We match journeys.
Your role is more than a title, and candidates are more than resumes.
We fill tough positions
✓ Roles open for three months or longer
✓ Ambiguous or new roles
✓ Confidential searches
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We've done it before. We've got you. ​
Uncover Hidden Talent
Your ideal hire may not be one of the usual suspects
Optimized Process & Preparation
Not everyone is a born interviewer
Job Alignment
We cut through the noise
Boutique, High-Touch Service
We care about this as much as you do
Remove Ambiguity
We do thorough assessments so you meet the right people
CIO | CTO | CDO | CISO
Engineering | Data
Transformation | Infrastructure
Architecture | Security
Digital | IT
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GM | Head of Product​
Business leaders | P&L owners
with a tech angle
Roles we fill
Let's change recruiting,
one conversation at a time
Distinguished Search launched February 2020
What we're known for
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- Getting to know you and accurately representing you
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- Deep understanding of roles and candidates
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- Cross industry placements
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- Transparency and unwavering ethics
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- Methodology and perseverance
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- Reachability and proactive communication
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- The right hires
Meet The Team
Somer Hackley
CEO & Executive Recruiter
Lauren Cooney
Director of Operations
Media Center
Find the latest Distinguished Search featured articles, podcasts and interviews.
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The Fireside PM Podcast with Tom Leung
April 18, 2025 - How Executive Search Really Works: Lessons from Somer Hackley for Product Leaders Navigating Uncertain Times
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CIO hiring on the rise: How to land a top tech exec role in 2025
February 25, 2025 - CIO Magazine interviews Somer Hackley on the trends she is seeing for CIO hiring in 2025.
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Ellie Rich-Poole: The Recruitment Coach
February 25, 2025 - This article highlights Somer Hackley’s advice on making a lasting impact during a headhunter meeting.
Female Founders: Real Stories, Real Success
October 23, 2024 - A Female Founders Series with Helen Plumridge. The conversation dives deep into Somer's journey of building a successful recruitment business while staying true to her values.
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October 21, 2024 - A Lightening Lesson: Demistifying Executive Search with Somer Hackley. Learn how to be magnetic and memorable to executive recruiters.
July 31, 2024 - The Power of Empathy and Relationships in Launching an Executive Search Firm with Somer Hackley
The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper
July 2, 2024 - In this podcast, Somer provides valuable insights into navigating the often confusing process of executive search and job hunting.
Career Briefs LinkedIn Edition with Sarah Johnston
June 18, 2024 - In this Career Conversation, we will discuss the best way to contact a recruiter, the dos and don’ts of working with a recruiter, how recruiters are compensated, and who recruiters work for.
Career Sessions, Career Lessons with J.R. Lowry
October 16, 2023 - Demystifying Executive Search with Somer Hackley.
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S3 Ep 1 - Demystifying Executive Search with Somer Hackley.
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The Resilient Recruiter Podcast with Mark Whitby
Ep 139 - How to Grow a Wildly Successful Executive Search Practice, with Somer Hackley. We talk about “doing BD by not doing BD.”
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The Career PROgressions Podcast with Mark Allred
On this episode Somer Hackley is joining Mark to talk about some answers about working with recruiters and a job search in general that might be hiding right in front of us. She’s going to share some of the wisdom in her new book Search in Plain Sight.
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Ep 165 - How to be Influential on Video
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Capital One's Digital Diaspora: How One Bank Became A Wellspring Of CIO Talent For Many Companies
The Enterprisers Project
IT hiring: 5 truths about executive search firms
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The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses in the United States
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CONTACT US
5701 W Slaughter Ln A-130-225
Austin, TX 78749
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Tel: 512.715.4250 | somer@distinguishedsearch.com