Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gerardo Macias. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gerardo, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
DHR’s mission is to be a leading provider of executive search, leadership consulting, and emerging leader search solutions globally. With expertise in various industries and functional areas, DHR connects clients with customized talent advisory services and builds creative partnerships to meet their specific needs, fostering a client and candidate community, creating forums for learning and engagement in key industry topics.
Guided by principles of trust, entrepreneurship, accountability, and motivation, DHR is committed to exceeding client expectations and providing creative search solutions. They also prioritize employee wellness, community engagement, mentoring, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I arrived in Detroit in 1999 to pursue a Fine Arts degree at the College for Creative Studies (CCS). After graduating with honors in 2002, I showcased my artwork in various countries, including Argentina, Italy, Mexico, Romania, Russia, and the U.S. Additionally, I curated art exhibitions and delivered lectures in Michigan.
Alongside my artistic endeavors, I started working for the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit in 2002. In this role, I coordinated the Cultural Institute and served as a spokesperson. I led numerous projects for the Mexican and Hispanic communities in Michigan and Ohio, including cultural events, educational programs, and economic development initiatives. This experience provided me with valuable insights into marketing, public relations, business development, and human resources.
Following my time at the Consulate, I became the Marketing Manager for the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation in Detroit from 2007 to 2008. During this period, I organized various events and activations in collaboration with local companies and the community.
In December 2008, I made the decision to return to Mexico and work for the Steel Museum horno3 in Monterrey. This opportunity allowed me to reconnect with regional businesses and friends. Subsequently, I took on several roles, including joining a boutique executive search firm in 2014.
In 2022, I joined DHR Global, a renowned executive search and leadership consulting firm established over 30 years ago. DHR has offices worldwide, including in Birmingham and Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Monterrey, Mexico, which naturally aligned with my purpose.
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in various organizations and initiatives. I served as a Board Member for the City of Northville Arts Commission, the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID), and the Council for International Education at Madonna University. Currently, I am a Board Member for Culture Encounters, a non-profit organization in Virginia, an Alumni Council Member for the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, and the Founder of HR TRIBE in Monterrey, Mexico. I also hold advisory roles for Polymath Organizational Design and am an active member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Monterrey and the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico. In my free time, I co-host the podcast “The Grateful Leader” with Gaby Piccott, who is based in Halifax, Canada, where we share our expertise and insights.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I arrived in Detroit in 1999 to pursue a degree in Fine Arts at the College for Creative Studies. After completing my BA with honors, I embarked on a successful career as a professional artist, showcasing my artwork in various countries. However, my journey took an unexpected -and pleasant- turn when I started working at the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit in 2002. This role introduced me to the worlds of marketing, public relations, business development, and human resources.
In 2008, I made a pivotal decision to get married with my best friend Denisse and return to Mexico and work at the Museo del Acero horno3 in Monterrey. This experience allowed me to reconnect with regional businesses and friends and opened up new opportunities. Since then, I’ve taken on different challenges, including joining an executive search firm in 2014.
In 2022, I joined DHR Global, a renowned executive search and leadership consulting firm. This move represented another significant shift in my career, and I now hold additional external roles such as an Advisory Committee Leader for several organizations and a Board Member for Culture Encounters in Virginia. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, reinvention, and continuous learning. Taking calculated risks has been a vital aspect of my professional growth, fueled by the fear that pushes me to assess situations and make bold decisions.
In summary, my career and life took a significant pivot when I decided to return to Mexico and explore new opportunities. I’ve embraced challenges, learned new skills, and adapted to different environments along the way. Taking risks, driven by fear, has played a crucial role in my personal and professional development, allowing me to evolve and thrive in my chosen path.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Several key factors have contributed to building my reputation within the executive search market:
First, my diverse experience has played a significant role. With a background in fine arts and a career that involved marketing, public relations, business development, and human resources, I possess a unique and multidisciplinary skill set. This broad experience allows me to approach executive search from a fresh perspective and truly understand the needs of both clients and candidates across various industries.
Second, my extensive networking and relationship-building efforts have been instrumental. Throughout my career, I have curated art exhibitions, organized cultural events, and held advisory and board positions. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with professionals from diverse sectors and forge valuable relationships. Leveraging this extensive network has helped establish a sense of trust and credibility within the executive search market.
Furthermore, my deep understanding of both Latin American and North American cultures has been a significant asset. Having lived and worked in both regions, I possess a nuanced understanding of the cultural nuances and talent needs of organizations in these areas. This cultural fluency enables me to navigate diverse environments and cater to the specific requirements of my clients, positioning me as a valuable resource for executive talent searches in both Latin America and North America.
Lastly, my results-driven approach sets me apart. By focusing on C-suite and board positions and highlighting my ability to build relationships with purpose, I showcase my commitment to delivering tangible outcomes for my clients. Additionally, my track record of serving in board roles and my expertise in strategic brand ambassadorship further enhance my reputation as a trusted advisor and connector within the industry.
I always place great emphasis on providing exceptional customer service and maintaining constant follow-up with both clients and candidates. I understand the significance of building strong relationships and ensuring client satisfaction. Whether working with renowned companies such as Amway, Castle Metals, EnviaFlores.com, Grupo Lamosa, Grupo Quimmco, Talisis, U-Calli, or other valued partners, I strive to deliver personalized attention and timely communication. By maintaining open lines of communication, actively listening to the needs of my clients, and providing continuous support, I aim to exceed expectations and foster long-term partnerships. This commitment to exceptional customer service and ongoing follow-up has been integral in solidifying my reputation within the executive search market. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dhrglobal.com/consultant/12572/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elheadhunter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elheadhunter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elheadhunter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elheadhunter_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZpc7PsFnwaXCu_58WGBWQ