realistically change — and what won’t?
Companies that can answer those questions clearly stand out immediately.
Not because they’re perfect — but because they’re transparent.
A Better Way Forward
Improving hiring outcomes in Industrial and CPG doesn’t require reinventing the wheel.
It starts with:
Clear role definition grounded in current reality
Alignment between operations, leadership, and hiring teams
Processes that reflect how decisions are actually made
Conversations that respect both business needs and candidate expectations
When hiring mirrors how the business truly operates, everyone wins:
Teams onboard faster
New hires perform sooner
Trust increases on both sides of the table
A Thought for Leaders and Candidates Alike
Before assuming hiring is broken because “the market is tough,” it’s worth asking: Are we clear about what the work really requires today?
Because in Industrial and CPG, clarity isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a competitive advantage.
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.
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
Human Resources in China: challenges brought by Covid-19 pandemic
Two and a half years after it started, the Covid-19 pandemic is still greatly impacting businesses in China at all levels. Especially the ‘zero-cases policy’ is creating increasing difficulties to individuals and businesses in the mid-long term. From HR perspective, for companies, especially foreign companies, one of the major concerns today is how to attract and retain international talents, considering the exodus of foreign nationals and the scarcity of new talents coming to China. In some specific industries, international competences are hardly replaceable by local workforce and the increased scarcity of foreign talents is creating many challenges. International businesses that provide internal rotations of international profiles now, find themselves having to look outside their own reality to overcome the difficulty of moving talents in China. The immediate effect is that businesses are willing to offer highly competitive salary to attract and retain international resources and others are turning to local employees to bridge the gap. The peculiarity of China job market challenges European companies in attracting and retaining local employees, as many are the job opportunities rising all at once. In addition, it is not easy to find qualified resources, particularly in terms of “soft skills”, “critical thinking” and “practical knowledge”; an issue present for several years but exacerbated in the last period due to the scarcity of international resources, which led businesses to look at the pool of local candidates. In the long run, this localization strategy of the team might significantly impact the management and communication between HQs and the China business. Both foreign and Chinese are unable to travel to HQ for information exchanges, networking, training, and sharing of expertise. The risks facing are the lack of diversity in the team, and the isolation of China operations. All these elements have led to an increase in the demand for international resources which is unbalanced with respect to the current market offer. Currently, businesses in China are monitoring the situation for their next moves, and we, Consea Group, with our team in Shanghai will keep a close eye on it for you. Authors: Gaia Ceccatelli - Country Manager China Chiara Altomonte - General Manager and Head of the Fashion & Retail division
Upskilling and reskilling are particularly important in 2026 as companies now operate in an environment shaped by rapid technological, demographic, and market changes. For HR, they are no longer just an added value but a core element of survival and growth strategy. Reskilling is the process of changing professional qualifications, in which employees acquire entirely new competencies or specializations. As a result, they can take on different responsibilities or perform new roles within the organization. Upskilling, on the other hand, refers to developing and deepening existing skills. Its goal is to increase effectiveness in one’s current role and better adapt to new requirements, tools, or technologies. In this case, development takes place within the same career path and focuses on strengthening current competencies.
The importance of reskilling and upskilling stems from: Automation and the growing popularity of AI The development of AI and automation means that many traditional tasks are being optimized and/or replaced by technology. As a result, employees will need to acquire new skills to work alongside automated systems or take on new roles created as a consequence of these changes. Additionally, organizations will need to invest in upskilling to ensure their workforce keeps pace with the latest technologies and methodologies. The skills gap Our experience in the Polish market highlights a growing reality: the gap between available skills and those required by organizations is widening — and it is likely to remain a defining challenge for the labor market. High employee retention Amid growing competition for valuable employees, companies that offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities are more likely to retain team members who already possess experience and critical competencies. By providing opportunities for growth and internal mobility, organizations increase employee engagement and job satisfaction.
Challenges of upskilling/ reskilling Time and resource investment: Upskilling and reskilling require time, money, and resources, and must fit into employees’ schedules. You must obtain funding for training, integrate learning into daily workflows, or offer flexible learning options. Aligning skills with business goals: It’s essential to identify the right skills for future success and ensure learning initiatives match company priorities. Collaboration among HR, management, and department heads is key. Employee resistance: Some employees may not see the value in upskilling or fear job displacement. You need to communicate the benefits clearly and provide appropriate support throughout the process. Leadership support: As part of the HR team, you should make sure leaders constantly prioritize reskilling and upskilling. Evolving technology and learning fatigue: As tech evolves quickly, you must keep training content up-to-date and avoid overwhelming staff with irrelevant or repetitive material.
Summary
Reskilling and upskilling are no longer optional—they’re strategic moves for creating a future-ready workforce, and it’s your responsibility to guide employees through these critical transitions. When learning aligns with business objectives and employee needs, organizations have better flexibility, employee retention, and can close the talent gap. Upskilling and reskilling programs tailored to the company’s strategic evolution are like building up an always-on innovation pipeline fuelled by incredible talent. When companies lean into empowering employee growth through continuous skills development, they create opportunities that enable them to adapt to a shifting future – while attracting high performers who will ultimately drive the business forward. At Consea Group, we believe that investing in people is not just a response to change, but a proactive strategy to shape it. By aligning talent development with our Clients’ business goals, we help organizations attract and develop the competencies that enhance agility and build teams ready for the challenges of the future. Author: Iga Paszkiewicz – Recruitment Consultant PL
Upskilling and Reskilling: Dlaczego są kluczowe w 2026 roku
Upskilling i reskilling są szczególnie ważne w 2026 roku, ponieważ firmy funkcjonują dziś w środowisku szybkich zmian technologicznych, demograficznych i rynkowych. Dla HR to już nie tylko dodatek, ale również element strategii przetrwania i wzrostu. Reskilling to proces zmiany kwalifikacji zawodowych, w ramach którego pracownicy zdobywają zupełnie nowe kompetencje lub specjalizacje. Dzięki temu mogą realizować inne obowiązki lub pełnić odmienne role w organizacji niż dotychczas. Natomiast upskilling oznacza rozwijanie i pogłębianie już posiadanych umiejętności. Celem jest podniesienie efektywności w obecnej roli oraz lepsze dostosowanie się do nowych wymagań, narzędzi czy technologii. W tym przypadku rozwój odbywa się w obrębie tej samej ścieżki zawodowej i służy wzmacnianiu dotychczasowych kompetencji.
Kluczowość reskillingu i upskillingu wynika z: Automatyzacji i rosnącej popularności AI Postęp w obszarze sztucznej inteligencji i automatyzacji powoduje, że wiele dotychczasowych obowiązków jest usprawnianych lub przejmowanych przez technologie. W efekcie pracownicy będą musieli rozwijać nowe kompetencje, by efektywnie współpracować z systemami automatycznymi albo obejmować stanowiska powstające w wyniku tych zmian. Jednocześnie firmy staną przed koniecznością inwestowania w upskilling, tak aby ich zespoły mogły na bieżąco dostosowywać się do dynamicznie rozwijających się technologii i nowoczesnych metod pracy. Luki kompetencyjnej Nasze doświadczenia na polskim rynku pokazują rosnący trend: luka między dostępnymi umiejętnościami a tymi wymaganymi przez organizacje się powiększa — i prawdopodobnie pozostanie jednym z kluczowych wyzwań dla rynku pracy. Dużej retencji pracowników W warunkach nasilającej się rywalizacji o utalentowanych pracowników przedsiębiorstwa, które zapewniają możliwości upskillingu i reskillingu, mają większe szanse na utrzymanie doświadczonych osób posiadających kluczowe dla firmy kompetencje. Dając im perspektywę rozwoju oraz awansu wewnętrznego, organizacje wzmacniają ich zaangażowanie, lojalność i satysfakcję z wykonywanej pracy.
Wyzwania procesu Upskillingu / Reskillingu Inwestycja czasu i zasobów: Upskilling i reskilling wymagają czasu, pieniędzy oraz zasobów i muszą być dopasowane do harmonogramu pracy pracowników. Należy zabezpieczyć budżet na szkolenia, zintegrować naukę z codziennymi obowiązkami lub zapewnić elastyczne formy uczenia się. Dopasowanie kompetencji do celów biznesowych: Kluczowe jest zidentyfikowanie umiejętności niezbędnych do osiągnięcia przyszłego sukcesu oraz upewnienie się, że inicjatywy rozwojowe są zgodne z priorytetami firmy. Współpraca między HR, kadrą zarządzającą i menedżerami działów ma tu zasadnicze znaczenie. Opór pracowników: Niektórzy pracownicy mogą nie dostrzegać wartości upskillingu lub obawiać się utraty pracy. Konieczne jest jasne komunikowanie korzyści oraz zapewnienie odpowiedniego wsparcia na każdym etapie procesu. Wsparcie ze strony liderów: Jako członek zespołu HR powinieneś zadbać o to, aby liderzy konsekwentnie traktowali reskilling i upskilling jako priorytet. Dynamiczny rozwój technologii i zmęczenie nauką: W obliczu szybkiego rozwoju technologii należy regularnie aktualizować treści szkoleniowe oraz unikać przeciążania pracowników nieistotnymi lub powtarzalnymi materiałami.
Podsumowanie
Reskilling i upskilling przestały być dodatkiem – dziś stanowią element strategii budowania organizacji przygotowanej na przyszłe wyzwania, a Twoim zadaniem jest skutecznie przeprowadzić pracowników przez ten proces zmian. Gdy rozwój kompetencji jest powiązany zarówno z celami biznesowymi, jak i realnymi potrzebami zespołu, firma zyskuje większą elastyczność działania, poprawia poziom retencji oraz skuteczniej zmniejsza lukę kompetencyjną. Programy podnoszenia kwalifikacji i przekwalifikowania, dostosowane do strategicznej ewolucji firmy, są jak budowanie stale działającego „rurociągu” innowacji, napędzanego przez niezwykłe talenty. Organizacje, które świadomie wspierają rozwój pracowników poprzez ciągłe doskonalenie kompetencji, tworzą warunki do adaptacji w zmieniającej się rzeczywistości — a jednocześnie przyciągają najlepszych specjalistów, którzy ostatecznie napędzają rozwój biznesu. W Consea Group wierzymy, że inwestowanie w ludzi to nie tylko odpowiedź na zmiany, ale przede wszystkim proaktywna strategia ich kształtowania. Łącząc rozwój talentów z celami biznesowymi naszych Klientów, pomagamy organizacjom pozyskiwać i rozwijać kompetencje, które zwiększają ich zwinność oraz budują zespoły gotowe na wyzwania przyszłości.
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
The executive search and recruiting scene in the US are continuously evolving, thanks to a mix of economic and tech factors. As businesses face new challenges, the need for top-notch recruitment services, especially for executive roles, is on the rise.
Challenges in 2025
Talent Competition: There's a high demand for experienced professionals, but not enough talent to go around. Companies need to offer great benefits, flexible work options, and strong leadership cultures to attract top executives. Remote and Hybrid Work: Remote and hybrid work models are expanding talent pools but also increasing competition. Companies need strategies to maintain culture, productivity, and collaboration in distributed teams. While companies are trying to go back to a work-in-office schedule, the market is still pushing for hybrid and remote. Tech Integration: While AI and automation are revolutionizing recruitment, there's a risk of bias in AI algorithms and impersonal candidate experiences. Employers need to balance tech use with a human touch. Evolving Workforce Expectations: Gen Z professionals prioritize purpose-driven work, flexibility, and career growth. Companies must adapt to these expectations to attract young talent and be able to create a safe space where different generations can discuss and learn from each other. With our Human Capital Consulting division, Consea can help you to implement several programs (like leadership programs, team building, youth academy, etc.) to support your organization and how to navigate the transformational moments we live in. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Candidates want employers committed to DEI. Companies that don't prioritize this may struggle to attract diverse talent and face reputational risks.
Tips for Companies Entering the US Market
Conduct Thorough Market Research: Understand the local market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape. This helps tailor your products or services to meet US consumer needs. Consea can help you to deploy market mapping through competitors benchmarking to win the talent competition. Develop a Strong Value Proposition: Clearly define what makes your product or service unique. Focus on benefits that matter most to your target audience and consider cultural nuances when crafting your message. Establish a Local Presence: Setting up a US-based office or partnering with local distributors can enhance your brand's credibility. Hiring local employees provides valuable insights into the market and helps build stronger relationships with customers. Ensure Legal Compliance: The US has complex regulations that vary by state and industry. Make sure you understand and comply with these laws to avoid legal issues. Understand the Competition: Research competitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This helps you identify opportunities and position your brand effectively. Adapt to Local Preferences: Conduct surveys or focus groups to gain insights into local consumer preferences. Tailor your marketing strategies to better meet the needs of US consumers.
Consea: Your Global Partner with Local Expertise
Consea is right in the mix of these trends, offering top-notch executive search and consulting services. We've been in Chicago since 2017, blending global expertise with local market knowledge. As an experienced executive search firm in Chicago and a trusted global recruitment agency in the USA, Consea delivers tailored solutions that combine local insight and global reach to help clients navigate the evolving executive recruitment landscape and find the right leaders for success. For more info on how Consea can support your executive search needs, explore our website.
Retention, Culture & Leadership in 2026: Key Insights from IACCSE Seminars in Miami & Atlanta
In February, Consea had the pleasure of participating in two highly engaging seminars organized by the Italy‑America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) in Miami and Atlanta.
The sessions brought together executives and entrepreneurs from across the Italian‑American business community, all facing a common challenge: attracting, retaining, and developing talent in an increasingly competitive U.S. labor market. Drawing on Consea’s experience in executive search and human capital advisory, the workshops explored what truly drives retention in 2026 and how European‑headquartered companies can better understand — and meet — the expectations of their U.S. workforce.
Understanding the U.S. Talent Landscape
Today’s U.S. workforce is highly mobile, selective, and shaped by real‑time expectations around growth, recognition, and leadership presence.
While compensation remains important, it is rarely the decisive factor in turnover. Employees typically disengage long before they resign — when they feel undervalued, overlooked, or unable to envision a future in the organization. Three forces are shaping culture and retention in 2026: Belonging is built within teams, not only through senior leadership.
As AI permeates workflows, human connection becomes the differentiator.
Culture evolves through daily behaviors and rituals, not one‑off programs. For European companies operating in the U.S., this context requires a shift in pace, transparency, and communication.
U.S. Employees in 2026: What Makes Them Stay
Across both cities, leaders aligned on four elements that consistently influence U.S. retention: Clear, Visible Growth Opportunities Employees want to understand exactly what “the next step” looks like — including the skills required and available pathways. Generic development promises are no longer enough. Enabled and Present Managers Managers remain the strongest retention lever. Weekly clarity, short 1:1s, and timely recognition shape employees’ perception of their future. Authentic, Frequent Recognition Recognition must be real, specific, and timely. In an era of AI‑generated content, employees immediately sense when feedback feels automated or impersonal. Wellbeing as a Business KPI Wellbeing can no longer sit on the periphery. Employees expect it to be integrated into everyday culture, team rhythms, and leadership practices.
European Headquarters vs. U.S. Expectations: Common Gaps
For many European companies, the challenge is not lack of commitment — it is a misalignment of pace and visibility. The most common gaps discussed during the seminars included: Decision‑making speed and transparency
What feels like thoughtful evaluation in Europe can be interpreted as ambiguity in the U.S.
Continuous feedback vs. annual cycles
U.S. employees expect immediate, frequent input — not year‑end reviews.
Proof of internal mobility
Employees want visible examples of internal moves and concrete skill pathways. Addressing these gaps doesn’t require significant investment; it requires consistency and clarity.
Five High‑Impact, Low‑Cost Tactics Employers Can Implement Now
The seminars focused on practical actions that participants could deploy immediately, including: Quarterly Stay Interviews Three simple questions predict engagement early and allow managers to act before issues escalate. Structured 30/60/90‑Day Onboarding Retention starts on Day One. Identity‑building, early wins, and a buddy system dramatically improve outcomes. Weekly Micro‑Recognition Rituals A 10‑minute team ritual that reinforces progress and strengthens culture in real time. Personalized, AI‑Assisted Learning Paths AI can support managers by mapping skills and tailoring development — while keeping human connection at the center. Visible Skill and Career Paths for Each Role Publishing skill requirements and highlighting internal success stories builds trust and credibility. These practices become powerful when turned into predictable rituals, not episodic initiatives.
A Retention System Built for 2026
Throughout both events, a key message resonated:
Retention is not a program. It is a system. A system built on five integrated pillars: Listen — stay interviews, sentiment analysis, pulse checks
Enable Managers — toolkits, scripts, developmental support
Show Growth — transparent, personalized career pathways
Recognize — frequent, human, specific feedback
Integrate Wellbeing — into the lived daily experience Organizations that operationalize these practices see measurable improvements in performance, culture, and retention.
Closing Reflection
People stay where they feel seen, where they can grow, and where the culture they experience is real and consistent every day. Consea is proud to support companies across the Americas in building leadership effectiveness, organizational clarity, and talent systems capable of sustaining long‑term growth — especially for European organizations navigating the U.S. market. We extend our sincere thanks to the IACCSE and to all participants for the insightful discussions in Miami and Atlanta. For more information on how Consea supports organizations in executive search, leadership advisory, and human capital consulting, we invite you to connect with us. Author: Antonella Cerabona — Head of Americas, Consea Group
Why hiring feels harder than it should be in Industrial and CPG — and it’s not just the labor market
If you work in Industrial, Manufacturing, or CPG, you’ve probably felt it from both sides. Companies say: “We can’t find the right talent.” Professionals say: “Roles aren’t clear, the process takes forever, and expectations keep changing.” Both statements are true — but neither gets to the real issue. From our experience supporting hiring initiatives across these sectors, most hiring challenges aren’t driven by a lack of available talent or motivation. They’re driven by misalignment between how work happens — and how roles are defined, filled, and supported.
The Reality of Industrial and CPG Work Today
These industries operate under constant pressure: Operational continuity
Tight margins
Safety, quality, and compliance standards
Supply chain volatility
Continuous improvement mandates Roles evolve quickly. Priorities shift. Teams are asked to do more with less. Yet hiring often assumes static job descriptions, perfect candidate profiles, and linear decision-making — none of which reflect reality on the ground. That disconnect shows up everywhere: In long hiring cycles
In roles that change 60 days after someone starts
In candidates dropping out of the process
In new hires feeling misled or underprepared
When Job Titles Don’t Match the Job
One of the most common issues we see across Industrial and CPG environments is roles being defined by history, not by current business need. A title stays the same, but: Scope has expanded
Stakeholders have multiplied
Expectations have shifted
Decision authority has changed The result? Candidates don’t know what they’re really signing up for
Hiring managers struggle to articulate what “good” looks like
Teams absorb friction that could have been avoided earlier This isn’t anyone’s fault.
It’s what happens when organizations move faster than their hiring infrastructure.
Hiring Is a Business System, Not a Standalone Process
Hiring outcomes reflect how clearly an organization understands itself. Strong results tend to happen when companies: Are honest about trade-offs (speed vs. experience vs. potential)
Align internally before engaging candidates
Communicate what success looks like in the first 6–12 months
Respect candidates’ time and perspective
Treat hiring as part of operational delivery, not an administrative task When that alignment is missing, even the most attractive brands struggle to convert strong candidates — especially experienced professionals who know their value.
What Candidates Are Responding to Now
Across Industrial and CPG talent markets, professionals are less focused on hype — and more focused on clarity. They’re asking: What problem am I being hired to solve?
How will my work be measured?
Who do I need to influence to be successful?
What will realistically change — and what won’t? Companies that can answer those questions clearly stand out immediately. Not because they’re perfect — but because they’re transparent.
A Better Way Forward
Improving hiring outcomes in Industrial and CPG doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. It starts with: Clear role definition grounded in current reality
Alignment between operations, leadership, and hiring teams
Processes that reflect how decisions are actually made
Conversations that respect both business needs and candidate expectations When hiring mirrors how the business truly operates, everyone wins: Teams onboard faster
New hires perform sooner
Trust increases on both sides of the table
A Thought for Leaders and Candidates Alike
Before assuming hiring is broken because “the market is tough,” it’s worth asking: Are we clear about what the work really requires today? Because in Industrial and CPG, clarity isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a competitive advantage. Author: Candice Gist-Shaw, Delivery Manager Americas
The Next Competitive Advantage Won’t Be Artificial Intelligence. It Will Be Human Intelligence
For decades, companies and nations built their competitive advantage by accumulating knowledge. The world's leading universities, research centers, access to information and ability to develop specialized talent created barriers that few competitors could overcome. This logic shaped the knowledge economy and defined what organizations looked for in their leaders. For the first time, that paradigm is beginning to change. Artificial intelligence is democratizing access to knowledge at an unprecedented pace. Information, research, analytical models and strategic insights that once required years of experience or large teams of specialists can now be accessed in seconds. This does not diminish the importance of artificial intelligence. On the contrary, it is likely to become the most transformative technology of our generation. Its greatest impact, however, may not be the creation of more knowledge, but the fact that knowledge itself is becoming less of a competitive differentiator. As knowledge becomes increasingly accessible, competitive advantage shifts from knowing more to interpreting better. The ability to ask the right questions, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, understand complex contexts and make sound decisions when there are no obvious answers becomes far more valuable than simply having access to information. In other words, as artificial intelligence expands our capacity to know, human intelligence becomes the critical factor in turning knowledge into judgment. This shift creates a particularly compelling opportunity for Brazil and Latin America. For decades, the region has largely been defined by its challenges: economic volatility, regulatory uncertainty, political change, currency fluctuations and business environments where unpredictability has often been the norm. While these conditions have traditionally been viewed as obstacles to growth, they have also shaped a generation of leaders who have learned to make decisions under uncertainty, adapt strategies with speed and lead organizations in environments where change is constant rather than exceptional. At Consea, we are seeing this reality become increasingly evident in our international assignments. Global organizations are no longer looking only for executives with strong technical credentials. They are looking for leaders capable of exercising sound judgment in ambiguous situations, building trust across cultures, balancing competing priorities and transforming uncertainty into strategic direction. Technical expertise remains essential, but it is no longer enough to explain why certain executives consistently stand out in a global environment. This may help explain why Brazilian and Latin American executives are gaining increasing recognition in leadership roles around the world. The experience of operating in highly complex markets has developed capabilities that are difficult to replicate in more predictable environments. Judgment, adaptability, resilience, systems thinking and the ability to lead people through uncertainty have evolved from desirable leadership qualities into essential competitive advantages. Artificial intelligence will continue to redefine the way organizations operate, but it cannot replace judgment. It cannot build trust, understand the subtle dynamics of organizational culture or assume responsibility for decisions that shape the future of a business. As knowledge becomes more widely available, the leaders who create the greatest value will be those who know how to apply it with discernment, perspective and long-term vision. Perhaps the most profound impact of artificial intelligence will not be technological, but human. By democratizing knowledge, it highlights a simple reality: the true competitive advantage of any organization will continue to depend on the quality of the decisions made by its leaders. In that respect, Brazil and Latin America may have far more to contribute to the future of global leadership than they are often given credit for. Markets develop companies. Complexity develops leaders. Author: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil Versão em português
A próxima vantagem competitiva não será a inteligência artificial. Será a inteligência humana.
Durante décadas, empresas e países construíram sua vantagem competitiva a partir da capacidade de acumular conhecimento. As melhores universidades, os maiores centros de pesquisa, o acesso às melhores informações e a formação de especialistas criaram barreiras competitivas que pareciam intransponíveis. Foi essa lógica que definiu a economia do conhecimento e moldou o perfil dos líderes mais valorizados nas últimas décadas. Pela primeira vez, esse paradigma começa a mudar. A inteligência artificial está democratizando o acesso ao conhecimento em uma velocidade sem precedentes. Informações, análises, pesquisas e modelos que antes exigiam anos de experiência ou grandes equipes especializadas hoje podem ser acessados em poucos segundos. Isso não reduz a importância da inteligência artificial. Ao contrário, ela será provavelmente a tecnologia mais transformadora da nossa geração. No entanto, seu efeito mais profundo talvez não seja produzir mais conhecimento, mas reduzir o valor competitivo de simplesmente possuí-lo. Quando o conhecimento se torna amplamente acessível, a vantagem deixa de estar em quem sabe mais e passa a estar em quem interpreta melhor. A capacidade de formular as perguntas certas, conectar informações aparentemente desconexas, compreender contextos complexos e tomar decisões quando não existe uma resposta evidente torna-se muito mais relevante do que o simples acesso à informação. Em outras palavras, à medida que a inteligência artificial amplia nossa capacidade de conhecer, cresce também a importância da inteligência humana para transformar conhecimento em julgamento. Essa mudança cria uma oportunidade particularmente interessante para o Brasil e para a América Latina. Durante muito tempo, nossa região foi percebida principalmente pelos desafios que enfrenta: volatilidade econômica, mudanças regulatórias frequentes, instabilidade política, oscilações cambiais e um ambiente de negócios marcado pela imprevisibilidade. Embora esses fatores tenham sido frequentemente tratados como obstáculos ao desenvolvimento, eles também moldaram uma geração de líderes acostumados a decidir em cenários de elevada complexidade, adaptar estratégias rapidamente e conduzir organizações em ambientes onde a única constante é a mudança. Na Consea, observamos essa realidade de forma cada vez mais clara em nossos projetos internacionais. Empresas globais não procuram apenas executivos com sólida formação técnica. Procuram líderes capazes de exercer discernimento em contextos ambíguos, construir confiança entre diferentes culturas, equilibrar interesses conflitantes e transformar incerteza em direção estratégica. O conhecimento técnico continua sendo indispensável, mas já não basta para explicar por que determinados executivos se destacam em um ambiente global cada vez mais complexo. Talvez essa seja uma das razões pelas quais profissionais brasileiros e latino-americanos vêm ganhando espaço em posições estratégicas ao redor do mundo. A experiência adquirida em mercados desafiadores desenvolveu competências que dificilmente podem ser reproduzidas em ambientes mais previsíveis. Julgamento, capacidade de adaptação, resiliência, visão sistêmica e habilidade para liderar pessoas em momentos de incerteza deixaram de ser características desejáveis para se tornarem competências centrais da liderança contemporânea. A inteligência artificial continuará evoluindo e redefinindo a forma como as organizações operam. No entanto, ela não substitui discernimento, não constrói confiança, não compreende as nuances de uma cultura organizacional e tampouco assume a responsabilidade pelas decisões que definirão o futuro de uma empresa. Quanto mais o conhecimento se torna acessível, maior tende a ser o valor daqueles capazes de utilizá-lo com equilíbrio, senso crítico e visão de longo prazo. Talvez a maior transformação provocada pela inteligência artificial não seja tecnológica, mas humana. Ao democratizar o conhecimento, ela torna evidente que a verdadeira vantagem competitiva das organizações continuará sendo a qualidade das decisões tomadas por seus líderes. E, nesse aspecto, acreditamos que Brasil e América Latina têm muito mais a oferecer ao mundo do que normalmente se reconhece. Mercados desenvolvem empresas. A complexidade desenvolve líderes. Autor: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil
Nei Teodoro | CEO, Acument Fontana Group | Latam - General Director
1. Looking back on your career, what has been the most important lesson you have learned that still influences the way you lead today?
Among the lessons I have consolidated throughout my journey, I would highlight adaptability to the constant changes in the business scenario, the organization, and the external environment. I believe the ability to deal with situations that are always in motion is fundamental for today’s leader.
2. The business environment has become increasingly complex and unpredictable. In your opinion, what characteristics will be essential for leaders who will succeed in the coming years?
The ability to adapt to change, a sense of urgency, a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of the organization, and above-average interpersonal skills.
3. Much is said about the transformations changing the business world — technology, Artificial Intelligence, new generations, and shifts in people’s expectations. In your view, which of these factors will have the greatest impact on leadership in the coming years, and why?
New generations are already bringing a new dynamic to organizations. Companies are no longer simply trying to shape new entrants to fit the existing model; instead, they are seeking to adapt the environment in order to continue attracting younger professionals and ensure the renewal of organizations.
4. Is there any belief about leadership that you held at the beginning of your career but that has completely changed today? What made you change your perspective?
The belief that the highest levels of organizations are inaccessible to lower levels. My way of dealing with different stakeholders within the organization allowed me to change my perspective on this, and also to see that the leaders I regard as references possess this ability.
5. To conclude, we would like to leave the final question completely open. Is there any topic related to leadership, management, people, or the future of organizations that you consider important and would like to share, but that we did not cover during this conversation?
I believe the future of organizations will involve the consolidation of companies that are most successful in their business models, resulting in groupings and mergers with smaller companies that have not successfully adapted to new times and contemporary challenges. Therefore, the ability to relate positively to the ecosystem and to people will create advantages for professionals who are on one side today and may be on the other side of the table, or the market, tomorrow.
Versão em português
1. Ao olhar para sua trajetória, qual foi o aprendizado mais importante da sua carreira que ainda influencia a forma como você lidera hoje?
Destaco dentre os aprendizados que consolidei em minha jornada a adaptabilidade às constantes mudanças de cenário do negócio, da organização e do ambiente externo. Acredito que a habilidade de lidar com situações sempre em movimento é fundamental para o líder de hoje.
2. O ambiente de negócios tem se tornado cada vez mais complexo e imprevisível. Na sua opinião, quais características serão indispensáveis para os líderes que terão sucesso nos próximos anos?
Capacidade de adaptar-se às mudanças, senso de urgência, cultura da melhoria contínua em todas as áreas da organização e relacionamento interpessoal acima da média.
3. Muito se fala sobre as transformações que estão mudando o mundo dos negócios — tecnologia, Inteligência Artificial, novas gerações e mudanças nas expectativas das pessoas. Na sua visão, qual desses fatores terá o maior impacto sobre a liderança nos próximos anos e por quê?
As novas gerações já estão trazendo uma nova dinâmica para as organizações, que já não procuram moldar os novos entrantes ao modelo existente, mas buscam adaptar o ambiente para continuar atraindo principalmente os mais jovens e garantir a renovação das organizações.
4. Existe alguma crença sobre liderança que você tinha no início da sua carreira e que hoje mudou completamente? O que fez você mudar de opinião?
A impressão de que os mais altos níveis da organização são inacessíveis aos níveis mais baixos. Minha maneira de lidar com os diferentes interlocutores dentro da organização me permitiu mudar de opinião em relação a isso e também visualizar que os líderes que tenho como referência possuem essa habilidade.
5. Para finalizar, gostaríamos de deixar a última pergunta totalmente aberta. Existe algum tema relacionado à liderança, gestão, pessoas ou ao futuro das organizações que você considera importante e que gostaria de compartilhar, mas que não abordamos durante esta conversa?
Acredito que o futuro das organizações será de consolidação das empresas mais bem-sucedidas em seus modelos de negócio, trazendo agrupamentos e fusões com empresas menores que não se adaptaram com sucesso aos novos tempos e desafios contemporâneos. Portanto, a capacidade de se relacionar com o ecossistema e pessoas de forma positiva trará vantagens para os profissionais que hoje estão de um lado e amanhã poderão estar do outro lado da mesa ou do mercado.
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