Insights from NU Advisory: Q3 2025

Thoughts From Our CEO

The AI future is here and isn’t slowing down. And yet too many leaders aren’t making it a top priority, often holding back out of caution or waiting for a perfect playbook that doesn’t exist. Most stop at “chat mode,” using short prompts that only scratch the surface. But that’s table stakes in today’s market. The real shift is moving from chat to agents and workflows. That’s what’s actually changing business.

In recent months, NU has led dozens of Practical AI sessions for PE and VC firms, boards, and C-suite teams. What we’ve learned: the leaders pulling ahead are embracing this shift while addressing risks and legal head-on. It’s early, but the separation is already clear between those leaning in and those doing the bare minimum.

– Nada Usina, CEO & Co-Founder of NU Advisory Partners

NU Clients

We’re proud to share a sampling of our recent executive placements:

• Lorin Thomas-Tavel, Chief Executive Officer at BrainPOP
• Brendan Lynch, President at Paciolan
• Saket Srivastava, Board Director at Integris (backed by OMERS Private Equity)
• Rochelle Walensky, Board Director at ImmunoBrain
• Odilon Almeida, Independent Director at MarineMax
• Chris Orton, Board Member at Gorilla Glue
• Matthew Novick, Chief Financial Officer at TripleLift (backed by Vista Equity Partners)
• Anne-Marie Evans, Chief Financial Officer at The Asia Group
• Lisa Keenan, Chief Accounting Officer at Legends Global (Backed by Sixth Street)
• Debbie Umbach, Chief Marketing Officer at M-Files (Backed by Haveli Investments)
• Scott Levy, Chief Revenue Officer at Fohr
• Benjamin Tider, Chief Commercial Officer at World of Books (Backed by Livingbridge)
• Dan Best, Chief Human Resources Officer at KeHE Distributors
• Annie Drapeau, Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascend Learning (Backed by Blackstone)
• Danny Guillory, Chief People Officer at Gametime (Backed by Accel)
• Jim Scholefield, Chief Technology Officer at Legends Global (Backed by Sixth Street)

Meet Some of Our Latest NUbies

Patrick Reyes brings expertise in the private markets. A proactive problem-solver for investment and asset management clients, his track record spans fund- and portfolio-level appointments across energy, industrial, telecom, infrastructure, and adjacent tech sectors. He advises to private equity, private credit, and growth and venture capital.

Brad Delaplane specializes in placing go-to-market executives for high-growth technology companies across all stages of growth. A data-driven, strategic collaborator to clients and candidates alike, Brad is recognized for his drive, persistence, and commitment to achieving the best possible results.

With over 35 team members across the country from a wide range of backgrounds, we continue to build around industry depth and functional expertise. Learn more here. #AvengersAssemble #300

NU Ideas

Our insights on the latest in talent, trends, and industries.

The Rise of Private Equity Operating Partners

We place and assess operating partners across numerous funds, stages, and sectors. We share what we’re seeing in the market and where some PE firms still misfire on OP roles. Read the full article here.

Why Independent Audit Chairs Are Mission-Critical for Venture-Backed IPOs

Learn why independent audit chairs are critical for venture-backed IPOs, the traits that set the best apart, and trends we’re seeing from leading pre-IPO board searches. Read the full article here.

How NU Helped Grindr Hire a High-Impact VP of FP&A

Grindr needed an executive who could bring strategic finance leadership and build the structure needed to support continued growth. We break down how we approached the search, as well as the talent trends shaping financial leadership. Read the full article here.

Diversity Is Strategy: Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

NU Co-Founder Mar Hernandez shares how diverse experiences strengthen leadership and why diversity at every level leads to stronger business outcomes. Read the full article here.

NU Executive Talent Trends in 2025: EdTech

NU Co-Founder Meredith Rosenberg explores the shifting dynamics of edtech leadership in 2025, diving into where the race for executive talent is intensifying, how AI is influencing leadership priorities, and what investors and boards expect from leaders. Read the full article here.

Practical AI Advice for Business Leaders

Here are some actionable tips to get more out of AI tools in your daily work:

• Master prompting basics. Seven rules to follow: 1) Be clear and precise. 2) Provide context. 3) Use common language. 4) Provide examples when possible. 5) Specify the output format. 6) Make it a conversation. And most importantly, 7) learn and iterate as you go!
• Don’t be afraid of a long prompt. Some of the most valuable prompts today are the longest, especially when you follow the rules of prompting by providing context, examples, and an output format.
• Set up personalization. Fill out Custom Instructions in ChatGPT so it knows your goals and preferences without repeating yourself.
• Choose the right mode. Different tools (deep research, agents, connectors, web search) have different uses and strengths. Match the tool to the task.
• Use AI on the go. The ChatGPT mobile app lets you talk to AI while commuting or walking, turning downtime into productive time.
• Experiment with Projects. Beyond quick chats, structure bigger workflows in ChatGPT using Projects or a Custom GPT.

At NU, we’re using tech and AI to take executive search out of first gear and into overdrive.

Do you have an executive hiring need? Click here.