Len Adams is the CEO of ACG Resources, a New York–based executive search and interim staffing firm serving both domestic and international companies across financial services, professional services, real estate, and emerging growth sectors.
With decades of experience advising leadership teams, he partners with organizations navigating expansion, succession, and strategic growth in the U.S. market. Known for his relationship-driven approach and understanding of governance and operational infrastructure, he is also the author of Resilience: A Journey Through Family Business Struggles and Unfulfilled Expectations, which reflects his perspective on reinvention and long-term leadership.
Who is someone that has made a big impact on your life – personal or professional? Why?
I have been influenced by many people in my life journey, from my parents and friends I grew up with to many teachers in school. In addition, over the course of my career, I have met many very smart people whom I have been able to gain knowledge and perspective from
What has been your biggest professional achievement?
Reinvention.
After nearly four decades in one organization, I had to rethink my identity and start over. Building ACG Resources from that point — and earning the trust of regulated banks, fintechs, and international institutions and companies entering the U.S. — has been deeply meaningful.
The achievement isn’t just growth. It’s credibility. It’s being invited into conversations at the earliest stages of expansion because clients trust our judgment.
What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Letting go of a future I thought was already defined.
When you invest decades into something, you assume continuity. When that shifts, it forces a profound reassessment — not just professionally, but personally.
That period taught me resilience in a way no success ever could. It also became the foundation for my book, Resilience: A Journey Through Family Business Struggles and Unfulfilled Expectations. Writing it was part of processing that chapter — and transforming it into something constructive.
What do you love most about your job?
Helping organizations build the right leadership at critical moments of growth.
We often work with foreign banks,fintechs, and start-ups entering the U.S. market — navigating regulatory frameworks, cultural differences, and strategic expansion. Being a steady advisor during that process is incredibly rewarding.
At its core, my work is about trust — across borders, across cultures, and across generations.
I love having the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.
What is a project you’re working on right now and why is it meaningful to you?
We’re expanding our Executive search and interim and project-based staffing model
In volatile markets, companies need agility — especially in compliance, risk, and finance. Supporting that flexibility, while maintaining governance standards, is meaningful because it strengthens the system as a whole.
For international institutions — including French firms — entering the U.S., having a trusted, flexible infrastructure is essential.
How do you define success?
I have several definitions of success
1. Sustainable trust.
If a client calls you before posting a role…
If a candidate refers their colleague years later…
If your reputation opens doors in new markets…
That’s success.
Revenue follows trust. Trust does not automatically follow revenue.
2. My personal definition of success is also to be a role model for my family, my colleagues, and friends. Someone who is defined by character.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your current role?
How much of leadership is emotional intelligence. At senior levels, recruiting is less about resumes and more about timing, risk tolerance, culture alignment, and psychology. Understanding people — and listening deeply — is often more important than technical credentials.
What do you think sets you apart in your field?
Perspective. I’ve experienced continuity, disruption, reinvention, and growth. That allows me to advise clients with calmness — especially during uncertainty. I understand regulatory infrastructure, executive dynamics, and cross-border complexity — but I also understand the human side of leadership transitions. That balance matters.
What is a dream that you want to make come true one day?
To build a firm that endures — not just financially, but culturally. I hope that my firm can be truly multi-generational, something that my grandchildren can be involved in if they choose to follow that path. And to mentor the next generation of recruiters and advisors to operate with integrity, patience, and global awareness.
When did you first know you wanted to pursue a career in this field?
I knew it early on when I started working part-time for a recruiting firm that my uncle owned when I was 15 years old. I just found the whole concept of helping candidates and clients very rewarding
What’s a cause that you are passionate about?
I am passionate about several causes. Personally, one in particular that is very personal is the early detection of colon cancer. I am a cancer survivor, and I firmly believe that people should be diligent about going for screenings, especially colonoscopies.
Business-wise, helping professionals navigate unexpected transitions with dignity. Many talented people face career shifts they didn’t choose. I’m passionate about mentoring individuals who are rebuilding — because I’ve lived that experience.
What methods do you use to stay motivated and focused?
Structure. Reflection. Relationships. I stay close to clients, remain intellectually curious about business innovation, and make time to reflect — often through writing and reading. Perspective keeps me grounded.
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