Engagement
Catherine spoke with Erika daily to gain a deep understanding of Kinhub’s business needs, values, and long-term objectives. This close collaboration ensured an effective and tailored approach.
Managed by:
Catherine Osaigbovo
Partner & HR London and DE&I Nationally, Page Executive United Kingdom
The Client
Kinhub is a people performance platform leveraging AI-driven coaching for enterprise teams. Competing with industry players such as Peppy, Calm, and Headspace, Kinhub has received investment from major firms such as Google. Despite its early-stage status and small team, the company recognised the need for a strong leadership framework to drive growth and enhance its market position.
The Brief
Kinhub’s co-founder, Dr Erika Brodnock MBE, approached Catherine through a referral from Making the Leap, a social mobility charity where Catherine serves as a trustee. Initially, the aim was to appoint a Chair to support Kinhub’s strategic vision. However, as the search progressed, the exceptional calibre of candidates presented by Catherine led to the expansion of the board structure.
Unlike traditional board appointments—where finance or governance backgrounds are prioritised—Kinhub specifically sought professionals with HR expertise. Additionally, Erika took a sector-agnostic approach, prioritising leadership skills over industry experience. The recruitment process ultimately resulted in a Chair, a NED, and an advisory board of five highly qualified professionals.
Search Methodology
Sourcing
Rather than relying on traditional executive search methods, Catherine leveraged ENABL (Empowerment Network for Asian and Black Leaders), an initiative she had built within Page Executive alongside two other co-founders. Over the past year and a half, ENABL has cultivated a strong community of candidates ready to step into board roles, significantly accelerating the process.
Assessment
The shortlist was highly curated, with candidates not required to have prior board experience—aligning with Kinhub’s entrepreneurial and startup mindset. The strength of the talent pipeline ensured that the Chair and NED hires were seasoned Board leaders, while the advisory board comprised first-time board appointees eager to make an impact.
Delivery
Catherine’s established network eliminated the need for traditional research methods, enabling an efficient process. Additionally, the ENABL community facilitated seamless introductions, ensuring an inclusive and high-calibre board composition.
Page Executive's Solution
The search resulted in the following appointments:
- Chair
- Non-Executive Director (NED)
- 5 Advisory Board Members
Rather than simply filling vacancies, the newly established board strengthened Kinhub’s strategic foundation. The diverse expertise within the group enhanced leadership credibility, setting an example for innovative board structures in startups. Additionally, this hiring success has contributed to new business development opportunities, reinforcing Kinhub’s market presence.
Final Review & Additional Insights
This case study highlights Catherine’s ability to navigate high-impact board appointments with efficiency, strategic alignment, and deep industry insight. The process resulted in a leadership team that not only meets Kinhub’s immediate needs but also positions the company for long-term success.
The trust established throughout the engagement has solidified a valuable relationship between Kinhub and Page Executive—demonstrating the power of community-driven executive search.
