In this episode of Between Two COOs, Michael Koenig interviews Evan Grossman, partner and head of the CEO and board practice at True Search, one of the world’s leading executive recruiting firms. Evan shares insights into the hidden C-suite job market, the importance of networking, and how to position yourself for a top executive role. The conversation delves into the nuances of executive hiring, including mitigating risk with non-traditional candidates, leveraging AI for scale in recruiting, and how companies identify and evaluate board members. Evan also discusses career growth strategies for COOs aspiring to become CEOs, emphasizing the value of cross-functional experience and self-awareness. Anecdotes about the tight-knit nature of the executive ecosystem underscore the importance of humility and relationships in the hiring process.