Celebrating 17 Years of Acumen Executive Search: A Special Interview with Founder Suzanne Hanifin
In a special episode of the Hiring For Good podcast, Molly Norton, Senior Director of Talent, interviews Suzanne Hanifin, the President and Founder of Acumen Executive Search, to celebrate the firm's 17th anniversary. Known for her insightful interviews with leaders from across various sectors, Suzanne steps into the spotlight herself for this unique conversation. This milestone episode gives listeners a rare opportunity to hear about the growth and success of Acumen, the values that have shaped the company's trajectory, and Suzanne's personal leadership philosophy.
Acumen Executive Search has become one of the premier executive search firms in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in placing senior-level leaders with organizations that align with their values and mission. With 17 years in business, Suzanne’s leadership has built a trusted reputation within the executive search space, where she has seen firsthand the critical role talent plays in shaping the future of businesses, non-profits, and public sector organizations alike.
The Evolution of Acumen Executive Search
The interview begins with Suzanne reflecting on the journey that led her to found Acumen Executive Search. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped the early years of the company, and how, despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, she was able to create a firm that not only delivered exceptional results for clients but also fostered a culture of trust and respect within her team.
“When I started Acumen, it was with the mission of creating a firm that not only found top talent but did so in a way that treated people with integrity,” Suzanne explains. “It’s been an incredible journey watching the company grow and evolve, and I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the impact we’ve had on both the organizations we work with and the communities we serve.”
Through the interview, Suzanne highlights how Acumen's success is not just about placing the right people in the right positions. It’s about understanding an organization’s culture and aligning leadership with long-term strategic goals. Her firm’s commitment to not just recruiting talent but also nurturing relationships has been a key factor in the company's sustained success.
Leadership Philosophy and the Importance of Culture
As a seasoned leader, Suzanne’s approach to leadership is centered around empathy, transparency, and the belief that strong teams are built through genuine relationships. Her leadership philosophy is evident in her commitment to Acumen’s work culture. Suzanne knows that culture isn't something you can build overnight—it takes time, trust, and a deep understanding of your people. As a leader, she has focused on creating an environment where her team feels supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Suzanne also discusses how she has worked hard to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for both her internal team and her clients. She believes that fostering a positive and collaborative work environment not only leads to better outcomes for clients but also empowers her team to perform at their best. "At the heart of it all is giving back—to our team, our clients, and the community," she says.
Giving Back and Community Leadership
A unique aspect of Suzanne’s leadership is her dedication to giving back to both her team and the broader community. In addition to leading Acumen, she serves on several nonprofit and association boards and is deeply involved in charitable initiatives. "I firmly believe that success isn't just about what you do in business," Suzanne explains. "It’s also about what you contribute to the greater good." In the interview, Suzanne discusses how she balances her professional obligations with her philanthropic and personal endeavors and why it’s important for leaders to use their platforms to drive positive change.
A Look Ahead
As the interview wraps up, Suzanne shares her vision for the future of Acumen Executive Search. While the company has enjoyed significant growth, she remains committed to staying true to the core values that have defined the firm from day one. She is focused on continuing to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of Acumen’s clients and the talent landscape.
This special Hiring For Good episode is not just a celebration of Acumen’s success but a reflection of Suzanne Hanifin’s leadership, vision, and commitment to building lasting relationships in business and community. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the values that have driven Acumen’s success, as well as valuable insights into leadership, culture, and the importance of giving back.
Suzanne’s Bio
Suzanne Hanifin is the founder and President of Acumen Executive Search. She brings a great deal of heart, insight, a spirit of giving back, and an insistence on doing the right thing to the search process. She lets people know they are deeply cared for, seen, and in good hands when they engage with her company. Suzanne believes in win/win solutions. All parties involved walk away from negotiations feeling seen and satisfied with Suzanne leading the way.
A strong advocate for professional women across industries, Suzanne often states that nothing energizes her more than interacting with and supporting smart, strong, innovative, and caring women. She is a co-founder of Leader and Executives Across Professions (LEAP) - an innovative mentorship organization for professional women.
Additionally, she is a board member and co-President of the Oregon chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), a member of Vistage, an Executive Group Leader of ProVisors, and a Board Member of the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition. (PNDC).