INAC EMEA Meeting 2025: Successful Exchange of International Experts in Düsseldorf

The 14th INAC EMEA Regional Meeting took place in Düsseldorf from November 20th to 21st, 2025 – a significant gathering of leading executive search experts from across Europe. Grünewald Consulting is proud to have hosted this important event in its hometown, thereby placing a special emphasis on the network's international collaboration.

Grünewald Consulting has been a dedicated INAC partner since 2006. Since 2024, its subsidiary, GSA Search & Advisory, has strengthened the network as the exclusive partner for the Turkish market. The two conference days provided the ideal setting to jointly delve into key topics such as Executive Search, International Business Development, and Leadership & Coaching.

Momentum for Growth and International Positioning

In the elegant atmosphere of the Steigenberger Parkhotel Düsseldorf, participants developed new ideas, engaged in intensive discussions, and injected fresh momentum into the joint European growth strategy.

The professional preparation and organization by the GRÜNEWALD team ensured a seamless process and an inspiring environment. At the official kick-off, Cedric Schütz (Managing Director, Grünewald Consulting) and Lothar Grünewald (Advisory Board Member and Managing Director, GSA Search & Advisory) provided a comprehensive overview of the strategic development of the entire GRÜNEWALD GROUP as well as current market trends in Germany and Turkey.

Subsequently, Cedric Schütz and Rui Borges, President of INAC Global, worked on the concrete implementation of the Europe-wide expansion strategy. The focus was on programs to strengthen joint visibility and to effectively utilize the numerous initiatives offered by the network.

Emotional Strength as a Driver for High Performance

A substantive highlight was set by Henrik Mühlhans with his presentation, "Turning Challenges into Momentum."  He demonstrated how emotional and mental strength can be leveraged to transform challenges into productive energy and exceptional results.

His Emotionally Empowered Results Roadmap conveyed key insights for high performance:

• Focus determines the inner state (or Focus dictates the inner state)

• Time is an emotion

• Optimal health forms the foundation for sustainable performance

Personal Branding as a Strategic Success Factor

In a joint session led by Cedric Schütz and Mara Kainzinger, the significance of Personal Branding for the executive search industry was impressively highlighted.

Under the title "Stand Out or Stay Behind: Personal Branding as a Strategic Advantage in Executive Search", they demonstrated why, in today's competition, the individual becomes the brand. Candidates are increasingly choosing the consultant, which makes clear positioning as an expert essential to build trust, minimize friction, and be perceived as a thought leader.

As concrete recommendations, partners were encouraged to start with a weekly, strategically placed post and invest at least 20 minutes per week in interaction and visibility work.

Community, Exchange, and the future Outlook

The event concluded with a joint dinner in Düsseldorf, which provided a space for personal exchange and the fostering of new partnerships.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all INAC partners, who contributed to an inspiring and forward-looking meeting through their openness, expertise, and international perspective.

Here’s to many more years of strong international cooperation and impactful partnership within the INAC family!