From Rockstar to Leader:

Questions That Make or Break the Shift

The next generation of search & staffing leaders is eager to rise. And moving from top performer to effective leader is a high-stakes decision that requires new approaches, skills, and thinking without losing what made someone a rockstar in the first place.

This session distills a decade of best practices and lessons learned from guiding leadership development and succession decisions across 50+ firms in the search industry.  

Designed for both emerging leaders and the leaders selecting them, we’ll explore the space between two critical questions: Should I step into leadership? and Should I promote this person?

You’ll will walk away with:

• How to assess the leadership ecosystem you’re operating in, and how it shapes decisions

• Conversations to initiate before, during, and after a promotion or moving into a new leadership role to avoid problems down the line

• Practical guidance for managing expectations on both sides of the decision
• 
  

May 21, 2026 - 1PM CST

ISSA Members Free / Nonmembers $39

MEET THE SPEAKER

Annette Wehrli helps search & recruiting firm owners and leaders solve leadership, structure, and people challenges that prevent growth.

With 20+ years prior experience on MRI Network's corporate team leading organizational development consulting, executive coaching, succession planning, and learning development, Annette simplifies what's comlex and builds practical solutions that strengthen leadership, talent strategy, hiring, culture, and performance.

She's known for connecting the dots, asking questions that address and remove obstacles, building practical, relevant programs, and helping leaders be more intentional about their short- and long-term impact on people and business results.