Emily Keyes, Founder and CEO of The Talent Boom Global, has built a boutique executive search firm that spans continents and sets a high standard for recruitment in the creative, digital, and product industries. Established in 2012, The Talent Boom started with Keyes’ vision of bridging global talent with leading companies. Today, it is a premier headhunting agency specializing in connecting talent with Fortune 500 companies, scaling startups, SaaS firms, and advertising agencies worldwide.
Keyes’ entrepreneurial journey began at age 15 when financial necessity drove her to enter the workforce early. Her recruitment career started with a grassroots approach, knocking on doors in London’s business parks to offer temp staffing solutions. After gaining experience in recruitment in London and Amsterdam, she identified an untapped market in Africa’s burgeoning digital and creative sectors. Relocating to Cape Town with just $100 to her name, Keyes launched The Talent Boom. From these humble beginnings, the firm grew to employ up to 50 people in South Africa before expanding to the UK, the Netherlands, and the United States.
The Talent Boom is known for its proactive approach to executive search. Keyes and her team prioritize deeply understanding client needs, ensuring they deliver candidates who align with company goals. By cultivating relationships with highly sought-after professionals, The Talent Boom has established itself as a trusted intermediary, bypassing traditional recruitment methods to connect elite talent directly with decision-makers. The firm has earned a reputation for its ability to source excellent VP and C-level executives for roles in digital, SaaS, and creative industries, particularly in the competitive U.S. market.
Keyes emphasizes the importance of adaptability in business. As she expanded her firm globally, she faced challenges that tested her resilience. From the uncertainty of meeting payroll to navigating the complexities of a people-driven industry, Keyes relied on her confidence and commitment to continuous improvement. Early in her career, she lacked formal business training, but she leveraged her passion for recruitment and her determination to build a successful company. These experiences shaped The Talent Boom’s culture and approach, emphasizing transparency, innovation, and building long-term relationships with clients and candidates alike.
Under Keyes’ leadership, The Talent Boom remains entirely bootstrapped. The company has turned down eight-figure acquisition offers, staying independent and focused on its mission. This financial independence has enabled the firm to maintain its boutique identity while delivering high-quality, personalized services. Its client roster includes prominent names such as Audible, Amazon, PwC, and Brightcove, as well as major advertising agencies like VaynerMedia, AKQA, and Publicis Groupe.
Keyes’ expertise extends beyond recruitment. She has served as a TV business judge and coach, mentoring over 300 startups and small businesses across the United States. In 2022, she launched a coaching business to guide executives seeking to enhance their careers. Her dedication to supporting others is also reflected in her role as a mentor to her team and her commitment to providing staff with global opportunities.
What sets The Talent Boom apart in the competitive recruitment landscape is its focus on innovation and global perspective. Keyes’ personal experience living on four continents informs her ability to connect with diverse talent and understand the nuances of international markets. The company’s early adoption of word-of-mouth marketing strategies and deep involvement in creative industry events, such as the Cannes Festival and Spikes Asia, demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.
Keyes envisions The Talent Boom continuing to focus on executive search, particularly in critical SVP and C-level roles. By maintaining a smaller but highly specialized team, she plans to work closely with clients to ensure that every placement drives business success. Her hands-on approach and dedication to delivering exceptional results have positioned The Talent Boom as a prominent figure in global recruitment.
The Talent Boom’s journey from a one-woman startup to a global executive search powerhouse underscores Keyes’ philosophy that success comes from resilience, strategic risk-taking, and a relentless focus on quality. Today, the firm’s success is measured not just by its impressive client list or financial achievements but by the relationships it has built and the impact it continues to make in connecting world-class talent with exceptional opportunities.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
