"I recently wrote an article reflecting on how the world of work is changing, shaped increasingly by AI and how, despite these shifts, job searches remain deeply personal and emotionally charged experiences. Candidates today are navigating uncertainty, rethinking their careers, and asking how they can position themselves effectively in this evolving market.
At Friisberg, we recognise that behind every search is a person making an important life decision. Supporting individuals thoughtfully, with empathy and clarity, remains at the heart of our work. We are committed to ensuring that every candidate feels guided, respected, and supported, no matter the challenges they face.
With the holiday season approaching, it is also a valuable moment for all of us - clients, candidates, and partners alike - to reconnect, reflect on the year, and look ahead to new opportunities. We look forward to strengthening relationships, sharing insights, and continuing to support organisations and individuals as they navigate an evolving world of work. As we enter the festive season, we remain committed to combining expertise, adaptability, and a distinctly human touch to deliver exceptional experiences for everyone we work with."
Introduction from our Chair Zoltán Pethõ
COP30 Brazil reinforced a simple truth: the energy transition is advancing faster than many expected, and leadership will determine who keeps pace. Few countries illustrate this momentum better than Spain. On 16 April 2025, the country powered its entire mainland grid with 100 percent renewable energy, a milestone that signals how quickly the landscape is shifting and why Spain has become a reference point for the rest of Europe.
Given this backdrop, we spoke with Gadea Zumarraga and Emiliano Sacristan Navarro from our Friisberg Spain office, who are at the forefront of appointing senior leaders across the Iberian energy sector. Their perspective, together with insights from The McKinsey & Company Global Energy Perspective 2025 and the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2025, sheds light on the evolving demands placed on today’s energy executives.
Spain’s transition is a study in contrasts. Renewables now dominate the electricity mix, yet the system still relies on conventional generation to manage demand peaks and grid stability. According to Emiliano and Gadea, this dual reality requires leaders who can think in multiple time horizons, balancing rapid innovation with continuity and resilience.
Hydrogen is another area where Spain is taking a leading role. With hundreds of projects and billions in committed investment, the country is positioning itself as a future hydrogen powerhouse. This creates a growing need for executives capable of managing long-term, capital-intensive programmes and navigating complex public–private ecosystems.
At the same time, electrification is accelerating at record speed. Data centre growth, AI-related energy demand, and the digitalisation of infrastructure are reshaping what effective leadership looks like. The ability to understand both energy systems and digital technologies is becoming essential.
Across Friisberg, and particularly in Spain, organisations are increasingly seeking leaders who combine strategic transition capability with commercial discipline and operational agility. Our Madrid office continues to play a central role in shaping leadership pipelines for companies operating at the intersection of renewables, conventional energy, hydrogen, storage, and grid modernisation.
COP30 made one conclusion unavoidable: the global energy transition will be defined by those who can lead it. Friisberg is committed to helping clients find the executives able to guide their organisations through this next, critical phase.
On Thursday, 27 November 2025, our French office hosted the International Mobility Afterwork networking event. The event brought together 40 to 45 participants, including thirty clients and prospects, as well as the MANAGING and Coffra group teams and our four speakers.
The evening showcased how international mobility can be a powerful personal, professional, and strategic lever, illustrated through a variety of experiences and insights.
Speakers and their international journeys:
Held at the Coffra Group offices in Strasbourg, the event provided a friendly and interactive atmosphere, where participants shared best practices and experiences on international mobility across the Grand Est region. Discussions highlighted how global exposure broadens professional horizons and strengthens companies’ competitive edge, talent strategies, and innovation capabilities.
Thank you to all who joined and contributed to this inspiring evening. We look forward to continuing these exchanges and supporting the growth of internationally minded talent and organisations.
"Attending the Regional Defence Summit, organized by Kapital Events, offered me a valuable perspective on how Europe is redefining its approach to security, innovation, and industrial cooperation.
Some key themes stood out:
A highlight for me was taking part in the DronAid workshop, where I assembled a real drone headed to Ukraine - a hands-on reminder of how technology and purpose can directly contribute to Europe’s resilience." Nevena Nikolova Partner and Group CFO, from our Sofia office, Bulgaria.
Dorota Cagiel from Friisberg New Delhi recently attended the SHRM India HR Conference - focused mainly on the future of work with the main tagline: "Celebrating You". Her key takeaways highlight what today’s workplaces need to thrive: courage, authenticity, connection, purpose and joy. The majority of the Conference was focused on Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
India has emerged as a powerhouse for (GCCs) being global talent pool and technology hubs driving innovation and transformation for global enterprises. Yet, only 23% of GCCs have successfully mirrored their parent organisations’ culture. The challenge and opportunity lies in moving from siloed “they” cultures to a shared, thriving “we” culture. Dorota emphasises that culture is not just a value statement; it is a brand builder, a performance driver, and the foundation for scaling future growth.
Another key insight is that the generational gap is reshaping leadership at the executive level. Leaders can no longer rely on yesterday’s playbook. With Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z and Alpha entering the workforce, expectations are shifting fast. The solution is to hire smart, and coach intentionally. At the C-suite level, this means ensuring that executives are prepared to lead across generational differences, drive strategic impact, and sustain a strong organisational culture.
At Friisberg & Partners International, we partner exclusively with boards and executive committees to identify and place C-suite leaders who can navigate these challenges, shape culture, and deliver long-term success. The generational and cultural shifts at the top are real, but with the right executive in place, they become powerful opportunities for transformation and growth.
Dorota returns inspired, ready to continue contributing to the evolution of executive leadership in India.
Insights from our Global Head of Marketing and PR, Alexandra Wenyon.
Working closely with C-suite leaders at Friisberg & Partners International, I’m always curious about what makes great leaders stand out. One statistic from EY immediately struck me:
94% of C-suite women have played sport.
It’s hardly surprising. Sport builds resilience, teamwork, discipline and the ability to make decisions under pressure, all core qualities of strong leadership. And as organisations continue to fight for talent and gender parity, sport can be a powerful leveller for women.
Yet many girls step away from sport early. By age 16, 64% have stopped participating, often due to confidence challenges or academic pressure. Encouraging girls to stay active is essential, not just for health, but for the leadership skills they gain.
I’ve seen this first hand. Since 2009 I’ve balanced a full-time career with competitive rowing, including time in GB high-performance programmes, at Molesey Boat Club , Oxford Brookes University and as a member of the British Rowing Paralympic Team. Juggling work and elite sport taught me focus, resilience and leadership, skills I now rely on in my work with C-suite executives.
As a cox, I learned to:
These are also the foundations of effective C-suite leadership.
The commitment was huge: long drives to training, family sacrifices and annual leave spent at races. But it taught me:
Most importantly, it taught me to enjoy the journey, because without that, nothing else works.
Whether in sport or business, the crossover is clear:
EY highlights female athletes as future leaders, but the principle applies broadly. Sport shapes adaptable, resilient, high-performing leaders. I didn’t always get the balance right, and burnout was real, but reconnecting with my purpose kept me going.
One simple action makes a difference: keep showing up for women’s sport.
