Category Archives: Employer Q&A

How Do I Hire My Company’s First CFO? A Founder’s Guide

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, here is the direct answer employers actually need, without the jargon. Hire your first CFO when financial complexity, fundraising, or scale outgrows what a controller or part-time help can handle, and hire for the […]

How Do I Fire an Executive Who Isn’t Working Out — And What Will It Cost?

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, here is the direct answer employers actually need, without the jargon. Do it decisively but carefully, with legal guidance, a dignified process, and a clear-eyed understanding that the cost, severance, disruption, […]

How Do I Hire My Company’s First COO Without Breaking the Culture?

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, I answer this question constantly from boards and employers, so here is the clear version. Hire your first COO when operational complexity genuinely outgrows the founder’s capacity, define the role and its […]

Can I Rescind an Executive Offer After a Bad Reference? Legal Considerations

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, I answer this question constantly from boards and employers, so here is the clear version. Often yes, but it depends on how the offer was structured, the jurisdiction, and the circumstances, so this is a question […]

How Do I Hire My Company’s First CMO? Timing and Profile Guide

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, I answer this question constantly from boards and employers, so here is the clear version. Hire your first CMO when marketing needs strategic leadership beyond execution, and match the profile, brand, growth, or […]

How Do I Check References When the Candidate’s Employer Doesn’t Know They’re Looking?

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, I answer this question constantly from boards and employers, so here is the clear version. Rely on references outside the current employer, former colleagues, past managers, and back-channel contacts, and respect […]

When Should a Startup Hire a Professional CEO to Replace the Founder?

As Global Head of Research & Leadership Advisory at JRG Partners, here is the direct answer employers actually need, without the jargon. When the company’s needs have outgrown the founder’s capabilities or interest in the CEO role, and the founder, board, or both recognize a […]