The Talent as the Driving Force Behind Europe’s Transformation
INAC Global Executive Search
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What happens when the best talent of a continent that once fueled transformations in science, technology, and industry begins to migrate to regions that promise more opportunities?
This isn’t just a hypothetical, it is Europe’s reality today.? Approximately 1.5 million highly skilled workers have left the continent in recent years, seeking better opportunities in regions like North America and Asia.? The flow is primarily seen in fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering, sectors critical to Europe’s future growth (source:? European Commission 2023).
At our recent INAC EMEA Annual Regional Meeting, MARISA PONCELA GARCIA ’s talk, Quo Vadis Europe, highlighted a critical challenge:? the success of any idea, technology, or movement depends on the people behind it.? If we want to lead in the future, we must address this now.
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Europe has always been a hub of innovation, driven by the best talent and brilliant leaders that have shaped industries and technologies, changing the world.? But in recent years, we have started to lose that edge.? When talent leaves in search of new opportunities, we are not just losing people; we are losing the very foundation of our ability to stay competitive in critical fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.? Because let’s be clear, innovation doesn’t happen on its own, it is powered by people.
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If we want to remain relevant on the global stage, we need to do more to create environments where talent can excel.? This means offering meaningful opportunities, fostering innovation, and ensuring that people feel value in their work.? Retaining talent isn’t just about salaries or the best employee value proposition, it is about giving people the chance to be part of something bigger, with a common purpose and shared values.
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Moreover, we need to be bolder in attracting talent from across the globe.? Europe has so much to offer - rich history, incredible diversity, quality of life that is hard to match, among other things.? But we need to tell that story better and show the world that this continent is not just a great place to live, but a great place to lead.
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What caught my attention most during Marisa’s talk, was the urgency of investing in education and skill development.? The industries of tomorrow will demand new capabilities, and we need to prepare people for what is coming.? It is not enough to hold on to the past, we have to look ahead, equipping talent with the tools they need to shape the future.
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Listening to Marisa reminded me why talent is at the core of everything we do.? As headhunters, we see firsthand how the right leader or team member can transform a company, driving it toward innovation, differentiation and success.? But this isn’t just about individual companies, it is about Europe as a whole.? We have the history, the resources, and the talent to lead the world again.? The question is … are we ready to make the changes needed to unlock that potential?
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For me, the answer is simple and lies in people.? Europe has everything it takes to lead, but only if we prioritize the talent that makes it all possible.
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Lothar Grünewald, Managing Director at Grünewald Consulting (INAC Germany I) and GSA Search & Advisory Ltd. ?ti. (INAC Turkey)
Lothar, an executive search expert with degrees in Business Administration and Psychology, specializes in recruiting top-tier executives for companies, particularly family-owned businesses. With a deep understanding of their unique challenges, he helps organizations identify and acquire exceptional talent.
Since 1999, Lothar has successfully led his family's business and continues to pursue professional growth. As Grünewald Consultings Managing Director, he specializes in Executive Search & Talent Development, particularly in Manufacturing and Renewable Energy. In 2025, Lothar Grünewald will hand over the company to Cedric Schütz, but will continue to contribute his expertise in his advisory role.
Additionally, as Managing Director of GSA Search & Advisory Ltd. ?ti., he strengthens international business relations. Fluent in German, English, and French, he brings valuable language skills to his work.
Furthermore, as Regional Chairman of DIE FAMILIENUNTERNEHMER, he advocates for the interests of family-owned businesses and supports them in tailoring their HR strategies.