BlueSteps recently talked to Alfredo José Assumpção, CEO of Brazilian Executive Search Firm, FESA, about the executive recruitment market, leadership and how best to become visible in today's market. FESA is a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) and has access to BlueSteps to source senior executive talent in Brazil and worldwide.

1. Which sectors in the Brazilian economy should executives really be paying attention to?

Alfredo José Assumpção: Infrastructure, consumer products, technology and financial services. On infrastructure the country needs to be rebuilt, in this case we are talking about housing (real estate), airports, ports, highways and railways, these are only some examples.

2. With the fast developing economy, changing world-order and technological advancements, what are the key qualities of today’s leader?

Be global. Be of service. Know how to play teamwork. Have an in-depth knowledge of his/her sector and great ability to integrate his/her knowledge with other executives with in-depth knowledge in other fields. The added value to each other will generate great products and services that is demanded by the always and continuing chaotic economy. A leader must understand that the academic world no longer has ability to deliver the right talent at the right time to perform and handle the different functions that constantly arrive from this chaotic economy. So, a great leader, more than ever, must know how to attract, develop, motivate and retain the most talented executives.

3. How can an executive candidate best present him/herself to get noticed in today's marketplace?

By having an in-depth knowledge of his/her sector. Being global with the luggage already ready to move from region to region, from country to country. Being of service in the same sense that the planet serves in total. He/she must understand that we, as human-beings, are part of the planet. We are no longer considered owners of the planet. So we must develop a culture related to preserving nature. All the companies in a certain moment will be living this stage of organizational culture. The talented executive must have this same culture.

4. Are there many job opportunities in Brazil for foreign born executives, and if so, how should they approach the Brazilian executive job market?

Since we are living in a black-out of talent, all the talented executives will have opportunity to work in Brazil. The best way for doing so will be to contact multinational retained executive search firms and sending your CV.

5. Considering the shortage of talent, if you could give Brazilian executives working abroad three reasons to return to Brazil, what would they be?

Great opportunity to accelerate and get ahead in their career; compatible or better compensation packages than abroad; returning to his/her native culture; and to participate in a complete change for progress modus operandis that the country is currently experiencing.

6. Finally, how should companies in Brazil better prepare themselves to secure their future in the fast growing Brazilian economy?

By making themselves multinational companies. In the last 15 years more than 30 new multinational Brazilian companies have arrived in the market place. I dare say that about 10 are leaders in their economic sectors. The company that does not establish affiliation, partnership or membership with other worldwide operations has a tendency to disappear or be acquired.

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Alfredo José Assumpção
Alfredo is an Economist, post-graduated in Human Resources Development at Fundação Getúlio Vargas. In 1995 he founded Fesa operating in Brazil with three offices, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, with 90 professionals, partners, consultants, researchers and other employees. Fesa is associated to IIC Partners, and is a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC). On April 22, 2008, he was nominated by Business Week as one of the most influential headhunters of the planet.

Contact: alfredo@fesa.com.br