Volatile. Uncertain. Complex. Ambiguous. VUCA – what was once a nebulous term used to forecast an uncertain future, today is our “new normal.” For the most part, the world has moved past COVID, and when we emerged from the other side, we somewhat expected it to be business as usual.
Today, we are on the brink of another economic slowdown with a looming recession. The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank and filings by J&J to lay off as many as 1,000 workers in their medtech business are just a few examples of a new reality in our world. We know a private equity and venture capital recession means reducing financial burden, layoffs, and hiring freezes. This is usually accompanied by rosters of qualified talent posted to social media as an unofficial endorsement by managers or peers. But how do you know if you have the right people in the right seats to weather this next storm?
Among publicly held and privately held organizations, we specialize in working with PE and VC firms to build out senior leadership teams within their portfolio companies. Lately, we’ve heard our clients and CEOs tell us:
“The team I have in place is good, but they are stuck in their ways. They don’t have the right skills to drive the strategy forward in difficult or uncertain times. Direct reports and functional leaders that thrived in a booming environment are struggling to perform – and I fear this will last through the next few quarters.”
Should You Focus on the Short-Term or the Long-Term?

Do You Have the Right Talent in Place?
Are Your Leaders Adaptable, Resilient, and Agile?

Have They Faced Adversity in the Past?
Do Different Times Call For Different Leadership Styles?

How Can You Inspire Innovation During Difficult Times?
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After layoffs, the remaining team members have only about 50% of the skills needed to support the organization.
In uncertain times, when you are left with only a handful of team members to drive the company goals and mission forward, investing in the right talent is imperative. We know that it’s easier said than done, and in the coming weeks, some CEOs may find themselves in this very position. If you are unsure of whether you have the right leadership talent in place today or need some advice on how to see your team through the next few quarters, we have these conversations on a daily basis and we would love to hear from you.

Chris Bull
Managing Partner + Co-Founder
(949) 529-2690
bull@mbexec.com
Chris Bull brings over 20 years of experience in retained executive search. He has a strong track record of success partnering with client organizations to deliver best-in-class talent with private and public companies, private equity firms, and their operating companies. As a trusted advisor to the clients in which they serve, McDermott + Bull has become one of the fastest-growing executive search firms in North America with offices located both domestically and internationally.
Jake Vander Zanden
Partner
(949) 541-5000
jake@mbexec.com
Jake Vander Zanden serves as a Partner and leader of McDermott + Bull’s Technology + Life Sciences Practice.
Jake spent over 25 years as a turnaround and growth leader completing business transformations as a senior executive at companies like Allergan, Medtronic, and more. He has lived and worked throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe, and managed businesses in all the major regions of the world. Jake’s success has come from his ability to quickly and continuously develop high performing teams and guide their achievement of company changing initiatives, regardless of country, language, culture, or product group.