Common Agenda has been serving the technology industry and non-profit association space since 1997. Whether a growing startup, Fortune 500 company, or technical society working towards a better tomorrow, Common Agenda is a trusted advisor and partner to organizations looking to recruit transformational leaders.
Client Centric
When partnering with Common Agenda, clients receive dedicated service from veteran search professionals with decades of technology experience. Our consultants are experts at looking beyond the job description, understanding our client’s unique culture and business challenges, and only presenting candidates who will best increase organizational effectiveness.
Intelligent Research
Common Agenda dedicates a team of researchers to each search assignment. Our Rival Research approach begins with a comprehensive market analysis to identify target companies employing individuals with the skills our clients covet. Through direct sourcing, organizational chart building and white paper reviews, we build an expansive list of qualified candidates.
Technology
Common Agenda utilizes innovative technology to propel our search process for exceptional candidates. Our web applications and proprietary database enable us to adhere to strict project timelines, delivering rapid candidate identification.
Engagement Strategy
Common Agenda’s Engagement Strategy overcomes recruiting objections to properly share career possibilities. With in-depth knowledge of the technology markets we serve, our consultants convey compelling opportunities to highly sought-after candidates. We only present our clients with world-class talent coached on the company’s philosophy and eager to bring their leadership to the role.
Beyond the Placement
Common Agenda’s personal engagement doesn’t end with a start date. We forge long-lasting relationships with each candidate and client we serve, remaining a trusted partner and consultant in the world of evolving technology.
TESTIMONIALS
Mary Ward-Callan, MSEE, CAE
Managing Director Technical Activities -
IEEE
Mary Ward-Callan, MSEE, CAE
Managing Director Technical Activities -
IEEE
Common Agenda recruited my VP of Marketing at Pedestal Networks. They were direct, honest, and really worked as though they were members of our team. This is exactly what I needed because not only did I not have an HR department, but I had a high-powered Board of Directors, some of the top VC’s in Silicon Valley known for having extremely high expectations. Common Agenda’s team was diligent and professional, meeting the needs of the Executive team and the Board of Directors. Ultimately, Pedestal Networks was able to recruit and retain one of the most recognized Marketing names in our industry.
Greg Daily
Board Member - Envision
former President - Alvarion
Greg Daily
Board Member - Envision
former President - Alvarion
Honestly, I was fortunate to be short listed on two sales leadership opportunities and was next to accepting one of them when Julia Bocage of Common Agenda reached out and pitched what sounded like an excellent leadership opportunity in an emerging space. Julia outlined the opportunity with both detail and insight. She explained where they were in the search process then sent me off to do my own investigation. Their team set a call with Common Agenda's principal, Matthew Reaves who painted the reality of the company, culture, people, and market, and got answers to all of my questions. When they learned of my late stage with the other companies, they were able to fast track me with their client. The rest is history. It is a pleasure to recommend Common Agenda for doing a great job of shepherding me from beginning to end.
Jeff Horton
Managing Sales Director, Networks - Intelsat
Jeff Horton
Managing Sales Director, Networks - Intelsat
At two companies I’ve worked for since the late 1990’s, I have requested Common Agenda’s assistance on numerous searches ranging from Individual Contributor to Vice President level roles. From day one, Matthew and the team at Common Agenda acted as though they were part of my team working endlessly to recruit the best talent and facing me with the difficult decision of choosing from a pool of exceptional candidates.
Tito Sharma
Chief Financial Officer - VPI Systems
former Chief Financial Officer - Lemur Networks
Tito Sharma
Chief Financial Officer - VPI Systems
former Chief Financial Officer - Lemur Networks
Katie Felts
VP Strategic Sales - Ciena
Katie Felts
VP Strategic Sales - Ciena
Cindy Tiritilli
Membership Manager - IEEE Communications Society
Cindy Tiritilli
Membership Manager - IEEE Communications Society
After having such a positive experience being a candidate, Common Agenda was my first call when I found myself needing to build my staff. They have recruited a few of my key managerial team and I couldn't be happier. I have developed a long-lasting relationship with Common Agenda - not only with Matthew but the entire team. They are knowledgeable, efficient, and personable and their engagement delivers an exceptional experience. They are an asset to our organization and continue to provide exceptional service as our partner in recruiting.
Melissa Russell
Executive Director - IEEE Computer Society
Melissa Russell
Executive Director - IEEE Computer Society
All in all, I had a wonderful experience with Julia at Common Agenda as I took the position. It was such a great experience, I have referred others to them for opportunities as I know Common Agenda is looking out for all involved.
Trish Jaraicie
Director of Marketing and Membership - IEEE Communications Society
Trish Jaraicie
Director of Marketing and Membership - IEEE Communications Society
During 2007, Matthew Reaves was recommended to me by a trusted colleague who had recruited dozens of principal staff and leaders through him at an ITC startup a few years earlier. I engaged Matthew to recruit a Director of Contracts and interviewed an excellent slate of candidates. We were successful in filling that position thanks to Common Agenda. In my current role, as Vice President of North America for a global service provider, I have retained Common Agenda to recruit several key positions on my leadership team. Common Agenda has taken care to understand our culture and how to attract top talent. Their slates of candidates have exceeded my requirements and my hires have been outstanding. It’s important to note that they have partnered very well with each of the Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams that have supported my efforts. I have recommended them many times and will continue to call on them as I build leadership teams.
Tim Schermerhorn
Vice President North America - Intelsat
Tim Schermerhorn
Vice President North America - Intelsat
I first met Matthew Reaves in 1999 through my boss, who was President of Nortel's Optical & Internet Solutions Unit at the time. As Vice President & GM, my goals necessitated recruiting the best senior level specialized optical engineering and product people from a hyper competitive market. Matthew’s team was very familiar with recruiting in this space and immediately filled several key positions.
As President & CEO of small and mid-sized private and public tech companies, I have retained Matthew to partner with my leaders in targeted headhunting to meet our requirements. Common Agenda excelled in sourcing and vetting candidates and consistently presenting impressive slates of candidates. In each search, they demonstrated an understanding of the requirements as they tap into their vast network and extend into related industries. They excel at pinpointing individuals with the right combination of skills and cultural fit. Their search results have consistently met my expectations and I have recommended them on many occasions. We built our rapport quickly and it carries on to today.
Dan Mondor
Former President & Board Chair - Inseego, Concurrent
Former Vice President - Nortel
Dan Mondor
Former President & Board Chair - Inseego, Concurrent
Former Vice President - Nortel
Over the past two decades, I have held Vice Presidential positions in both large companies and in VC funded startup organizations and have hired many individuals. Over this period, I have worked with many recruiters and my most recent experience working with Common Agenda was second to none. They took the initiative to truly understand my hiring needs and presented to me, a number of candidates that were all potential great hires. As a result, I was able to select the “best of the best” for my open positions. They did the work of finding, preparing, and presenting to me the right candidates and the cycle time to hire was fast and simple. In the end, all I care about is results – filling my open position with not only the right person, but the best person. Common Agenda delivered – Mission Accomplished!
Doug Smidl
Vice President of Sales - Accedian
former Vice President, Worldwide Sales - ADC
Doug Smidl
Vice President of Sales - Accedian
former Vice President, Worldwide Sales - ADC
As both a candidate successfully placed and now as a commissioning executive running a global technology business, I have the utmost respect for ways that Common Agenda has truly partnered with me. They may be smaller than the big name executive search firms, but in my experience the information they provide to me is more real. They are much more attentive, flexible, personable, and tenacious! They have really impressed me with industry knowledge, research capabilities, and their attention to detail. They take the time to know their candidates – not only their professional skills and aspirations, but also their life and family values. For that reason, their matches are excellent. Most importantly, they deliver qualified candidates on time – even for my toughest searches.
Maik Lankau
former VP, Sales - JDSU
Maik Lankau
former VP, Sales - JDSU
Matthew and I worked as partners. He often educated the managers to the realistic market conditions which improved their ability to hire top candidates. Common Agenda provided me and my hiring managers with detailed communication from the beginning to the end of each search. They know the right places to find the right candidates and as a result, they filled numerous searches during my tenure. Without hesitation I would recommend Common Agenda as an excellent recruiting partner.
Lokesh Mehta
former America's Recruiting Lead - Tata Communications
Lokesh Mehta
former America's Recruiting Lead - Tata Communications
Start your Search Today
Our consultants will only contact you about searches that match your background and career aspirations. Rest assured that your profile will be kept completely confidential.
To discuss how Common Agenda can help your oganization meet the challenges of tomorrow, please contact a Consultant.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP & ADVISORS
Matthew Reaves
Founder & Managing Director
Julia Bocage
Senior Client Partner,
Executive Search Consultant
Laurel Iamundo
Director of Operations