Start with outcomes, not titles
A strong brief opens with what the leader will have changed 18 months in — revenue, org, capability, culture. Title and reporting line come after.
Be candid about the context
Search partners can only protect you with candidates if they understand the real situation — pending pivots, founder dynamics, board expectations.
Calibration before long-listing
Review 3–5 calibration profiles in week one. It anchors taste and saves weeks of misaligned outreach.