Nexus Search Partners: Leading the Charge for Diverse Talent at the C-Level
Prioritizing Diversity in Corporate Leadership
Diversity in the workplace is a pressing issue that many corporations are striving to tackle. As reported by WBTV Charlotte, less than 6% of CEOs in the United States are Black, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This lack of diversity at the executive level has prompted many to seek change.
October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the positive impact diversity can have in the workplace and communities. In this article, we dive into a recent interview with Thaddeus Jones, former Fortune 50 HR leader and founder of Nexus Search Partners.
Written by Acadia Munari • Reviewed by Thaddeus V. Jones
Our Vision for Diversity
Thaddeus Jones has more than 20 years of corporate experience working for renowned companies like Target, Amazon, and Lowe's Home Improvement. In his career, he recognized a lack of intentionality in diverse talent recruitment at the executive level. His last corporate role was as the EVP and Chief Talent Officer for Red Ventures.
Jones founded Nexus Search Partners with a vision to reimagine the corporate hiring space. His goal is to introduce top-tier talent not only for C-suite roles but also for board assignments. Nexus’ mission is to create more opportunities and access for individuals who have been underrepresented in traditional search models.
Nexus Search Partners’ Impact
Since launching in January, Nexus Search Partners has made significant strides. The team has successfully placed C-level officers at prominent companies, including Chief Human Resource and Diversity Officers, who are making a tangible impact on the diversity landscape. Most importantly, Nexus is fulfilling its purpose by creating access to talent that has traditionally felt overlooked in conventional recruitment processes.
The Importance of Diversity at the Top
Jones emphasizes the importance of diversity at the highest levels of an organization. Diverse leadership ensures a broader spectrum of perspectives that can influence the company’s strategies, talent development, and external relations. The absence of diversity at the top can result in perspectives being overlooked, hindering an organization’s growth and development.
Challenges in Finding Qualified Diverse Candidates
The struggle to find qualified diverse candidates is a common issue many organizations face. Jones acknowledges that executives often express this challenge, emphasizing that they've been looking for talent but haven't found suitable candidates. Nexus Search Partners aims to bridge this gap by connecting value-aligned talent with executive opportunities.
Nexus Search Partners’ Value-Driven Approach
The Nexus team takes a deliberate and methodical approach to its work. Together with its partners, the team prioritizes understanding the values and culture of the companies Nexus works with, ensuring the team finds the right match between clients and candidates.
One distinguishing factor of Nexus Search Partners is the team’s commitment to values over profits. Jones is not afraid to turn away business if a client’s values do not align with the company’s mission. For Nexus, it’s not about the search fee or money generated; it’s about ensuring clients and candidates are value-aligned.
The Future of Nexus Search Partners
Jones is determined to expand the firm’s impact. Nexus has been working on numerous roles in the Charlotte area and beyond, reshaping corporate leadership by focusing on diversity and inclusion. Most importantly, Nexus is creating access for great talent.
The Nexus team is excited to continue building a more inclusive and representative corporate world. Jones’s hope is that Nexus’ commitment to value alignment, serving with purpose, and making a positive change sets an example for other businesses seeking to embrace diversity and achieve success through inclusion.
