Our alliance of search firms was founded 20 years ago by a collective of like-minded professionals who recognised a pragmatic need for a strategic partnership. For me, having only just recently completed a management buyout of my business in Poland, this represented a significant business opportunity to align with more established partners, and accelerate the development and maturation of our Polish operations.

Even the naming of the alliance was a serendipitous process. As we initiated discussions on what to call ourselves, I suggested the name should begin with an ‘A’ - a preference stemming from my own company’s name back then, because alphabetical listings offered an advantage in those early days. The suggestion was met with good-natured chivalry: our English colleague joked he would happily defer to the ‘lady,’ positioning his own business last as a true gentleman. With an ‘A’ and an ‘O’ established, the ‘LT’ naturally settled in the middle. Thus, AltoPartners was born - a name conceived with remarkable ease, simplicity, and collective enthusiasm.

In the nascent stages of our collaboration, there was a palpable eagerness to work together and cultivate mutual business development, which was the singular, driving force behind our formation.

We deliberately fostered a culture that did not take itself overly seriously, treasuring one another’s company. Beyond the valuable cross-border assignments, we cultivated social interactions marked by genuine laughter and camaraderie. As one of the youngest members from Central and Eastern Europe, our presence offered a fresh perspective. Equally, the maturity and experience of our senior, “grey-haired” colleagues provided invaluable gravitas, strengthening our collective position in the boardroom. Diversity - spanning age, gender, and culture - was naturally present and consistently enriching, making the collaboration genuinely enjoyable.

This spirit of enjoyment continues today, despite the group’s substantial expansion. We have collectively navigated various market cycles, including periods of rapid growth and economic slowdowns. Through these experiences, we have forged new relationships and, inevitably, seen partners depart as their professional journeys evolved.

What I value most profoundly is the authenticity and integrity of the Partners. There is an unwavering sense of mutual reliability, allowing us to depend on one another professionally. This commitment extends beyond business; we also share valuable insights and wisdom, even on matters pertaining to our private lives.