When the global pandemic brought business to a standstill in early 2020, the executive search industry was no exception. At Wyman Bain, nearly all client engagements, apart from a select few in essential medical and antibacterial sectors, were abruptly placed on hold. Strategic hiring, succession planning, and board-level searches were paused as companies shifted into survival mode.

For a consultancy built on long-term relationships, transparency, and rigorous research, it felt like starting again from scratch.

❄️ The Impact, An Industry on Ice

Core sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and technology went into immediate stasis. Even clients with strong growth trajectories pressed pause, waiting for clarity. The only exception was a handful of critical assignments in healthcare-related fields, projects that not only sustained us financially but reminded us of our work’s true impact during crisis.

🧭 Our Response, Adapting with Purpose

Faced with uncertainty, we had two choices, wait passively, or use the moment to strengthen our foundation. We chose the latter.

🔍 Deepening Research-Led Transparency

Trust becomes paramount in volatile markets. We refined our research-led, auditable approach, ensuring clients had full visibility into the breadth of market insights and candidate pipelines. This wasn’t just about process, it was about instilling confidence.

🤝 Prioritising Relationships Over Revenue

Instead of pushing for new business, we checked in with empathy. “How can we help?” became our guiding question. This relationship-first approach positioned us as trusted partners rather than providers.

🏥 Supporting Critical Sectors

The few ongoing assignments in medical and antibacterial spaces became our focus. We showcased agility, adapting quickly while delivering consistent rigour under pressure.

🛠 Strengthening from Within

With revenue reduced, we doubled down on operational discipline. We streamlined workflows, enhanced team capability, and made targeted improvements, all within our flexible hybrid model.

📈 The Recovery, Earning Back Trust and Opportunity

As confidence returned, so did demand for executive search and succession planning. Because we had remained connected and valuable during the downturn, clients turned to us first.

Our transparent, insight-rich methodology resonated in a post-pandemic world where clarity matters more than ever.

💡 Lessons That Define Us

• 🔐 Transparency builds trust
  Our fully auditable approach gives clients clarity, even in complex situations.
• 🤗 Relationships last longer than transactions
  Supportive communication kept our network close and loyal.
• 🔄 Adaptability ensures relevance
  We pivoted to where our expertise mattered most, and stayed ahead.
• 👥 Small, expert teams thrive
  Our compact, agile structure delivered excellence under pressure.

🚀 Looking Ahead

Today, Wyman Bain is on a strong growth trajectory, with revenues exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The lessons of 2020 reshaped us into a more resilient, client-focused firm, rooted in research, integrity, and transparency.

If your organisation is rethinking leadership in a changed world, we’re here to support, with insight, clarity, and a proven process that leaves no stone unturned.