DSG Global CEO Aileen Alexander
May 20, 2025•20 min
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Episode description
Welcome to the CEO.com Show! In this episode, host Clint Betts sits down with Aileen Alexander, the Chief Executive Officer of DSG Global, the world's largest woman-founded executive search firm. Eileen is also the co-author of the influential best-selling book, "Deliberately Different: 50 Years, Two Generations, Leading in a Changing World."
Join us as Aileen shares her unconventional path to becoming the CEO of Diversified Search Group, her experiences in the US Army, and her insights from working in Washington, D.C. Aileen also discusses the evolving landscape of executive search, the impact of AI on leadership, and the timeless qualities that remain essential for leaders today.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - Aileen's background and path to CEO
01:00 - The founding of DSG Global by Judy Von Zelnick
02:05 - Eileen's career in the US Army and Washington, D.C.
03:50 - Transition to the business world and executive search
05:29 - The decision to become CEO and the process
07:18 - Writing "Deliberately Different" and its significance
09:08 - Unconventional paths to leadership
10:40 - Leading in today's uncertain environment
11:24 - Essential qualities for modern leaders
13:10 - A typical day for Aileen
15:15 - The role of AI in executive search
17:13 - Timeless leadership principles
18:49 - The importance of giving and taking chances
Join us as Aileen shares her unconventional path to becoming the CEO of Diversified Search Group, her experiences in the US Army, and her insights from working in Washington, D.C. Aileen also discusses the evolving landscape of executive search, the impact of AI on leadership, and the timeless qualities that remain essential for leaders today.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - Aileen's background and path to CEO
01:00 - The founding of DSG Global by Judy Von Zelnick
02:05 - Eileen's career in the US Army and Washington, D.C.
03:50 - Transition to the business world and executive search
05:29 - The decision to become CEO and the process
07:18 - Writing "Deliberately Different" and its significance
09:08 - Unconventional paths to leadership
10:40 - Leading in today's uncertain environment
11:24 - Essential qualities for modern leaders
13:10 - A typical day for Aileen
15:15 - The role of AI in executive search
17:13 - Timeless leadership principles
18:49 - The importance of giving and taking chances
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