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Want a Higher Calibre CEO ?
- Apr 15, 2025
One that thinks like a Partner not an Employee ?
Bringing serious leadership into your business is a game-changer—but finding the right leader? That’s a whole different story.
If you're preparing for growth, planning your business exit, or even just laying the groundwork for a strong exit strategy, a standard salary package may not be enough to attract the calibre of CEO you need. The kind of leader who can scale, transform, and position your company for a successful next chapter is usually looking for something deeper than a paycheck.
They’re looking for skin in the game.
Why Equity Matters
This is where equity becomes a powerful tool. Offering equity isn't just about sweetening the deal—it transforms the entire dynamic. Equity signals trust. It shows long-term intent. And most importantly, it aligns incentives and ambition.
When you offer a CEO the chance to be a true partner through equity, you're attracting someone who thinks and acts like an owner, because they are one. They're not just working in the business; they’re invested in its future.
The Owner Mindset
We’ve seen it time and time again: when equity is part of the package, you unlock a new level of commitment, creativity, and strategic thinking.
A CEO with ownership isn’t just focused on short-term wins. They’re motivated to build long-term value,exactly what you need if you're eyeing a future business exit.
Whether your exit strategy involves a sale, merger, or succession plan, bringing in a leader with an ownership mindset ensures they’re steering the business in the right direction.
So, What Are You Really Offering?
If you’re serious about levelling up your leadership team—or thinking ahead to your business exit—it’s worth asking:
Are you hiring an employee, or are you inviting a partner?
Because the difference isn’t just a contract, it’s a mindset, a commitment, and a shared vision for building lasting value.
About the Author
Mike Warmington is a Director of Platform 1 NZ Ltd - The New Zealand market leaders in business owner transition. Platform 1 specialises in using executive search techniques to find business partners with capability and capital for business owners wanting to partially or fully transition.
www.platform1.co.nz
