Ava's Story

A Natural Progression

My career began in sales, management, and entrepreneurship, where I learned early on that relationships are at the heart of every successful business. That understanding ultimately led me to the profession that became my passion: executive search.

Over the past three decades, I’ve worked within established search organizations, built my own firm, and later worked in a partnership. Each chapter expanded my expertise and gave me a broader perspective on the industry.

Now, that path has brought me full circle, back to Ava T. Laven & Associates, in what feels like a natural progression of everything that came before.

Today, the firm is distinctly my own. It reflects the values I bring to my work and the standards I’ve established over the years, including being personally involved in every search.

My Insights

Perspective Shaped by 30 Years of Experience

The right leader can change the trajectory of an organization.

I’ve learned that qualifications only tell part of the story. What makes a leader successful goes beyond experience and credentials and comes from understanding the person behind them. That’s the expertise I bring to each search.

Identifying Exceptional leadership doesn’t happen by accident.

The right leader isn’t always searching for what’s next. Sometimes, their next opportunity has to reach them. It requires understanding what could inspire them to consider something new and having the credibility to start that conversation. That kind of trust is built over time, and it’s something I’ve spent my career cultivating.

Technology can identify talent. Judgment recognizes potential.

Technology has made it easier than ever to find people who match a set of criteria. But not everything that makes someone a strong candidate is searchable. Recognizing potential beyond the criteria takes judgment and a deeper understanding of what the role demands.

The true measure of a search comes after the hire.

A successful search is only the beginning. The lasting value a leader creates for the organization and the people around them is what ultimately defines success. Seeing that impact is why I still love this work.