Working with headhunters is one of the most misunderstood parts of the executive job search. In this episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Dan Hampton and Gerard Miles pull back the curtain on how recruiters actually operate, what retained and contingent searches mean, how to tell them apart, and how to stand out in both. They share the unspoken rules that make a candidate memorable, from crafting a crisp introduction to building trust through clarity and follow-through. For any leader ready to navigate the hidden world of executive recruiting, this conversation offers a practical, human guide to turning connections into real opportunities.

Approaching the executive job search takes precision from sharpening your story to activating the networks that actually move opportunities forward. Even the most seasoned leaders lose traction when their narrative is unclear or their outreach is passive. In this episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Dan Hampton and Gerard Miles continue their three-part series with Part 2: Approach to the Job Search. They reveal how to position yourself in the market, craft a standout LinkedIn presence, and build a four-channel networking system that keeps you visible before roles even surface. Whether you’re ready for your next move or simply keeping your options open, this episode is a masterclass in showing up strategically and staying top of mind for the right opportunities.

Executive job searches aren’t about chance; they’re about prep: building a target-company ecosystem, warming your network, and being clear-eyed about where your skills fit. Even seasoned leaders stumble when they skip the groundwork. In this episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Dan Hampton and Gerard Miles kick off a three-part series with Part 1: Prep for the Job Search. They share practical strategies for mapping the market, testing culture fit, and tackling the hard truth of startup vs. scale transitions. Whether you’re exploring your next move or navigating unexpected change, this is your playbook for a smarter executive search.

Interviewing isn’t just about surviving a few tough questions; it’s about knowing your audience, backing your story with real metrics, and asking the kind of questions that make you memorable. Even seasoned execs get rusty, and hiring managers can trip themselves up with clunky, repetitive processes. In this episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton share the secrets of great interviews, from tailoring answers and framing metrics to asking the right questions and running a process that doesn’t scare candidates away. Whether you’re in the hot seat or leading the panel, this is your playbook for interviews that actually work.

Getting to the C-suite isn’t just about snagging a bigger title or a corner office, it’s about shifting from tactics to strategy, leading through layers, and surviving the politics (yes, they exist). In this debut episode of Mission One: The Executive Edge, hosts Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton unpack what separates great VPs from true executives, why empathy and gravitas matter more than charisma, and the real-life trade-offs, from endless travel to leadership loneliness, that come with the top job.

Mission One: The Executive Edge goes deep into how you can hire the best teams and secure the best jobs for yourself. Hosted by Gerard Miles and Dan Hampton, co-founders of the boutique global executive search firm, Mission One, the show reveals the insider view on how senior leadership hiring really works. With decades of combined experience, Gerard & Dan have led on some of the top searches in the world of Entertainment and Consumer. Together, they share candid stories and practical strategies that give you the inside track; your executive edge.