Bringing Human Capital into the New World

Bringing Human Capital into the New World

The way we think about hiring leaders is changing quickly. Joe Carbone, the CEO of Eastward Partners, believes in a new way of doing things. Instead of just filling jobs fast, he wants to focus on the people involved. Joe wants to combine smart data with kindness and respect for the people who work in companies.

Changing How We Think About Hiring

In the past, executive search companies were all about filling jobs quickly. Now, candidates, especially top leaders, want more. They look for jobs that fit their values, goals, and work-life balance. They want work that gives them meaning, purpose, and a strong company culture.

Joe Carbone cares deeply about this change. He believes hiring should be about really knowing a company and what it needs, not just putting someone in a job. “We’re putting the human back into human capital,” he says. At Eastward Partners, the focus is on finding the right person not just for today but for the long term. Joe's way of working shows that culture, kindness, and connections are just as important as skills and experience.

Using Data to Make Better Choices

A big part of Joe’s new plan is a special tool called ECHO, which stands for Evaluating and Calculating Human Capital Outcomes. ECHO uses data to help make better choices when hiring. Joe and his team can find out about market trends, pay standards, and hiring practices to guide their decisions. This data helps Eastward Partners show clients what the hiring landscape looks like.

ECHO is helpful because things are always changing in the job market. Companies face new challenges almost every month. With ECHO, Eastward Partners can help clients plan better and make smart choices for both clients and candidates.

Adapting to New Ways of Working

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge effect on the way we think about work. For reference, Joe used to go to New York City everyday. Imagine all that commute now gone. Now he works in a hybrid model, which means it’s now his choice whether to work from anywhere he wants or from his office. This change has allowed Eastward Partners to hire people from all over North America and even beyond.

Today, many leaders and workers want flexibility in their jobs. Offering remote or hybrid work is not just a nice option; it’s necessary. Joe understands this well, especially as a father who enjoys more time with his kids. He has made this flexibility part of Eastward’s culture. By embracing a hybrid approach, they can attract a wider range of talent and meet the new expectations for work-life balance.

Using AI to Help, Not Replace

With AI becoming more popular, some people worry that robots will take over jobs. But Joe sees AI differently. At Eastward Partners, AI is a tool to help people work better, not to replace them. From using smart data to everyday tools, AI helps Joe’s team work smarter and faster, allowing them to focus on building real relationships with clients and candidates.

Joe believes AI should support the human side of hiring. It makes the process easier while keeping the personal touch that makes Eastward unique.

Leading with Kindness

Joe’s way of leading has changed over time. At first, he was focused only on results. Now, he believes balancing kindness and accountability works better. He takes time to understand his team’s goals and challenges. “Empathy is a big part of our culture now,” he says. By listening and supporting his team, Joe creates an environment where people feel valued.

This shift towards kinder leadership is becoming popular. More workers are looking for purpose and connection in their jobs. Joe’s leadership style encourages growth, openness, and respect for everyone, showing a new, more caring way to think about work.

A New Way of Thinking About Hiring

As the world of human capital keeps changing, companies like Eastward Partners are leading the way by using data and technology to support people. Joe and his team value culture, data, and empathy—important principles that set Eastward apart. For Joe, the future of hiring is about building lasting partnerships.

This new approach not only has the warmth of human relationships but also combines smartness of data. It’s a great vision that not only meets the needs of the workforce we have currently but also sets a outstanding standard for the future of work.