The new rules of executive search 🌵

I’m back from The Ritz-Carlton in Marana, Arizona! 🌵

I attended and spoke at the 2026 TroopHR Member Retreat, which brought together ~150 global HR and talent acquisition leaders.

It was my first time in the state, and it didn’t disappoint. The views were unreal, the conversations were memorable, and the insights were spot-on.

What I love about this special event is that I get to learn what’s happening right now in executive search, not just theory or “best practices.”​

In addition to delivering my new workshop, From Talk to Transformation: How to Use Coaching to Spark Organizational Change, I attended excellent talks covering the latest HR and recruitment trends.

Here were a few of my biggest takeaways from the retreat:

🌵 Who you know matters more than ever before. One executive search firm partner shared that 60% to 70% of recent hires came from his existingnetwork! Your network isn’t just helpful. It’s crucial.

🌵 AI proficiency is no longer enough. You must be “AI fluent.” Recruiters and hiring managers will pass you over if you can’t show real-worldAI examples on your resume, in your LinkedIn profile, and in interviews. This applies across all levels and companies, from ICs to the C-suite, and from startups to Fortune 500s.

🌵 Companies are researching you before they invite you for an interview, and this extends far beyond Google. Companies are using AI tools to conduct stealth background checks on LinkedIn, X, Reddit—you name it. If you’re job searching, be sure to clean your digital footprint now!

​👉🏼 Want the full breakdown? Read my latest Forbes article.​

Wishing you a fabulous week!

~ Kyle | CaffeinatedKyle.com​

P.S. Real insights beat recycled “best practices.” Read my latest Forbes piece on why executive search firms aren’t contacting you—and how to get on headhunters’ radar.​