Welcome to Transform’s Founder Spotlight Series, an exciting journey into the minds of innovative leaders who are disrupting the now and next of work.
In each Q&A-style article, we’ll introduce you to founders like Kyle Samuels, CEO of Creative Talent Endeavors (CTE), who are redefining the boundaries of their industries with forward-thinking ideas and transformative approaches.
About Kyle Samuels
Kyle Samuels is the CEO and visionary leader of Creative Talent Endeavors (CTE), an executive search firm redefining how companies approach talent acquisition. With a career spanning industries like hospitality, tech, and manufacturing, Kyle has built CTE on the principles of transparency, innovation, and inclusivity. Under his leadership, CTE has introduced groundbreaking solutions like Fairantee™, an AI-driven pricing algorithm that ensures fairness and value in executive search. A thought leader and advocate for “Changing the Face of Talent™,” Kyle is passionate about fostering authentic relationships and transforming how businesses identify and secure top-tier talent.
About Creative Talent Endeavors
Creative Talent Endeavors (CTE) is an innovative executive search firm that has successfully placed hundreds of executives, delivering unparalleled results and value to our clients. At the heart of our approach is Fairantee™, our value based pricing algorithm that has brought transparency and fairness to the industry for the first time.
At CTE, we proudly differentiate ourselves from other agencies in our space, creating a better environment for clients, candidates, and our employees. We provide exceptional value, starting from the moment clients receive a Fairantee™ for their search. This commitment to fairness and transparency sets CTE apart as a leader in the executive search industry.
Step into the future of executive search with CTE, where every role receives the individual attention it deserves, without a one-size-fits-all price tag.
“Pay competitively, have a strong culture with a point of view, and reward ambition.”
Startup Journey:
Transform: What gave you the idea to start CTE – Creative Talent Endeavors?
Kyle: I knew there was a more transparent way to do executive search.
Transform: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages?
Kyle: Change is scary. Companies were used to getting bullied by big search firms and their egregious fees, almost as a badge of honor. It took some time to show companies there is a better, more transparent way where every role receives the individual attention it deserves.
Product Development:
Transform: Who benefits from CTE – Creative Talent Endeavors?
Kyle: Clients looking for a fair data driven price for a search assignment, and candidates looking for a respectful candidate experience.
Transform: Why is this so important?
Kyle: Because it has literally never been done in this industry.
Transform: What are some examples of companies leveraging CTE – Creative Talent Endeavors?
Kyle: Clients include Chipotle, Wingstop, Kohler, and Strava.
Transform: What have you learned from your users and customers so far?
Kyle: People crave transparency and honesty.
Scaling and Growth
Transform: How do you build a strong company culture while scaling the business?
Kyle: We are fully remote, so we stay in touch through phone calls, MS teams, weekly meetings, collaboration during client visits, and team-building offsites.
Fundraising
Transform: How do you maintain strong relationships with your investors and optimize their contributions?
N/A I’ve gotten it out of the mud with CTE, no PE or VC money, and no loans.
Team Building & Leadership
Transform: What are your strategies for attracting and retaining talent?
Kyle: Pay competitively, have a strong culture with a point of view, and reward ambition.
Transform: What leadership skills do you believe are critical in the current environment?
Kyle:
Adaptability: The ability to pivot quickly in response to shifting market dynamics, technological advances, and unforeseen challenges is essential. Leaders must be comfortable making decisions amid uncertainty.
Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs of employees, clients, and stakeholders fosters trust and engagement. It’s about leading with humanity and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
Visionary Thinking: Leaders need to look beyond immediate challenges and set a clear, inspiring direction for the future. This includes anticipating trends and identifying opportunities for growth.
Communication: Transparent, authentic communication is crucial for aligning teams, building relationships, and creating a shared sense of purpose.
Collaboration: In a world where cross-functional and global teams are the norm, leaders must excel at fostering collaboration and breaking down silos.
Resilience: The current environment demands leaders who can navigate setbacks, maintain focus, and inspire others to do the same.
Technological Savvy: As digital transformation continues to evolve, understanding how technology impacts your industry and embracing innovation is key.
Cultural Intelligence: Leading in a global and diverse world requires sensitivity to cultural nuances and the ability to build an inclusive environment.
Marketing & Branding
Transform:How do you differentiate your brand from competitors?
Kyle: Our company doesn’t use an arbitrary percentage of an unknowable future salary to price a search, we use data. That means clients don’t receive excuses about how hard a search is. We have already calculated that before we begin the work, and we have priced the search accordingly.
“AI. Every company is thinking about how it can replace humans with software. If they say they aren’t, they are lying or don’t have the resources yet.“
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Transform: Can you share any specific lessons or mistakes you made during the startup journey and how you overcame them?
Kyle: I was too nice and too forgiving of people who were not bringing the value they were paid for. I won’t make that mistake again.
Transform: What advice do you have for other founders?
Kyle: Know why you want to do this. This shit is hard; you need to watch everything, even the aspects of the business that bore you. Don’t assume it is a get-rich-quick scheme.
Industry and Market Insights
Transform: What is one significant trend or prediction that you believe will drive the transformation of work?
Kyle: AI. Every company is thinking about how it can replace humans with software. If they say they aren’t, they are lying or don’t have the resources yet.
Company Vision
Transform: What would you like to say to people leaders who are thinking of using Creative Talent Endeavors? Kyle: You absolutely should. Not only will you get a fair data-driven price, but you’ll also get an actual search partner; we’re in this together.
Check out other inspiring Founder Spotlights on the Transform blog.
