Jason Murray
President and Managing Partner • He/Him
Over the course of his 20-year career in consulting, Jason has worked on 500+ executive searches as well as a range of EDIA services in partnership with client companies. Prior to founding BES Executive Search Inc., Jason worked at a multinational executive search firm as well as a boutique search firm before that. For part of his career, he worked in the Consulting Division of Deloitte & Touche as the Human Capital and Strategy & Operations Supervisor. In this position he provided organizational management and HR services to the 994 individuals in the division, and was a respected voice around matters of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and increasing representation throughout the organization.
Jason has a community-facing orientation, and is the Former Chair of the Board for the Toronto Fringe Festival and currently serves as Board Chair of Business in the Streets. He has done work with a number of organizations that have a deep and abiding commitment to representation in the workforce, including the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, G(irls)20, and Pride at Work Canada; has delivered EDIA and workplace culture workshops to 100+ organizations; and, has coached thousands of individuals in their careers and while in their jobs.
Jason holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master's degree in Management from Boston University (also the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). He is certified in unconscious-bias decision-making and iOS app development, and has completed courses in predictive data analytics and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in recruitment and retention. He also holds certificates in the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training from First Nations University of Canada and in trauma-informed practice from the Association for Psychological Therapies.
Jason’s visibility as a commentator on national television—where his expertise in hiring and employment is frequently sought—further assures clients of his marketplace credibility. His recent CBC News interview (starting at 1:36), which has garnered tens of thousands of views, is just one example of how his public profile extends his reach and amplifies his impact.
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
Jason's Insights
Browse Jason's latest posts featuring reflections, analysis, and practical perspectives on leadership, organizational culture, and the evolving world of work.
Professional Development / Jason Murray
From Competent to Compelling: Six Tips for Elevating Your Leadership
In this article, Jason Murray offers six practical and personal strategies for individuals who want to deepen their impact as a leader and grow in their leadership abilities with intention. Rather than focusing on titles or external validation, he emphasizes the importance of building confidence through experience, developing a clearly articulated leadership identity, and cultivating the emotional intelligence required to lead others well. He reminds readers that leadership is not about having all the answers but about staying flexible, curious, and anchored in service.
Industry Trends / Jason Murray
Reading the Room: How Chairs Steer Committees Toward Stronger Hires
In this article, Jason Murray explores the nuanced dynamics that can shape hiring outcomes when search committees are involved. He outlines practical strategies for Hiring Managers and Committee Chairs to cultivate structure, promote balanced participation, and avoid common pitfalls. Drawing from years of experience in executive search, Jason offers tools to help leaders ‘read the room’ and ensure that decision-making processes lead to thoughtful, equitable, and successful hires.
Industry Trends / Jason Murray
Beyond the Org Chart (Part II): The Critical Questions Leaders Must Ask During Onboarding
Effective leadership begins with questions, not answers. In Part I, we explored how new leaders can build trust and uncover hidden dynamics by asking who truly holds influence and what people are afraid to say. In Part II, we turn to questions that help leaders align with the organization’s true definition of success, understand the legacies they inherit, and lead with intention. These questions are essential for building credibility, advancing inclusion, and laying the foundation for sustainable leadership.
Industry Trends / Jason Murray
Beyond the Org Chart (Part I): Critical Questions for Leaders During Onboarding
The early days of an executive’s tenure are filled with promise and pressure—it’s a time of introductions, immersion, and inevitable information overload. While most onboarding processes focus on organizational charts, strategic priorities, and compliance, the most successful leaders know that the real work lies beyond what's written down. They understand that every organization—no matter how structured on paper—has its own ecosystem of relationships, histories, and unspoken truths. This article outlines two critical questions new leaders must ask to decode the visible and invisible dynamics that shape organizations—and to lead with clarity, integrity, and inclusion.
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.