In this episode, Louise Archer speaks with Somer Hackley, CEO of Distinguished Search and author of Search in Plain Sight, about the real difference between transactional recruiting and true trusted advisory.

Somer shares the pivotal story that changed her career: the moment she advised a client not to hire the only finalist left in process, despite months of work and huge pressure to close. That decision became the foundation of deeper trust, long-term partnership, and a completely different way of operating as a search consultant.

Together, Louise and Somer unpack the mindset shift from contingent recruitment to retained search, including what changes in client relationships, candidate assessment, negotiation, shortlist strategy, and the confidence required to speak with real authority.

They also explore why the best recruiters stop obsessing over “getting the deal over the line” and start focusing on transparency, rigor, expectation-setting, and preventing surprises.

This is a rich conversation about voice, values, and what it really takes to become a trusted advisor in executive search.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

•  The story that helped Somer find her voice with clients 
•  Why trusted advisors sometimes have to say “don’t make the offer” 
•  The difference between contingent and retained search mindset 
•  How to assess candidates more rigorously and care for them more deeply 
•  Why shortlists fail and how to use iteration more effectively 
•  How to avoid endless searches by resetting expectations with clients 
•  Why clients care less about process than values, judgment, and outcomes 
•  What Somer’s book reveals about executive search from the inside

You can find more info about her book here: https://www.searchinplainsight.com/

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LinkedIn

Connect with Louise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-archer-48612844/

Connect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retainedsearchcoach/

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