Helen Mekonen
Partner • She/Her
Helen Mekonen brings over 20 years of experience in executive search recruitment, where she is recognized for her ability to identify, assess, and secure exceptional talent. Committed to equity and inclusion, she believes diversity strengthens teams and drives organizational success.
Born in Italy to Ethiopian parents and now a settler in Tkaronto, Helen’s global perspective informs her approach to connecting organizations with leaders who reflect the communities they serve. Before joining BES Executive Search Inc., she led successful searches at a boutique Toronto firm and worked as a consultant with a leading global search firm, helping clients across North America meet their talent needs.
Helen holds diplomas in Business Marketing and Business Administration from George Brown College, as well as certifications from the First Nations University of Canada’s 4 Seasons of Reconciliation and Competent Boards’ program on Understanding Responsible Use of Data, Cybersecurity, AI, and Digitalization. She is also a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario.
Multilingual in English, Italian, French, and Spanish, Helen brings cultural fluency and a passion for fostering inclusive leadership to her work.
Organizations we partner with
Bata Shoe Museum, Canadian Council for the Arts, CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, City of Toronto, David Suzuki Foundation, Fasken, Genome Canada, George Brown College, GTAA, Humber, IMCO, Kids Help Phone, Luminato, McMaster University, MLSE, OICR, Ontario Presents, ROM, Sankofa Square, Sick Kids, TD Bank, TTC, UHN Foundation, United Way Greater Toronto, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University Pension Plan Ontario, York University
Clients Served Include
Helen's Insights
Browse Helen's latest posts featuring reflections, analysis, and practical perspectives on leadership, organizational culture, and the evolving world of work.
Sustainability / Helen Mekonen
Equity is not Optional: Lessons from Public Education for Every Organization
What happens when our systems only recognize certain kinds of contributions, and only reward certain ways of leading? Drawing from the lessons of public education and the insights of scholar Nicole Ineese-Nash, this article explores how organizations can move beyond performative inclusion toward systems that truly honour cultural knowledge, relational leadership, and shared responsibility. Rather than focusing on what’s lacking, Helen Mekonen invites readers to consider what’s already present—gifts, strengths, and ways of knowing that are often overlooked. For organizations committed to sustainability, equity is not a one-time investment; it is a design principle that must live in everyday practice, accountability, and imagination.
Professional Development / Helen Mekonen
Let’s Go to Lunch! One of the Many Ways to Integrate Culture into Strategy
In this article, Helen Mekonen explores how culture in today’s workplace is shaped not only by where we work but by how we come together. She argues that while digital platforms remain useful, the true power of connection is revealed when people share space: in a meeting room, at a conference, or over lunch. These face-to-face moments build trust, sharpen cultural fluency, and foster collaboration in ways digital exchanges alone cannot. By intentionally making room for in-person interaction, leaders can design strategies that are not only human-centred but also resilient and performance-driven.
Leadership / Helen Mekonen
Talent Acquisition Timeline: The Past, Present, and Future
Executive search has undergone a profound shift—from a network-driven process based on visibility and access to a technology-mediated landscape shaped by digital profiles, algorithmic tools, and evolving expectations of leadership. In this article, Helen Mekonen draws on her experience as a search consultant to examine the past, present, and future of talent acquisition. She explores the barriers historically faced by underrepresented leaders, the need for greater discernment in an era of performative visibility, and the legal and ethical concerns surrounding AI’s expanding role in hiring. With practical guidance for search professionals and employers alike, this piece calls for a more human-centred, equity-conscious approach to identifying talent.
Industry Trends / Helen Mekonen
Navigating the Future: Leadership Through Cultural Intelligence, Systemic Thinking, and Technological Disruption
Leadership in today’s world demands a balance of cultural intelligence, systemic thinking, and the ability to navigate technological disruption. As global markets, technological advancements, and diverse workforce dynamics become increasingly interconnected, leaders must embrace innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to human values and social responsibility. Exemplary leaders like Tim Cook and Olive Ann Beech illustrate how these skills can drive organizational success and societal progress. By fostering inclusivity, adopting a holistic perspective, and integrating technology with empathy, leaders can not only respond to change but also shape a future that is resilient, inclusive, and purpose-driven. The path forward lies in uniting people, technology, and shared vision to inspire meaningful and lasting progress.
Sustainability/Stephanie La
Green AI: The Role of AI in Sustainability
Green AI emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with environmental responsibility, addressing the significant environmental and ethical challenges posed by AI development, such as high carbon emissions, energy consumption, and data privacy concerns. While AI offers transformative benefits, including climate change prediction, pollution monitoring, and public health insights, its rapid advancement often prioritizes speed over sustainability. By adopting Green AI practices—such as energy-efficient algorithms, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development goals—organizations can reduce their environmental impact, align with sustainability objectives, and foster long-term growth while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Leadership/Melissa Sumnauth
The Importance of Pronouncing a Name: An Act of Inclusive Leadership
Names are not just labels; they are powerful reflections of identity, culture, and history. In this article, Melissa Sumnauth explores the significance of correct name pronunciation in leadership and organizational culture. Drawing on her experience in executive coaching, executive search, facilitation, and people & culture she illustrates how mispronunciation can function as a microaggression and a barrier to inclusion, while intentional effort to say names correctly fosters dignity, belonging, and trust. With practical tools and a call to action for leaders, this article reframes name pronunciation as a vital practice in advancing equity and respectful engagement.