Andrew Kris: A Journey from Dow Chemical to Borderless Executive Search

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build your corporate ladder instead of just climbing one? Join us as we unravel the remarkable journey of Andrew Kris, from a high-ranking executive at Dow Chemical to the innovative founder of Borderless, a global executive search firm. Andrew’s career is anything but ordinary, spanning continents and industries—from life sciences to consumer goods and beyond. Discover how his adaptability and fearlessness became the cornerstone of his success, setting the stage for his leap into entrepreneurship amid the 1997 Internet boom.

But that's not all. We delve into Andrew's unique approach to executive search and leadership consulting. Borderless isn't just about headhunting; it's about global executive search, finding and attracting leaders from wherever they are around the world to where they are needed. Andrew's story extends beyond business—he's also an independent commentator and board president of the Antwerp International School, constantly sharing his wealth of experience to guide future leaders. Tune in to get a rare glimpse into his transparent, transnational methodology and learn what it truly takes to create a meaningful and impactful career.

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:07

ever find yourself wondering what it really takes to not just climb the corporate ladder but to build your own?

Speaker 2 0:13

That's what we're diving into today.

Speaker 1 0:15

I'm really excited about this one. We've got the career of Andrew Criss, who's done just that and, honestly, his story it's got twists and turns I guarantee you wouldn't expect.

Speaker 2 0:24

Right, I mean starting at, of all places, Dow Chemical. Talk about a household name.

Speaker 1 0:31

Huge company.

Speaker 2 0:31

To founding a global executive search firm.

Speaker 1 0:34

See, that's the part that blows my mind. That's not a small jump right. It makes you wonder what were those early days like? What did he learn that set him up for such a dramatic shift?

Speaker 2 0:43

And that's what makes these deep dives so fascinating.

Speaker 1 0:45

Totally. We're getting more than just a resume. Bullet points.

Speaker 2 0:48

Exactly, it's the story between the lines. Yeah, and in Andrew's case that story starts way back in 1975. Different world then, especially in the business world. Can you even imagine I mean no internet as we know it, right the whole landscape of how?

Speaker 1 1:04

business was done totally different. So he joins Dow in 75. What's the first clue that this isn't your average corporate climber?

Speaker 2 1:11

Well, look at the range of roles he took on Life sciences, then chemicals, then over to consumer goods.

Speaker 1 1:18

It's like he was purposely trying everything.

Speaker 2 1:20

And not just across departments either. He had stints in the UK, France, even South Africa. This isn't someone content with a corner office, you know.

Speaker 1 1:28

OK, so huge takeaway already Adaptability it's got to be.

Speaker 2 1:33

Absolutely. This guy was thrown into the deep end. New cultures, new markets, that kind of experience it's invaluable, no matter what your field is.

Speaker 1 1:40

Makes you wonder, though was this common back then, being shipped around the globe for work, or was he a bit of a pioneer?

Speaker 2 1:46

That's a good question and, honestly, it speaks to another quality that shines through in his bio a certain fearlessness. This wasn't just about climbing the ladder, it was about experiencing the world.

Speaker 1 1:58

And that brings us to the big leap, 1997. He founds borderless. Talk about a pivotal year. The Internet boom is in full swing.

Speaker 2 2:08

Exactly so. Was this always the plan, or did he see the writing on the wall? Since the winds of change?

Speaker 1 2:15

Right, Like did he seize the moment. It makes you wonder what was the tipping point from executive to entrepreneur.

Speaker 2 2:22

And here's where the bio gives us a glimpse into the why behind Borderless. This isn't just a headhunting firm right. It's about leadership consulting.

Speaker 1 2:29

Which honestly sounds a little vague, doesn't it? What does that even mean?

Speaker 2 2:33

It's about helping businesses find the right leaders, not just filling a position.

Speaker 1 2:37

And not just finding them right, like developing them too.

Speaker 2 2:39

Absolutely. And then there's the coaching aspect, helping existing execs up their game.

Speaker 1 2:45

Which, when you think about it, tracks with everything else we know about him. This is a guy who loves learning, loves new challenges. Of course he'd be drawn to helping others do the same.

Speaker 2 2:55

And it's interesting because he doesn't stop there. The bio mentions he's an independent commentator. He's written pieces, shared his insights.

Speaker 1 3:03

There's definitely a theme of not just achieving success but sharing the knowledge right Mentoring guiding.

Speaker 2 3:09

That's huge.

Speaker 1 3:09

And it really flips the script on the whole. Entrepreneurship is a young person's game thing. This is experience speaking.

Speaker 2 3:16

Absolutely, and this is where his story takes another turn. Buckle up for this one.

Speaker 1 3:20

I'm ready, hit me.

Speaker 2 3:21

His executive search approach is described as, and I quote, uniquely transparent, transnational.

Speaker 1 3:28

OK, uniquely transparent those two words together in the context of executive search.

Speaker 2 3:33

They're practically an oxymoron.

Speaker 1 3:35

Seriously, it's such a secretive world. What's he doing differently?

Speaker 2 3:39

It's fascinating right. It suggests a willingness to break with tradition, to maybe even disrupt the industry.

Speaker 1 3:45

Makes you want to know more. And then there's the transnational aspect. That's not just about doing business globally, is it?

Speaker 2 3:51

It's about a mindset, a deep understanding of different cultures, different ways of leading.

Speaker 1 3:57

And, as if all that wasn't enough, board president of the Antwerp International School. Where does that even fit in?

Speaker 2 4:04

See, this is the stuff I live for, because it's not directly related to his business ventures, but it speaks volumes, shows a commitment to education, to global citizenship.

Speaker 1 4:15

It's like this whole other dimension to him. It's humanizing. So, as we're wrapping up, what's the one big takeaway our listeners should walk away with from Andrew Criss's story?

Speaker 2 4:24

Don't be afraid to embrace the unexpected. That's it. Be open to new experiences, new challenges, new cultures. You never know where they might lead you.

Speaker 1 4:33

And sometimes the most fulfilling path is the one you build yourself right.

Speaker 2 4:37

Absolutely. It makes you wonder what's the borderless opportunity in your own life.

Speaker 1 4:41

What are you waiting for?