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Writer's picturePaul Holm

Geopolitics and politics are driving the brain drain which will benefit many

Updated: Oct 9, 2023




At my work as an Executive Search Consultant and Partner at Stanton Chase Middle East I am daily contacted by an increasing amount of all around the world Executives representing different businesses and functions looking for new opportunities.


Global geopolitics is shaking the world economy. Whereas many businesses and countries are suffering from the uncertainty of the market and high inflation rate some others are flourishing. The defense industry and businesses which are close to this like digital, and electronics are flourishing. Some countries are suffering from losing their top talents. Many countries are benefitting from this. For instance, the Middle- East is attracting investments and talented people. Countries like Saudi Arabia are taking advantage of this by attracting global top talents.


Especially young top talents are agile. They have often international education and international experience, they have worked in international companies, and have international contact networks. They know languages and are familiar with different cultures. They have interacted with their international colleagues at their work remotely daily. They are yet not as anchored to a physical location as their older colleagues who already have more established ties to the location.


I was earlier for many years Partner and Managing Partner of Stanton Chase Moscow working with international and Russian companies in Russia so many of the approaches come from Russia and the former CIS region. Most of the Western companies have left Russia and many are in the process of leaving. Many ex. pat and Russian executives who have been in the position to leave Russia have left. This has left a shortage of internationally qualified top executives in Russia.


Many Russian high-caliber executives are already residing abroad or looking for moving asap. Many are educated in top universities abroad. They have or have been working in international organizations and have international experience, international responsibilities, and international contact networks. They are adapted to international cultures and have Western values. They represent a huge potential to many companies around the world.


It is widely known that Russia and Ukraine have both a large pool of talented engineers. Many have worked in IT and SW development in international companies. Now 8.2 million people have fled Ukraine, most of them to different European countries. Many of them are highly educated. This offers a massive brain potential to many countries. These people can bring their experience and know how to boost businesses. Many of them move permanently and many will return bringing new experiences and best practices to help build their home country.


It is estimated that over 1 million Russian have left the country - many of them are young top talents and international executives. An SW engineer who is used to remote work can work practically anywhere. If he/she has language skills and an international contact network moving is easy. Russian SW Digital transformation companies have already for years established businesses abroad in various locations. Relocating will not be a problem.


Many Russians have moved to neighboring counties like Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, and Tajikistan. Some moved to Finland. Turkey and the Middle East have received several Russians. Many privileged Russians who have contacts and networks have moved to the United Arab Emirates, European counties, and the USA.


Not only Russia and Ukraine are suffering from brain drain. Young, international, educated talents want to leave several countries to look for better career opportunities and better life matching their values.


When someone looking for new career opportunities approaches me, I will naturally do my best to help. If there is an ongoing assignment matching the experience and objectives of the person who approached I will include him/her in the search. If someone from my contact network is looking for this kind of experience, I will do my best to find a match. An Executive Search process normally takes 2-3 months and there is a chance in the end not to be selected. If the data is stored in our database (with consent and following relevant laws) we will return later once there is a matching proposal. However, this may take time.


For many the need for help in their career is immediate. To find help quickly I have made content for my website.


Please visit:


www.paulholmconsulting.com

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