Belinda Burson - Managing Director

(bburson@braxtoncooper.com)  

Belinda has long been recognized by both her clients and candidates as someone who has unparalleled ethics in this industry. She is devoted to raising client expectations within the search industry and has particular insights toward successful acquisition and integration.

"I think the term 'Professional Service Firm' is inappropriately applied to most executive search firms. There is nothing professional about billing clients for work not completed. Sometimes, these things are unavoidable - clients are using more than one firm, they are accepting unsolicited resumes from contingent firms, etc. However, I believe once a client has found a firm they can trust, they would have little motivation to go anywhere else for candidates. As I understand from speaking with people at competing search firms, this industry only fills approximately 50% of their retained searches. Even more rare is that the positions are filled with the right person - someone who meets not only the position description but also meets an organization's cultural needs. This is unacceptable performance."

Belinda's decision to found BraxtonCooper is based upon her desire and ability to advise clients on their organizational needs.   She adds, "This is why BraxtonCooper was founded. We want to be challenged by our client relationships to help them do what's right and logical. We advise our clients and candidates on life-changing decisions, not just career path.

"For me, it's about getting at the right variable's in decision making. Let's discuss the uncomfortable - let's talk about successes and failures, about wants versus needs, about the gray matter that is not found on a position description or resume. Identifying and measuring this substance translates into higher value for both the employer and employee. This is especially critical in senior level integration and continued professional development.