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Traits Shared by the Highest-Performing SaaS Executives in 2026
The definition of “great leadership” in SaaS has changed. Again. In 2026, high-performing executive hires are no longer defined solely by title, pedigree, or past company logos. Boards and founders are looking for leaders who can operate in ambiguity, align teams across functions, and drive sustainable growth in markets that feel more competitive and less forgiving than ever. After working closely with founders, investors, and senior leaders across SaaS, several consistent tr

Ocean Exec Talent
4 min read


Why the Best Talent Isn’t Looking, and How Elite Search Firms Reach Them
Most leaders assume the market is overflowing with qualified candidates. Job boards are full, LinkedIn is active, and millions of professionals update their profiles every year. Yet when the role truly matters, especially at the executive or revenue leadership level, the reality is very different. The best talent is rarely looking. They are not browsing job sites, sending resumes, or applying to postings. They are doing what top performers always do. They are focused on resul

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


If Your Executive Search Takes Longer Than 60 Days, These Are Probably the Reasons
Hiring an executive should never feel like an endless process. A well run search for a VP or C level leader should move from kickoff to accepted offer within 60 days. When it drags on longer than that, it is almost always due to issues that can be identified and fixed. Here are the most common reasons searches stall. 1. You are searching for a unicorn instead of a leader Companies often start with a job description that lists every skill they can imagine. The result is a prof

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


Why Leadership Tenure Is Dropping and What Companies Can Do About It
Executive tenure has been shrinking for years, but in the past 24–36 months the trend has accelerated. CEOs, CROs, CMOs, and other executives are staying in roles for shorter periods, turnover is rising, and companies are feeling the impact on revenue, culture, and competitive stability. But what’s driving this shift? And more importantly, what can companies do to reverse it? The New Reality of Executive Tenure The average tenure of C-level leaders has fallen below four years

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


How to Interview an Executive Search Firm: 7 Questions Smart Companies Ask
Choosing the right executive search partner can make or break your next leadership hire. The best firms don’t just find candidates; they act as an extension of your brand, understand your culture, and protect your reputation in the market. Choosing the right executive search partner can make or break your next leadership hire. Yet many companies treat hiring a search firm like ordering a service, rather than selecting a strategic partner. Here’s what to look for when intervie

Ocean Exec Talent
4 min read


When Amazon and Others Cut Back, Hiring Teams Can Move Forward: How to Win Amid AI-Driven Layoffs
The headlines are everywhere: tech layoffs are accelerating, and artificial intelligence is increasingly cited as both a disruptor and a catalyst for workforce change. While many organizations are trimming headcount or freezing hiring, companies that aren’t laying off have a rare opportunity to strengthen their teams if they move strategically. Below, we break down what’s happening, what it means for hiring teams, and how you can succeed during this pivotal moment. What’s Ha

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


Why a Boutique Executive Search Firm with Marketing Expertise Finds Better Marketing Leaders
When it comes to hiring a senior marketing executive, many companies turn to large search firms with big databases and name recognition. But here’s the truth: the best marketing leaders aren’t found through volume...they’re identified through understanding. And that’s where a boutique executive search firm with deep marketing roots makes all the difference. 1. They Know What “Great” Looks Like in Marketing Most traditional search firms operate across every function and indus

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


What to Look for in Marketing Leaders in 2026
The role of the marketing leader has evolved dramatically in recent years, and in the coming year, the expectations are higher than ever. Some organizations that I've had conversations with are even describing a sort of "CEO Lite", that is overseeing much of the organization. Most however, want executives who can drive growth, build trust, and lead with both creativity and data. If you’re evaluating marketing leaders in 2026, here are the qualities and capabilities that matte

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


How to Build an Executive Interview Process That Attracts, Not Repels, Top Talent
When hiring at the executive level, the stakes are high. A great CRO, CMO, or VP of Sales can transform revenue growth, align...

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


Back to School, Back to Hiring: Why Now Is the Time to Restart Your Interview Process
The school year has started, routines are back in place, and for many companies, this is the perfect time to refocus on hiring. Just as...

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


Hire Now, Win Later: Why October Is the Critical Deadline for Sales & Marketing Leadership
For CEOs, CROs, and founders, timing is everything when it comes to hiring. If you’re considering bringing on a senior marketing or sales...

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


Why Successful Leaders Are Ditching "Hire Slowly, Fire Fast".
The "Hire Slowly, Fire Fast" approach has been around for decades echoed in books in the early 2000's and later on became a mantra among...

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


How Successful Marketing Leaders Are Approaching AI and What to Look For in Your Next Marketing Leader.
Literally every company boiler plate today, ”company xyz is an AI-driven solution focused on automating xyz for growing companies.” You...

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


7 Reasons to Use a Boutique Executive Search Firm Instead of an In-House Recruiting Team
When it comes to hiring executives and go-to-market leaders, many companies rely Partnering with an executive search firm can give you an...

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


From Chaos to Clarity: How S.P.L.A.S.H. Helps CEOs Hire Leaders Who Actually Fit their Culture
we created the S.P.L.A.S.H.™ Hiring Methodology to fix that and to bring order, objectivity, and insight to one of the most complex decisions a CEO or founder will ever make.

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


CEO & COO CHEAT SHEET: Interview Questions That Actually Predict Sales Leader Success
When you're hiring a VP of Sales or a CRO, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A bad hire at the top of your sales org doesn't just cost you...

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


Quick Hits: Why Choose a Boutique Executive Search Firm Over a Large Firm?
You've started doing your research and you come across a number of large firms and several boutique firms...but how are they different...

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


How to Spot a Modern Marketing Leader: Traits That Matter in 2025
Whether you're a CEO hiring a new VP of Marketing or a recruiter evaluating top talent, here are the critical traits that separate the great from the good.

Ocean Exec Talent
3 min read


Why Your Marketing Executive Search Is Failing and How to Fix It
Why does marketing executive hiring fail so often? And how can you avoid those costly missteps? We take you though the 5 most common hiring mistakes.

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read


CMO vs. VP of Marketing: Who Does Your Business Really Need?
It’s one of the most common crossroads companies face. Get it right, and you unlock go-to-market clarity, pipeline growth, and brand momentum. Get it wrong, and you risk bloated spend, misaligned strategy, and missed revenue goals.
So how do you decide what level of marketing leadership is right for your business?
Let’s break it down.

Ocean Exec Talent
2 min read
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