FICTIONAL WORKSHOP SOURCE
Stalled search debrief
MT05 | internal | 2026-10-26 | S03

Rowan: Research has sent two feedback requests without a response. Before we add names, which decision is blocking the shortlist?

Client CEO: The profiles look like technology leaders. I wanted someone who challenges our operating model.

Client COO: The original brief asked for software implementation. That is what I expected research to prioritize.

Rowan: The October intake moved the scope toward operational transformation. We have two versions being used as if they were one.

Client COO: I also need the person to work through my team. They cannot simply redesign a process and tell operations afterward.

Client CEO: But if every change needs your approval, they will not challenge anything. We have not settled that.

Researcher: We found adjacent-sector candidates with relevant change experience. They keep being rejected for not having the exact title in the old brief.

Rowan: A larger list will not resolve the approval model. I propose a short sponsor conversation before another research sprint.

Client CEO: Agreed to the conversation, not to a new reporting line. Please keep that distinction in the notes.

Rowan: I will request a decision-rights meeting by October 29. Research will preserve the existing list and mark the brief version used for each inclusion.

Researcher: That helps. We can explain why a profile fits a version without implying the client has accepted that version.
