The calendar inches closer to 2025 and you’re ready to embark on a massive new undertaking: Taking
The good news is: you’re not alone.
According to Hunt Club’s recent market survey, “Transformation Start With Talent,” market expansion (which includes scaling operations internationally) ranked #2 in a list of top transformation initiatives/business plans organizations plan to undergo in the next 12–24 months.
The bad news?
You might also be amongst the 61% of organizations who report lacking the right executive leadership talent/team to drive this vision effectively.
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“I don't believe in a world where only the Amazons of the world are a winner, or a world where Starbucks is my only option for coffee. I like my local coffee shop, I like my local plumber, my local my pet groomer. You need both honestly. Global leadership roles is where I can personally help make this a reality for everyone else. I feel this is where I can have the most impact that matters. So people have more than just Amazon and Starbucks businesses to rely on.” - Marie-Michèle Caron |
Help & Advice From an Expert in International Expansion, Marie-Michèle Caron
Going global is no easy feat.
It demands visionary leaders who can balance ambition with adaptability and navigate the unpredictable nature of international markets. To better understand the “lay of the land” and the right talent to pull this off correctly, we turned to Hunt Club Expert and leader in international expansion, Marie-Michèle Caron.
As President of International Markets at Thryv, she leads a team of 350+ across multiple countries, where she grew international revenue for their SaaS product from 8% to over 20% and successfully integrated two strategic acquisitions. Needless to say, Caron understands how to build a well-prepared, diverse team in order to scale operations and embed a company's values abroad.
Two Strategic Ways To Think About International Expansion From Someone Who’s Been There, Done That
1. Get boots on the ground & establish a physical presence
First and foremost, there’s no denying that nothing quite replaces the insights and connections that come from being physically present in a new market.
Local teams allow you to better understand cultural nuances, quickly respond to market shifts, and build trust with partners and customers face-to-face.
“In my opinion, companies that are the most successful are the ones that are physically putting the efforts to really bring in key representation in the country,” shares Caron. “Whether it's someone you hire specifically for the region, or someone you bring in from the corporate headquarters to put boots on the ground on behalf of the organization, you need that physical presence.”
2. Take the acquisition pathway
On the other hand, getting boots on the ground is a lot easier said than done.
Caron knows that logistically, something like that takes time and an incredible amount of effort. If businesses are coming across challenges in establishing a physical presence, Caron presents the acquisition pathway.
“This is usually the easiest way to go about it. This is an acquisition of a company in the market you want to expand in, and then identifying key leaders within their team to work very closely with and ensure we’re drinking the same Kool-Aid, so to speak,” says Caron.
Now, Look For These 3 Key Qualities in Global Leaders To Chart the Path
1. Battle scars from scaling early-stage growth companies ⚡
Leaders who have weathered the chaotic, high-stakes environment of early-stage growth bring resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of risk management.
They know how to pivot quickly, manage limited resources, and adapt strategies in real time—qualities essential for navigating the complex terrain of international markets.
These experiences build a type of grit and creativity that can’t be taught, making them invaluable when guiding expansion into unknown, often unpredictable, territories.
Besides the certain grit and resilience this experience creates, Caron also shares that, “The second benefit of finding talent who specifically has early-stage experience is the connections they bring or experience with investors and fundraising.”
2. Scaling experience, at scale 📈
“Look for someone beyond just an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurial qualities are almost a given now, so don’t just look for someone that’s created/founded a company, but someone who scaled the company, scaled the team, and scaled the processes,” says Caron.
According to Caron, the right talent for international expansion is someone who has also “scaled product management, product-market fit strategies and teams, and really took something from 0 to 1.”
3. Growth mindset 🧠
“One of the last, but most important things you should look for in a global leader, has got to be a growth mindset,” Caron shares.
A growth mindset—the openness to learn, adapt, and relentlessly improve—couldn’t be more fitting for international expansion, where new challenges emerge every day.
Caron believes that leaders with a growth mindset are not afraid to fail because they see setbacks as a necessary part of innovation. This adaptability is essential in foreign markets, where conditions are unpredictable and agility can be the difference between failure and success.
Going Global? Do It With the Right Talent (& Marie-Michèle’s Expert Guidance)
Expanding internationally is as much about the people leading the charge as it is about strategy. The right talent brings resilience, cultural intelligence, and an unwavering growth mindset—qualities that are essential to navigating the complexities of new markets and fostering meaningful connections across borders.
Need access to expert insights or help finding the right candidate profile? Learn how the ExpertAccess Program can help you connect with leaders just like Marie-Michèle, who can help identify the talent you need for your market expansion plans.
