Henny O'Brien is an Associate Partner, Marketing, Consumer and Telecommunications, in the Sydney office, having started out in executive search in London 20 years ago. She specialises in senior leadership appointments across these sectors, connecting clients with the leaders who will define their next chapter. We spent a few minutes with Henny to hear about her approach to search and what she finds most rewarding in the work.

What is your role at Omera Partners and what brought you to executive search research?

“I work with Damian Tynan, who leads our Consumer, CMO and Communications practice at Omera Partners. Following a briefing with the client, my role begins by working through the search strategy that will anchor the entire process and the reference point we return to at every stage. With that in place, I then engage with exceptional candidates in the market. Some of the strongest people are not thinking about a move at all, and it is often those conversations that lead to the best outcomes.”

What does the research process involve, and how do you support the partners and practice you work with?

“The research process involves analysis of the industry (insights and trends), competitor and adjacent industry mapping, vetting qualified candidates, and engaging with people who are not necessarily thinking about making a move. Mapping the market properly means leaving no stone unturned, so that we understand the full landscape of talent before we begin to narrow it down. Evaluating each candidate carefully matters just as much, because the quality of the shortlist depends entirely on the rigour that sits behind it. I support Damian by ensuring we have done our due diligence across the market and that we present only the very best candidates to our clients, every time. That thoroughness is what gives our clients the confidence that no one has been overlooked.”

What do candidates, clients and colleagues experience when they work with you?

“I approach my work with structure, rigour and open communication. I have found that candidates, clients and colleagues alike respond well when they have a clear understanding of what to expect and of how we will deliver on the brief. Setting out the process early, and keeping everyone informed as it unfolds, takes the uncertainty out of what can be a demanding time for all involved. It also means that when questions arise, and they always do, there is already a foundation of trust to work from.”

What do you most enjoy about research at Omera Partners, and what are you most proud of in your work?

“I genuinely enjoy the people I work with and the culture at Omera Partners. It is a place where good people do good work together, and that shapes how every day feels. What I am most proud of is uncovering exceptional candidates for our clients while, at the same time, changing the career trajectory of those candidates. There is something special about seeing someone appointed into a role that stretches them and opens a new chapter, and I like to think that in doing so I am making a real difference to someone's life.”

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“Where greatness is found' is about living the values, going the extra mile, digging deep when you have to, and balancing the needs of clients and candidates alike.”

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What does life look like outside the office?

“Outside the office I’m a Mum to two young kids and Ziggy, our one-year-old cheeky English Staffy! One rule I never break is getting out for a walk every single day. Rain, hail or shine! Some might say that I’m a few decades ahead of myself, but I have recently taken up Tai-Chi and I’m loving every minute.”