Egon Zehnder's boss takes more human-centric approach to leadership

IN a dog-eat-dog corporate world, feminine qualities may not, at first glance, belong among the survival instincts needed, but it is precisely these qualities - curiosity, modesty, empathy, vulnerability and inclusion - that are needed by today's leaders.

Assertiveness, boardroom presence and results orientation no longer work alone. They must be complemented with emotional intelligence, says Jill Ader, the first female chair of Egon Zehnder, a leading head-hunting company favoured by governments and blue-chip corporates.

The 63-year-old took over the chair in November 2019. Today, the Swiss company has an annual turnover of almost 740 million Swiss francs (S$1.08 billion). Its 460-plus consultants worldwide look for management personnel, advise on succession planning, support supervisory and administrative boards in their work, assess the management of companies and offer management-development programmes.