#Executive (Ep 16)
Episode 16The word “executive” carries weight. Or at least it thinks it does.
Depending on the room you’re in, it can signal prestige, responsibility, or simply a better parking spot. Lately, we’ve heard it tossed around with the enthusiasm of a tennis ball at a Labrador convention—everyone is expected to have “executive presence,” even frontline staff asking for a well-earned promotion.
🎙️ Episode 16 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: “Executive” — The Word That Wears Too Many Hats
Featuring Conrad Goldstein, Executive Search Expert, Entrepreneur & Realist-in-Residence
The word “executive” carries weight. Or at least it thinks it does.
Depending on the room you’re in, it can signal prestige, responsibility, or simply a better parking spot. Lately, we’ve heard it tossed around with the enthusiasm of a tennis ball at a Labrador convention—everyone is expected to have “executive presence,” even frontline staff asking for a well-earned promotion.
So in Episode 16 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, we decided to unbuzz this word with someone who actually lives and breathes it—Conrad Goldstein.
💼 Who’s in the Executive Club, Really?
Conrad runs an executive search firm and spends his days finding executives for, well, executive roles. That makes him particularly qualified to answer questions like:
— Where does the word “executive” start and end on an org chart?
— Can you be an executive without the title?
— And what’s the return policy on “executive presence”?
🧠 A Mind for Business, A Heart for Storytelling
Conrad is the rare type who can explain market dynamics, global search structures, and career pivots with the ease of a Taekwondo champion (which he also happens to be—no big deal). He shares how he helps companies paint their org chart like a masterpiece, one brushstroke (and candidate shortlist) at a time.
⚖️ Titles, Trade-offs, and That Thing Called Accountability
We also dig into the disconnect between pay and decision-making at the top. What does it really mean to be held accountable at that level, and what’s the true cost of indecision when you’re getting the biggest paycheck in the room?
And full disclosure: as someone who has held executive roles myself, I left this conversation with more than a few lightbulb moments. Turns out, even when you’ve been in the seat, there’s still a lot to learn about how the seat is viewed, filled, and felt.
Conrad’s reflections are equal parts insightful and entertaining—and if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at yet another request for “executive communication,” you’ll want to hear this one.
▶️ Listen Now
Available wherever you get your pods or right here:
P.S. Chickens don’t become eagles just because someone in the office gave them a fancy title. Let’s stop naming birds and start defining the flight path.
Bonus shoutout: If you're an executive (or aspiring to be one) seeking your next challenge, or a company searching for exceptional leadership, Conrad and his team at Gold & Aron (Goldaron Conseil) are your go-to partners. From global executive placements to career clarity, they specialize in connecting outstanding talent with extraordinary opportunities.
