What 2020 has meant to ChapmanCG

Matthew Chapman, Founder

We always believed HR was “at the centre” but this year has really shown us how integral the profession is to maintaining optimal business health.

I have been most impressed, in speaking with HR leaders from across the world, at not only how nuclear focused HR minds have had to be, but also the positivity and optimism that I continually hear espoused.

This has been a remarkable opportunity to rapidly implement new ways of achieving enhanced people performance during complex times.

Naturally there has been a huge learning curve through the widespread adoption of virtual and partially virtual working. The resilience that has come from having no alternative, has uncovered valuable lessons for the future related to the merits of hybrid working scenarios.

The effective use and rapid innovation of HR technology has become a game changer for making work, processes and communication flows more scalable and also sustainable. And we have only seen the start.

It’s been fascinating to be connected with so many of our HR friends from around the globe and admiring them as they’ve managed the “humane” aspects of this pandemic for many of the world’s leading corporations.

Ben Davies, CEO

The unprecedented nature of this year has proven to me that no matter how tough things get, when you have supportive, positive and authentic colleagues, it feels that we can get through even the toughest challenges together.

2020 has been one of the most unusual and challenging years that I have experienced in my working career. My appreciation for the ChapmanCG team has never been greater and I feel proud and fortunate to have such a dedicated team.

ChapmanCG goes into the new year, determined to continue delivering results and delighting our global HR community. Despite the unpredictable market landscape in 2020, we have welcomed new colleagues in Singapore and China in the last few months. In 2021 we will continue to build the global team, to enable us to deliver high quality HR executive search, anywhere in the world.

This year has highlighted the critical role that HR functions play and there has never been a more exciting time to be at the centre of HR innovation and the future of work. I am excited about the team’s opportunity to play a role in shaping the HR agenda for the organisations we partner with, by connecting them with world class HR talent.

One positive to come from the year is seeing real progess and engagement across topics such as diversity & inclusion, resilience, virtual working, mental health and employee experience. No longer just topics for discussion, we have seen CHROs and CEOs define and implement new practices and policy – with more to come in 2021.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a safer, healthier and happier New Year.

Stefanie Cross-Wilson, President and COO

It has been a tough but a good year for the team at ChapmanCG. While COVID-19 has had an extremely negative impact on the executive search industry, we are very fortunate to be specialized in Human Resources. If there has been one thing companies have needed in 2020, it has been great HR leadership! We are privileged to have a robust and impressive global network of the best and the brightest in HR. 2020 has been a struggle for us in many ways but inspiring in others!

We have watched HR leaders on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis, demonstrating great resilience, agility, and creativity in dealing with the pandemic including the change to working from home and then for many, having to engineer a safe move back to the office again. We have watched HR take a more central role at the executive table, as CEOs and leadership teams have recognized the importance of the human capital agenda with a re-ignited focus on employee well-being, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have seen the HR specializations rise to the challenge of 2020. For example, working from home has required creativity and innovation to come up with better, more inspired remote learning and on-boarding programs. Culture building/change and employee engagement are two areas where talent leaders have needed to create and effectively implement strategies without the ‘glue’ of an office environment.

I believe 2020 has created ongoing future opportunity for the global HR profession. A lot of positive learning and innovation will come from the chaotic year that we are about to put behind us. HR will exit the year in a stronger position with a higher profile and more stature than ever before. Many HR leaders will finish the year having innovated and achieved more than they ever thought would be possible, even though it was not all fun! Wishing you and your families a happy and restful holiday season.