Henley Research is officially 30 years old! 30 years since it all began, we have been looking back over the last three decades. Before the days of LinkedIn, still in the relatively early days of the internet and email, methods of contacting clients and candidates were very different, but some things remain the same: The Henley Spirit and our wonderful relationships with our clients and candidates alike.
Back at the start of our journey, we would obtain information from a CD ROM and hard copies of industry directories which would provide us with names of key stakeholders. We also relied a lot on telephone research to find those in the most suitable roles and to get in touch with suitable candidates.
It is safe to say technology has advanced a lot since then – we now have LinkedIn, video calls, and even AI and automation platforms which help make our jobs more efficient. Technology has become increasingly important in the work that we do, but even as we come to rely on more and more, we still prioritise the ‘human touch’ which is ever important for nurturing our relationships with our clients and candidates. The candidate experience is highly important to us, so our team will always focus on making this the best it can be, which means not relying on technology and automation for everything.
Beyond our professional achievements, the feedback we receive from former team members, particularly those who joined us early in their careers, highlights how their experience at Henley equipped them with invaluable life skills. These include resilience, confidence, and a deep understanding of diverse career paths. The dynamic environment at Henley, with its constant exposure to new challenges and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, provides a unique foundation for long-term success.
Looking Back: The Enduring Spirit and Evolving Role of Research at Henley
To truly appreciate how far we’ve come, it’s illuminating to look back at an article written about Henley Research 10 years ago, as we celebrated our 20th anniversary. Published in 2003, ‘Thrill of the Chase’ offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of executive search research and Henley’s place within it. While the core “Henley Spirit” and commitment to diligent research have remained, it’s clear how much the industry, and indeed our role within it, has evolved.
In 2003, the article captured the essence of finding information, without the assistance of today’s digital tools, stating: “Henley spends thousands of pounds a year on CD Roms and databases of companies around the world.” This provides a vivid contrast to our current reliance on platforms like LinkedIn and AI, demonstrating the incredible leap in technological advancement that has streamlined and enhanced our processes.
Perhaps one of the most significant shifts highlighted by comparing the two eras is the evolving role of the researcher. The 2003 article described researchers as the “faceless side of headhunting,” noting that “Researchers never meet the candidates they recommend, and only rarely see the client companies themselves.” It also stated, “The researcher only establishes a list of possibles… We speak to people for 10 to 20 minutes. We don’t meet them. All you can do is to get an impression.”
Today, while the rigorous data collection aspect of research remains key, our role has undeniably expanded. Oue researchers are trusted advisors to clients; we’ve moved beyond merely identifying “possibles” to nurturing relationships and providing nuanced insights that only come from genuine connection and understanding.
As we celebrate 30 years, we reflect on how the “hard slog” of research has evolved into a sophisticated blend of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled human insight. The tools may have changed dramatically, and our role has deepened, but the investigative spirit, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence that defined Henley Research at 20 continue to drive us forward at 30. We are proud of our journey, our team, and the lasting relationships we’ve built.
To celebrate this incredible milestone, we celebrated clients, partners, former colleagues and current – photos below:
