#Global Executive Search​

[quarecresourcespvtltd]

Expand Your Global Team with Quarec Resources Pvt. Ltd.'s International Recruitment Expertise

Quarec Resources Pvt. Ltd. specializes in connecting businesses with top-tier talent worldwide. Our international recruitment services are tailored to meet your organization's unique needs, ensuring seamless integration of skilled professionals into your team. Partner with us to navigate the complexities of global hiring and drive your business forward.

[alliance00]

Global Reach: How CEO Executive Search Firms Are Navigating International Talent Pools in 2025

Figure out the CEO fast. In today's dynamic and fast-paced global business environment, appointing a chief executive has become more essential—and more difficult—than ever before. As companies grow more diversified and international in their operations, the demand for global leaders continues to rise. Come 2025, CEO executive search firms are stepping up to meet this challenge by tapping into international talent pools and adopting innovative strategies, tools, and networks to deliver results that far surpass local expectations.

Why Global Talent Will Matter in 2025

The CEO of today is required to lead on all counts-be it perspective or experience-with great international markets, cultural nuances, and cross-border operations. With their remote teams, international partnerships, and digital-first strategies, companies are carving out a place for executives within global talent:

Multinational experience.

Cultural agility.

Proven success in emerging markets.

Global networking capabilities.

This shift has transformed the role of CEO executive search firms. No longer confined by geography, these firms are acting as global talent scouts, fostering connections, facilitating placements, and guiding organizations to leaders who can succeed on a worldwide stage.

Strategies CEO Executive Search Firms Use to Source Global Leaders

1. Building International Talent Networks:

Top executive search firms maintain robust databases of leadership talent across continents. They harbor relationships with senior management personnel who are dispersed across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. These networks worldwide give firms the option to source fast and are ready to locate specialized CEOs even in niche industries or emerging regions.

2. Embracing Digital and AI-Powered Tools:

In 2025, leading firms use advanced AI tools and data analytics to scan international profiles, assess compatibility, and predict long-term performance. These tools analyze:

Leadership history.

Communication styles.

Crisis management capabilities.

Cultural fit with the hiring organization.

This way, you can be sure that when you engage in the recruitment of global talent, every decision will be a data-driven process, doing away with mere guesses and providing the most appropriate hires.

3. Personalized intercultural evaluation: 

An effective leader in an international setup must be culturally sensitive. This is the reason why CEO executive search firms incorporate cross-cultural assessments into the hiring process. The cross-cultural assessment serves to test adaptability to a new environment, emotional quotient, and the ability to manage global teams.

4. Strategic Partnerships with Global Organizations: 

Many companies join hands with global business schools, institutes of leadership training, and international chambers of commerce to unearth forthcoming talent at an early stage. The partnerships also provide the firms with insights regarding leadership trends across regions, thereby assisting them to be a step ahead of the fast-evolving global demand.

5. Remote Interviewing and Onboarding Expertise:

With the rise of remote work, many CEO hires involve international relocation or virtual onboarding. Executive search firms are equipped to handle time-zone differences, legal considerations, and immigration requirements. They also offer support in remote leadership onboarding to ensure smooth transitions.

Benefits of Hiring CEOs Through Global Search Firms

1. Access to a Broader Talent Pool:

Local searches may limit your options. Going global greatly increases the odds of finding a leader with the perfect balance of experience, cultural knowledge, and innovation. 

2. Competitive Advantage in International Markets:

A highly talented global CEO brings with him the insight from different parts of the world to quickly delve into a new sphere, a worldwide network of partnerships, and regulatory acumen.

3. Diversity in Leadership:

International recruitment is thrust upon the world of executive search. The tacit premise is that companies should go all out to fill their leadership teams with individuals from diverse perspectives-proven to enhance decision-making and performance.

4. Reduced Hiring Risks:

Global executive search firms conduct thorough evaluations, reducing the chances of misalignment or failed placements.

CEO recruitment will be truly global and borderless

The deeper we go into globalization and industry convergence, the more important cross-border leadership will become. Successful global companies must go beyond national borders and consider global executive recruitment as a strategic investment. 

In 2025, the CEOs of executive search firms will have become not just recruiters but also global advisors, talent strategists, and business growth partners. Their job is to find not just any CEO but the right CEO, irrespective of the location of that talent on the globe.

Conclusion

Except for the visionary leaders at the forefront, the quick change in the global business environment offers a fast-moving edge. The executive placement agencies are in the know at this juncture- they connect businesses with the higher-value executives in foreign markets.

If your company is all set to find a world-class CEO who would be able to innovate, lead global teams, and develop your brand across borders, contact us today. Let us help you secure that leadership to take your organization to the next level.

FAQs:

1. Why is the hiring of global CEOs on the fast track by 2025? 

Ans: In this era of globalization, digital transformation, and changing market dynamics, companies are in search of CEOs who will lead cross-border operations and understand international markets.

2. In what way do CEO executive search firms find international candidates? 

Ans: They leverage global databases of talent, AI tools, business partnerships, and outreach strategies to locate, connect, and recruit the best executives in the world.

3. Which industries benefit the most from recruiting international CEOs? 

Ans: Tech, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods are industries that benefit most due to their global reach and diverse consumer base.

4. What do search firms look for in a global CEO? 

Ans: Exposure to a diversity of regions, cultural intelligence, strategic capabilities, adaptability, and proven leadership in different settings.

5. Is it possible that small and medium-sized enterprises would benefit from the use of international executive recruiting firms? 

Ans: The answer is: Yes, a lot of service providers offer a flexible suite of services, in which customized searches are provided to fast-growing firms to land the correct global leadership to support their expansion.

View Source: https://kelvinmadris.wixsite.com/alliance-recruitment/post/global-reach-how-ceo-executive-search-firms-are-navigating-international-talent-pools-in-2025

[mohitjoshi041]

How International Executive Search Firms Can Help Enterprises Prepare for the Future?

International executive search firms play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate the evolving global landscape. By leveraging their expertise and global networks, these firms can identify and recruit top-tier leadership talent that aligns with an organization’s long-term vision. They help enterprises stay competitive by sourcing executives with the right skills, experience, and cultural fit for international markets.

These firms also offer valuable insights into emerging trends and leadership best practices, ensuring companies remain agile and forward-thinking. Through strategic talent acquisition, international executive search firms empower enterprises to adapt to future challenges, drive innovation, and maintain sustainable growth. Their ability to scout top executives across diverse markets enables companies to build strong, diverse leadership teams that are essential for success in a dynamic business environment. For more information click here

[parititalent]

Employee Benefits: A Growth Strategy for African Companies

Comprehensive employee benefits are essential for African startups aiming to attract top talent and ensure sustainable growth. Learn how offering these benefits can create a win-win situation for both employers and employees at https://www.pariti.io/blog-post/the-importance-of-comprehensive-employee-benefits-in-african-startups-and-companies-a-win-win-strategy-for-growth

[globaltalentacquisitioncompany]

Executive Recruitment Firm in UK

TalAcq Ltd. is a premier Executive Recruitment Firm in the UK, excels in sourcing top-tier talent for your leadership needs. With a relentless commitment to precision and a vast industry network, we elevate your team's capabilities. Trust us to secure the executive talent that drives your company's success. Contact us now by visiting online or call at 0203 442 1700

[leathwaite2]

8 Key Things Executives Should Avoid

Executives’ actions and decisions can have a major impact on the success of companies. High-level employees play a significant role in the everyday happenings of a business. Whatever decision they make, whether right or wrong, will impact the entire organisation. Here are five mistakes that executives should avoid to ensure the smooth running of their businesses:

1.       Micromanaging

Micromanaging is a common problem among executives who want to control every aspect of their organisation. This can be counterproductive as it undermines your team’s confidence and can lead to burnout. It is important to delegate tasks to the appropriate people and trust that they will deliver results.

This will free up your time and encourage your team to take ownership of their work and develop their skills. You should trust your team to perform their tasks and focus on setting clear goals and providing necessary support.

2.       Neglecting your employees

Your employees are the backbone of your organisation, and neglecting them can significantly impact their productivity and morale. It is essential to listen to their feedback and concerns, provide them with the necessary resources and support, and recognise their contributions. This will not only improve their job satisfaction but also contribute to the success of the organisation.

3.       Being reactive rather than proactive

As an executive, you need to identify potential problems and take steps to mitigate them proactively. Being reactive and waiting for problems to occur can significantly damage your organisation’s reputation and finances. It is essential to clearly understand your organisation’s goals and priorities and take proactive measures to ensure their achievement.

4.       Lack of transparency

Lack of transparency can lead to mistrust among employees, customers, and stakeholders. As an executive, it is important to communicate openly and transparently about your organisation’s activities, decisions, and challenges. This will build trust, improve your organisation’s reputation, and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

5.       Failure to embrace change

In today's fast-paced and rapidly changing business environment, being open to change and embracing innovation is essential. Failure to do so can lead to missed opportunities and hinder your organisation’s growth.

Executives should be agile and adaptable and encourage your team to embrace change and innovation. Being resistant to change can hinder innovation and limit the organization's ability to adapt.

6.       Short-Term Thinking

Executives should avoid getting caught up in short-term gains and immediate results at the expense of long-term success. Balance short-term objectives with a strategic vision, considering the implications and consequences of decisions in the long run. Executives should also continuously learn, improve their skills, and stay up to date with industry trends.

7.       Not Investing in Self-Development

Avoid neglecting your own professional growth and development. Continuously learn, improve your skills, and stay up to date with industry trends. Investing in yourself will enhance your leadership capabilities.

8.       Lack of transparency

Transparency is crucial for building trust within your organization. Avoid withholding important information from your team members or stakeholders, as it can breed suspicion and hinder collaboration among the team.

Avoiding the above five behaviours can help you maintain a productive and positive work environment, build trust with your employees and stakeholders, and contribute to the growth and success of your organisation. As an executive, you lead your organisation and set an example for your team.

Recruiting a top-level executive for your company can take much work. Leathwaite, a famous recruitment firm in the UK, helps businesses recruit top executives. The company's consultants are experts at identifying people who can make a tangible difference to the growth of businesses and attract them to your company by approaching them directly.

[buckets-and-trees]

Huffily Ever After: A CindereLloyd Story [7/8]

Chapter Seven - Conversations on the Final Night

Characters/Pairings: Lloyd Hansen x curvy Millennial Female!Reader Word Count: 6.9k Summary: Can you say anything to Helen that can possibly salvage your situation? There's also one more person who still wants to talk to you, and he won't be denied.

SERIES Content/Warnings: modern Cinderella adaptation, unknown identities, enemies to lovers, toxic coworkers, eventual THE SMUT IS HERE CHAPTER SPECIFIC: breaking and entering; explicit smut: kissing, grinding, nipple play, vaginal fingering, unprotected vaginal penetration, creampie; praise; use of endearments: princess, Cinderella; coarse language

Previous Chapter | Series

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

Your eyes scanned the lobby, searching for Helen's familiar face. She was seated in one of the plush armchairs, her tablet in hand, looking every bit the powerful executive you remembered. When she saw you, she stood, and you straightened up a little taller as you approached the Nexus VP of Strategy and Innovation.

"Hello," she said, her voice calm and measured. "I think we need to talk somewhere private. Shall we?"

She gestured towards the hotel bar, which was relatively quiet at this hour. You nodded, following Helen to a secluded corner of the bar. As you settled into the plush leather seats, a waiter appeared. Helen ordered a sparkling water, and you did the same, your mouth suddenly dry.

Helen folded her hands on the table, her piercing gaze fixed on you. "I've heard some very concerning things in the last twenty-four hours," she began, her tone neutral. "I'd like to hear your side of the story."

There was nothing else for it.

You launched into a detailed account of the events leading up to your firing, careful to stick to the facts as you knew them. You explained your interactions with people from Hansen Global, emphasizing that they were all above board and at no point involved discussing substantive current business.

Helen's expression remained impassive as she listened. You continued into recounting the events of today, explaining how you had learned about Zhongxin’s departure over social media, and then how Amilla had ambushed you with the firing. You were about to launch into sharing what you'd learned from Claude about the disastrous meeting that apparently took place between Zhongxin and Amilla, but at that point, Helen raised her hand to stop you.

“I’ve heard more than enough,” she huffed.

Your heart sank.

“You know I wasn’t slated to come to Paris since I was in Amsterdam meeting with one of our potential new clients.”

You nodded, but didn’t say anything, her point clearly rhetorical.

“But I got a call last night that had me booking the first flight to get here to clean up a catastrophe.”

Helen's expression remained unreadable as she continued, her fingers idly tracing the condensation on her water glass. The soft clink of glasses and murmur of hushed conversations in the bar seemed to fade away, leaving you hyper-focused on her every word and gesture.

"When I got that call," Helen said, her voice low and measured, "I was told that we had lost our biggest international client." She paused, her eyes boring into yours. "You can imagine my shock and disappointment."

Your heart sank further, a cold dread settling in your stomach. The weight of Helen's words seemed to press down on you, making it hard to breathe.

It seemed Helen was about to confirm your worst fears - that your career at Nexus was truly over, that Amilla's version of events had prevailed. You braced yourself for the final blow, your fingers nervously tracing the condensation on your water glass.

"I've known Amilla for years. We started at Nexus around the same time, climbed the ranks together. We weren’t close friends, but close colleagues, and I thought I knew her character, her capabilities." Helen paused, her gaze drifting to the bustling hotel lobby beyond the bar's entrance. "I was wrong."

Helen's eyes returned to you, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. "What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this table, understood?"

You nodded, your heart pounding in your chest.

"My call last night was from Min Ho Song himself," Helen said.

Your eyes widened in surprise. Min Ho, the charismatic head of Zhongxin's marketing division, had always been your primary contact at the company. You remembered countless video calls, his infectious enthusiasm, and the way he'd championed your ideas to his superiors.

"Min Ho felt compelled to reach out to me directly, out of respect for the business relationship we've cultivated over the last year. He wanted to explain why Zhongxin was terminating their contract with Nexus." Helen's fingers tightened around her water glass, her knuckles turning white. "What he told me was... shocking, to say the least."

Your heart raced. You could only hope Claude’s story aligned with what Min Ho had told Helen.

Helen took a sip of water before continuing. "Min Ho recounted a disastrous meeting with Amilla in Shanghai. Her behavior was unprofessional, dismissive, and frankly, insulting. He said it was clear she had no real interest in maintaining the relationship with Zhongxin."

You felt a mix of reassurance and vindication wash over you. Claude's account had been accurate. You hadn’t thought to doubt Claude, but after so much of the ground had shifted out from under you since last night, the fact that you had confirmation here that you could trust your new friend sent warmth into the cracked and fractured parts of you.

"But that wasn't all," Helen said, her voice dropping even lower. "Min Ho also expressed deep concern about some of the changes Amilla was proposing to their marketing strategy. Changes that would have undone much of the innovative work you and the rest of your team had implemented."

Your brow furrowed in confusion. "But why would she do that? Those strategies were working well."

Helen's expression hardened. "Because they weren't her ideas. From what I've gathered, Amilla has been feeling threatened by your talent, your potential, and your success since I first assigned you to her team. I was optimistic that she’d change her attitude, but I’m afraid I was wrong, and it only ever got worse.”

You were speechless. You had packed away or deflected so many of your doubts or the moments when you felt discouraged or undervalued by Amilla, Anya, or Holly, determined to muscle through it, immersing yourself in the other parts of your job that were still good - working with the clients, strategizing, building and executing campaigns.

Helen let out a heavy sigh. "I should have seen it sooner. I knew Amilla could be difficult, but she should have been leading her team, not resenting any of them, and I never imagined she'd let her insecurities jeopardize a major client relationship like this."

You sat in stunned silence, trying to process everything Helen was telling you. The vindication you felt was overshadowed by a deep sense of betrayal and hurt. All those times you'd doubted yourself, pushed harder, stayed later - had it all been for nothing?

Helen reached across the table, her hand covering yours. "I owe you an apology. I should have been paying closer attention, should have stepped in sooner. I doubted my instincts, worried that I was just being overprotective and biased because of your history working on my team before I took this new position."

Your eyes widened, and you bit the inside of your lower lip, overcome with emotion, but still on edge, processing information. "So what happens now?" you asked hesitantly.

Helen's expression softened slightly. "Amilla has been terminated, effective immediately. Her actions were inexcusable and a clear violation of company policy and ethics."

Relief washed over you, but it didn’t take away all the anxieties - not yet.

"And what about me?" you asked. “Can I have my job back?”

Helen raised an eyebrow. "No. Your firing was completely baseless, but there’s no way I can bring you back only to put you in your former role.”

Helen's words hung in the air for a moment, and you felt your heart sink. But then, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, and she reached into her sleek leather briefcase. "I have a better offer."

With a flourish, she pulled out a thick black folder. The soft glow of the bar's ambient lighting caught the embossed Nexus logo on its cover, making it shimmer like a beacon of hope. Helen slid the folder across the polished mahogany table, its smooth surface allowing it to glide effortlessly towards you.

"This," Helen said, tapping the folder with a perfectly manicured nail, "is overdue. I had HR working on this before the conference, but with everything that's happened, I'm even more certain it's the right move."

Your heart pounded as you reached for the folder, your fingers trembling slightly. You opened it, your eyes scanning the contents. The first page was a formal letter, addressed to you on Nexus letterhead. As you read, your eyes widened in disbelief.

"Team Director and Regional Lead for International Strategy and Innovation?" you breathed, looking up at Helen in shock.

Helen nodded, a proud smile spreading across her face. "It's a new position, one that I've been advocating for since I took on my current role. You’ll direct a team - like I did, like Amilla did - but we’re expanding, and I need a point person for each region who will report directly to me and help shape the strategy and provide leadership for all the teams working with clients in their region."

You continued reading, taking in the details of the job description, the generous salary offer - doubling what you made before, and the expanded responsibilities.

“I knew you had the talent and potential, but now you have more years of experience and have proven at this conference from everything I’ve seen and heard that you can make valuable new connections and expand conversations about what we do and how we do it.”

You felt a rush of emotions - pride, excitement, and a touch of apprehension. This was a massive step up, a role with significantly more responsibility and visibility within the company.

"Are you sure?”

Helen leaned forward, her eyes intense. "I am. You've earned it and no one can question anymore that you would only be promoted because of our history working together.”

The enormity of the opportunity before you was overwhelming. Your mind raced, trying to process all the implications of this new role.

You opened your mouth to speak, but found yourself at a loss for words. How could you possibly articulate the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings swirling inside you? Just hours ago, you had been fired, your world turned upside down. And now, here you were, being offered a position beyond your wildest dreams with two other job prospects waiting with Claude and Maggie.

“Don’t accept my offer now. I always tell people to sleep on a job offer before accepting,” Helen remarked. “And when you contact me in the morning, ask for ten thousand more. I won’t be able to give it to you, but I’ll be able to counter offer with five and your choice of the regions because your my first appointee to the regional leadership team.”

You stared at Helen, stunned by her candid advice. A smile tugged at the corners of your mouth as you processed her words. It was so quintessentially Helen - always pushing you to advocate for yourself, to aim higher.

"I... thank you, Helen," you finally managed, your voice thick with emotion. "This is beyond anything I could have imagined."

Helen's eyes softened, a hint of pride in her gaze. "You've earned it. Your work speaks for itself, and your handling of this situation has only confirmed what I already knew about your character and professionalism."

You nodded, still feeling slightly overwhelmed. "I appreciate your advice about sleeping on it. There's a lot to consider."

Helen leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "I imagine there is. The news about your firing has spread like wildfire,” you grimaced at this, “but so have the rampant but credible rumors of offers coming your way.”

You reached for your drink to take a sip.

Helen laughed. “Offers you’ve already received, I take it. Let’s get you something stronger to drink to celebrate then!” And she signaled for the garçon.

you go to dinner with maggie

then you head back to your room

As you approached your hotel room, the events of the day swirled in your mind like a kaleidoscope of emotions. The shock of being fired, the rollercoaster of revelations, and now the promise of an exciting new future - it was almost too much to process. The dinner with Maggie had been a delightful reprieve, filled with laughter and animated discussions about her vision for the think tank. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and you found yourself drawn to the idea of being part of something new and innovative.

You fumbled with your key card, your fingers still a bit clumsy from the celebratory glasses of wine you'd shared with Maggie. As the door swung open, you were surprised to see a warm, golden glow spilling out into the hallway. Hadn't you turned off all the lights before leaving this morning?

Stepping into the room, you froze, your breath catching in your throat. The soft, warm glow was emanating from the bedside lamp, casting long shadows across the plush carpet. As your eyes adjusted to the dimness, they landed on a figure lounging casually in the armchair by the window.

Lloyd Hansen sat there, one leg crossed over the other, a leather-bound book open in his hands. He looked completely at ease, as if he belonged in your private space. The golden light caught the sharp angles of his face, softening them slightly, and for a moment, you were struck by how different he looked outside of the conference halls - more relaxed, almost approachable.

But that fleeting thought was quickly overwhelmed by a surge of shock and anger. Your heart pounded in your chest, adrenaline coursing through your veins. “What are you doing here, and how did you get in my room?” you demanded.

His piercing gaze met yours, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "There you are. I was beginning to wonder if you'd lost your way."

He closed the book with a soft thud, setting it aside as he rose to his feet. In the dim light, his tall frame seemed to fill the room, and you found yourself taking an involuntary step back.

"You didn't answer my question," you said, trying to keep your voice steady. "How did you get in here?"

Lloyd chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Come on. You're far too clever to think I'd reveal all my secrets so easily. Let's just say I have my ways."

You felt a shiver run down your spine, unsure if it was from fear or something else entirely. Lloyd's presence was overwhelming, filling the room with an energy that was both thrilling and almost dangerous.

"That's not an answer," you said, forcing steel into your voice. "You have no right to be here. Get out before I call security."

Because that’s what you should do, right? Call security.

Lloyd took a step closer, his eyes never leaving yours. "Now, now. Is that any way to treat someone who's come to offer you congratulations?"

You blinked, confusion momentarily overriding your anger. "Congratulations? For what?"

A slow smile spread across Lloyd's face. "For your new position, of course. Team Director and Regional Lead for International Strategy and Innovation. Quite the impressive title."

Your blood ran cold. How could he possibly know about that? You'd only just received the offer hours ago.

"How did you…?”

“Or are you considering one of the other two offers you already know about? Bennington Corporate Consulting is going to try and catch you in the morning as well.”

Your jaw dropped. “Bennington?” You’d hardly spoken to anyone from their delegation.

He nodded. “You’ve certainly been the bell of the ball this week.”

Your mind flashed back to his comments the day before - “enjoy your flash in the pan conference fame, pumpkin, because it takes more than a couple of clever questions and answers to make it longterm in this business.”

Had that really only been a day and a half ago?

So much had happened since then.

Even between you and Lloyd - a softening last night at the gala, but then fire between you two as things had come crashing down around you this morning.

"Just enjoying my 'conference fame'," you shot back, your voice dripping with sarcasm. "That’s what you said, right? But I guess other people saw more than ‘a couple of clever questions’."

Lloyd's smile widened, a glint of something like admiration in his eyes. "Ah, you remember. I'm flattered."

"Get out," you said, your voice low and firm. "Now."

You were done playing games and you didn’t want Lloyd ruining the last hours of your final night, especially not now that you had so much to be excited about again.

But instead of leaving, Lloyd took another step closer, closing the distance between you. You could smell his cologne now, notes of sandalwood and something spicy that smelled familiar and made your head spin slightly. Or maybe that was just the wine from dinner.

"You misunderstand me," Lloyd said. "I'm not here to patronize you.”

You looked up into his face and sighed. “Look, I don’t know or even really care what you’re doing here at this point. Today has been the best of times and worst of times, and I just need you to leave.”

“Today did not go the way I wanted it to,” he replied, unmoving.

Your laugh was bitter. “Your day?” you scoffed. “Your day. Sure.”

“Fuck, I know your day was worse, but it wasn’t supposed to be a shit show. I didn’t want that for you.”

Your chest constricted. What did he mean by that? He hadn’t had anything to do with today, and maybe he would have been able to share some of what Claude had told you about Zhongxin, but…

"Please, Lloyd. I'm tired. I just want to be alone."

He studied you for a moment, his piercing blue gaze seeming to see right through you. Then, to your surprise, he nodded. "Very well. I'll go. But before I do, I have something for you."

Lloyd reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He held it out to you, his eyes never leaving yours.

You hesitated, eyeing the box warily. "What is it?"

"Open it," he insisted.

You frowned, but hesitantly took the box. Your eyes flicked back up to his once more before you tilted the top open.

You gasped.

And then in the next instant, you launched yourself at Lloyd, wrapping your arms around his chest without a second thought, because sitting pristinely in the modest jewelry box in your hand was your mother’s necklace.

Lloyd stiffened for a moment as you collided with him, clearly taken aback by your sudden embrace. His arms hung awkwardly at his sides, and you could feel the tension in his body. But then, slowly, almost hesitantly, his arms came up to encircle you.

His body was warm and solid against yours, the crisp fabric of his shirt brushing against your cheek. For another heartbeat, you both stood frozen, the air between you charged with an unexpected intimacy.

Then you suddenly remembered yourself and that this was Lloyd Hansen, and you let go and stepped back, hastily wiping at tears that had sprung from your eyes at the relief of the return of your most prized possession. “Thank you,” you breathed.

"I found it on the terrace last night after I told Chen off - which, by the way, was thoroughly satisfying. It was lying there in the moonlight, the chain broken," Lloyd explained, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “I almost missed it, but it caught my eye as I was heading back inside."

You listened, transfixed, as he continued. The warm light of the lamp softening his usually sharp features.

"I recognized it immediately, of course. I'd noticed it earlier in the evening - it's quite striking, and I know how meaningful it is to you."

Your hand instinctively went to your throat where the necklace usually rested.

“May I?” he asked, gesturing to the open box still in your hand.

You nodded and handed it to him before turning around, grateful for a moment to have your back to him after the overwhelming surge of gratitude and then the unexpected moment of tenderness between you in that hug.

You felt Lloyd's presence behind you, the warmth of his body radiating through the space between you. His fingers brushed against your neck as he carefully fastened the clasp of the necklace, sending a shiver down your spine. The familiar weight of the pendant settled against your skin, and you let out a breath you didn't realize you'd been holding.

"There," Lloyd said softly, his breath warm against your ear. "Where it belongs."

You turned to face him, your hand reaching up to feel the necklace hanging in its right place. "Thank you," you said again, your voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

Lloyd's eyes softened, a hint of vulnerability flickering across his face. "I think I might have some idea," he said quietly.

You stared at Lloyd, your mind racing. The way he was looking at you now, the softness in his eyes, the gentleness of his touch as he fastened the necklace - it all felt achingly familiar. And suddenly, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, you realized why.

The man from the masquerade. The one who had swept you off your feet, who had made you feel seen and understood in a way so few people in your life ever had before in the few hours you’d shared together. The one whose kiss had left you breathless and yearning for more. It was Lloyd.

Your heart pounded in your chest as the realization washed over you. The height, the broad shoulders, the way he moved with such grace and confidence - how had you not seen it before? Even his scent, that intoxicating blend of sandalwood and spice, was the same.

"It was you," you breathed, your voice barely above a whisper. "At the masquerade. I told you the necklace belonged to my mother."

“And that she said it would bring you good luck,” he added softly.

Anger flared within you, hot and sudden. "I thought it was you! Last night when we were dancing, I thought…” you took a step back. “But you just deflected me. Was this all some kind of game to you?"

The room suddenly felt smaller, the air thick with tension. You took another step back, putting more distance between yourself and Lloyd.

"Did you think it was funny?" you demanded, your hands clenching into fists at your sides. "Watching me stumble through our interactions, never quite sure why I felt so drawn to you despite your infuriating behavior? Was it amusing to see me struggle with these conflicting emotions?"

“No!” Lloyd took a step towards you, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "No, I didn’t know until last night at the dinner - it was the first time your necklace was openly on display. But do you think it was a picnic for me this week? Overhearing two people I don’t even know gossip over me at a cafe the first morning of the conference? Literally bumping into that woman only hours later, having her appear in the circle of people I’m supposed to interact with, and - as my father so kindly informed you - take the spot I might have had at the panel yesterday?”

Your mind raced back through every encounter you'd had with Lloyd during the conference. The heated debates, the sharp exchanges, the moments of unexpected vulnerability - they all took on a new light with this revelation.

"So what was all of that then?" you asked, your voice quieter now but still tinged with hurt and confusion. "The antagonism, the competition - was any of it real?"

Lloyd ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that seemed uncharacteristically nervous for him. "All of it was real," he said. "My frustration, the admiration that grew for your intellect, my attraction to you - it was all real.”

You opened your mouth to push against him more, but before you could form the words, Lloyd surged forward. His hands cupped your face as his lips crashed against yours, hard and insistent. The sudden intensity of the kiss stole your breath away, igniting a fire that spread through your entire body.

For a moment, you were too stunned to react. But then instinct took over, and you found yourself responding with equal fervor. Your hands fisted in the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer as you melted into the kiss. The familiar scent of his cologne enveloped you, bringing back flashes of that magical night at the masquerade.

Lloyd's lips moved against yours with a desperate hunger, as if he'd been holding back for far too long. Your hands slid up Lloyd's arms, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt, before coming to rest on his broad shoulders. His body pressed against you, warm and solid, as he backed you up against the wall. The cool surface against your back contrasted sharply with the heat radiating from Lloyd's chest, sending a shiver down your spine.

Your fingers tangled in Lloyd's hair as the kiss deepened, your bodies pressed tightly together against the wall. The heat between you was intoxicating, clouding your mind and making it hard to think of anything but the feel of his lips on yours, his hands roaming your body.

With a low groan, Lloyd broke the kiss, resting his forehead against yours as you both caught your breath. His blue eyes were dark with desire as he looked at you, searching your face.

"I've wanted to do that all week," he murmured, his voice husky.

You let out a shaky laugh, your head spinning. "Even when you were being an absolute jerk to me?"

A wry smile tugged at Lloyd's lips. "Especially then. You're magnificent when you're fired up."

His words sent a thrill through you, and you found yourself pulling him in for another kiss. The world around you faded away, leaving only the electric current passing between your bodies. Lloyd's hands roamed down your sides, settling on your hips and grinding into you.

A soft moan escaped your lips and Lloyd's mouth moved to your neck, trailing hot kisses along your jawline. His teeth grazed your pulse point, sending sparks of pleasure coursing through you. You arched into him, craving more of his touch.

"Lloyd," you breathed, your voice husky with desire.

He pulled back slightly, his blue eyes dark with passion as they met yours. For a moment, you both stood there, chests heaving, the air between you charged with unspoken longing.

"Tell me to stop," Lloyd murmured, his thumb tracing your lower lip. "One word from you, and I will.”

“No words, just this,” you demanded, pulling him back in for another searing kiss.

Lloyd groaned against your mouth, his hands sliding down to grip your thighs. In one smooth motion, he lifted you up, pinning you against the wall as you wrapped your legs around his waist. The new angle allowed you to grind against him, eliciting a low moan from Lloyd that sent shivers down your spine.

His lips blazed another trail of hot kisses along your jawline and down your neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. You tilted your head back, giving him better access as your fingers tangled in his hair. The familiar scent of his cologne mixed with the heady aroma of desire, intoxicating you further.

"Bed," you managed to gasp out between kisses. "Now."

Lloyd didn't need to be told twice. His clothing hadn’t done much to conceal his muscles all week, and you experienced now the strength of them as carried you effortlessly across the room before throwing you down on the bed.

You landed on the plush hotel bed with a soft thud, your heart racing as you looked up at Lloyd. He stood for a moment at the foot of the bed, his eyes raking over your body with undisguised hunger. He crawled up to join you, his movements predatory.

Lloyd hovered over you, his intense gaze locked on yours. The weight of his body pressed you into the mattress as he captured your lips in another hungry, searing kiss. Your hands roamed over his broad shoulders and down his back, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt.

With deft fingers, you began unbuttoning the shirt, desperate to feel his bare skin against yours. He shrugged out of it impatiently, tossing it aside before turning his attention to your own clothing. His hands slid under your blouse, leaving trails of fire in their wake as they skimmed up your sides.

"Off," Lloyd growled, tugging at the hem of your top. You arched your back, allowing him to pull it over your head. His eyes darkened as they raked over your newly exposed skin.

Lloyd's lips descended on your collarbone, planting hot, open-mouthed kisses along the sensitive skin. His hands roamed over your body, caressing and exploring as if memorizing every curve. You arched into his touch, craving more.

With deft fingers, Lloyd unclasped your bra, tossing it aside. His mouth moved lower, trailing kisses down the valley between your breasts before capturing a nipple between his lips. You gasped at the sensation, your fingers tangling in his hair to hold him closer.

As Lloyd lavished attention on your breasts, his hand slid down your stomach to the waistband of your pants. He looked up at you, his eyes dark with desire but seeking permission. You nodded eagerly, lifting your hips to help as he tugged your pants and underwear down in one swift motion.

Lloyd sat back on his heels, his eyes roaming over your newly exposed body with undisguised reverence. The soft light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow across your skin, highlighting every lush curve and dip. You felt a momentary flicker of self-consciousness, but it was quickly extinguished by the raw desire blazing in Lloyd's eyes.

"Fuck, you're beautiful," he breathed, his voice low and husky.

His gaze traveled slowly up your body, taking in every inch of you. He drank in the sight of your full, shapely legs, the soft swell of your hips, the gentle curve of your stomach. His eyes lingered on your breasts, full and heavy, before finally meeting your eyes.

What you saw there made your breath catch in your throat. There was no hesitation, no hint of disappointment or judgment. Instead, Lloyd's eyes blazed with unbridled desire and admiration as they met yours. His gaze was so intense, so full of raw need, that you felt yourself flush under his scrutiny.

"Come here," you murmured, reaching for him.

He did so immediately, but you knew instinctively it wasn’t to comply, but only because he wanted to. He lowered himself over you, his skin hot against yours as he captured your lips in a searing kiss. You reveled in the feeling of his bare chest pressed against you, your hands roaming over the planes of his back.

As you kissed, Lloyd's hand trailed down your body, skimming over your curves before dipping between your thighs. You gasped against his mouth as his fingers found your center, already slick with arousal. He stroked you slowly, teasingly, swallowing your moans with his kisses.

"Lloyd," you whined, reaching for his belt, needing him to be as naked as you.

He chuckled darkly against your neck as your fingers fumbled with his belt buckle. "Patience, Cinderella," he murmured, his breath hot on your skin. But despite his words, he pushed back and knelt on the mattress, allowing you better access.

You made quick work of his belt and zipper, pushing his pants and boxer briefs down his hips. Lloyd shifted off the bed, standing briefly to kick them off completely, and you took a moment to admire his naked form. His body was all hard muscle and sharp angles, a stark contrast to your softer curves. Your eyes traveled down his torso, following the trail of dark hair that led to his impressive erection.

Lloyd caught you staring and smirked, his usual cockiness returning. "Like what you see?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Instead of answering, you reached out and grabbed his hand, tugging him back to join you on the bed. He crawled over you once more. Lloyd's body pressed against yours, skin to skin, as he settled between your thighs. The feeling of his hard length against your core sent a shiver of anticipation through you. His lips found yours again in a deep, passionate kiss that left you breathless.

You arched into him, craving more contact, more friction. Lloyd's hand slid down your side, gripping your thigh and hitching it higher around his waist. The new angle allowed him to grind against you more fully, and you both groaned at the sensation.

"Lloyd," you gasped against his mouth, your nails raking down his back. "I need you."

Lloyd pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with desire as they met yours. "I’m not fucking you with a condom," he stated, his voice strained with barely contained need.

You shivered at his bold declaration, a rush of heat coursing through you.

"IUD," you breathed and arched up to press against him. "Please, Lloyd. Fuck me already.”

A low growl rumbled in Lloyd's chest at your words and he nipped at your bottom lip. He positioned himself at your entrance and with one smooth thrust, he buried himself inside you to the hilt.

You cried out at the exquisite fullness, your body stretching to accommodate his impressive size. Lloyd stilled for a moment, his forehead pressed against yours as you both adjusted to the overwhelming sensation.

"Fuuuuck," Lloyd groaned, his voice rough with pleasure.

He began to move, setting a slow, deep rhythm that had you gasping with each thrust. Your legs wrapped tighter around his waist, pulling him closer as your hips rose to meet his.

The room filled with the sounds of your shared pleasure - gasps, moans, and the rhythmic slap of skin on skin. Your nails raked down his back as the tension coiled tighter in your core.

"Damn, you feel amazing," Lloyd breathed against your neck, his voice strained with effort. "Such a tight, perfect cunt."

His words sent a thrill through you, stoking the fire burning in your veins.The headboard knocked against the wall with each powerful movement, but you were too lost in sensation to care.

Lloyd shifted slightly, changing the angle of his thrusts. Suddenly, he was hitting that perfect spot inside you with each stroke. You groaned, your body trembling as the pleasure built to an almost unbearable point. You slipped your hand down between your bodies to rub your clit, and Lloyd grunted in approval.

"That's a good girl, touch yourself for me," Lloyd growled, his voice husky with desire. "I want to feel you come undone around my cock."

His words pushed you even closer to the edge. You circled your clit faster, matching the rhythm of Lloyd's increasingly urgent thrusts. The tension inside you built to a fever pitch, your body trembling on the precipice of release.

"Lloyd," you gasped, your free hand gripping his shoulder tightly. "I'm so close."

"Let go," he commanded, his blue eyes blazing into yours. "Come for me, now."

As if your body was obeying his command, your orgasm crashed over you in waves of intense pleasure. You cried out, your back arching off the bed as your inner walls clenched tightly around Lloyd's length. The sensation of your release made him snarl and snap his hips faster and more violently against yours. It didn’t take much longer, and then with a guttural groan, he thrust deep inside you one final time, his body shuddering as he spilled himself within you. The feeling of his hot release prolonged the high from your own orgasm, smaller waves of pleasure rolling over you feeling him fill you with his cum.

For several long moments, you both remained still, breathing heavily as the waves of pleasure slowly subsided. Lloyd's weight pressed you into the mattress, and you welcomed it, his face buried in the crook of your neck. You could feel his heart racing against your chest, matching the rapid beat of your own.

Finally, Lloyd lifted his head, his blue eyes meeting yours. The intensity of his gaze made your breath catch in your throat. There was a vulnerability there that you hadn't seen before, a softness that contrasted sharply with his usual bravado.

He leaned in, capturing your lips in a kiss that was slow but still infused with a potentially dangerous heat, and you couldn’t help but surrender to it. Then he rolled onto his back, taking you with him, holding you against his chest, and he stared up at the ceiling.

You lay there for several long moments, your head resting on Lloyd's chest, listening to his heartbeat gradually slow. The room was quiet except for the sound of your mingled breathing and the distant hum of the city outside.

"Well," Lloyd finally broke the silence, his voice a low rumble in his chest. "That was..."

"Unexpected?" you offered, tilting your head to look up at him.

A smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "I was about to say something far too salacious for your delicate princess ears, but unexpected works too."

You scoffed, poked him in the side, and tried to move away from him as he flinched, but he chuckled while easily keeping you trapped with his arm still banded around your back. With his other hand, he tilted your chin up, and kissed you again until you melted against him.

Once mollified, you curled up against him again, settling into the last of the post-coital haze. As it began to clear, the landscape of the situation started to come into focus. You had just slept with Lloyd Hansen - the man who had been an enigmatic menace to you all week, who had prodding you and perplexing you in equal measure. The man who, as it turned out, had also been the mysterious and irresistible masquerade dance partner you had yearned for since that magical night together at Versailles.

You propped yourself up on an elbow, looking down at Lloyd. His blue eyes met yours, a clear level of satisfaction in their blue depths.

“What is it, Cinderella?” he asked, mustache twitching as he smirked at you.

"So you said you didn’t figure out who I was until last night, but why didn't you say something once you knew?”

Lloyd's smirk faded slightly as he considered your question.

"Honestly? I wasn't sure how to approach it," he admitted. "Our interactions had been complicated, to say the least. I didn't know how you'd react if I suddenly revealed that I was the man from the masquerade."

You nodded slowly, understanding his hesitation.

"Plus," Lloyd continued, a hint of his usual cockiness returning, "I enjoyed our verbal sparring. I didn't want it to end just yet."

You couldn't help but laugh at that. "Of course you did."

Lloyd's hand trailed lazily up and down your spine, sending pleasant shivers through your body. "And I’ll admit part of me wanted to win you over as Lloyd Hansen.”

Your chest tightened - but not in an unpleasant way - when he said that.

“Of course my plans were shut down when everything went to hell this morning with Zhongxin and Amilla," he conceded.

You nodded, remembering the chaos of the day's events, including your own unfair vitriol toward him. "So why come here tonight?"

Lloyd's lips quirked into a smirk. "Well, I couldn't very well let my Cinderella leave without her glass slipper, could I?" He nodded towards the necklace still hanging around your neck.

You rolled your eyes at his cheesy line, but couldn't help the smile that tugged at your lips. "And the breaking and entering?"

“I like my share of villainy.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head at his audacity. "You're incorrigible."

"And you can’t resist it," Lloyd retorted, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

You bit your lip, not wanting to admit how right he was. Instead, you changed the subject. "What happens now?"

Lloyd groaned and rolled you over, pinning you beneath him. “Clearly I need to fuck you until your pretty little head is empty so we can stop the inquisition.”

You grinned. “If you think I’m going to complain about a threat like that, you’re wrong,” you replied.

Lloyd's eyes darkened with desire as you spread your legs invitingly. He lowered his head to trail hot kisses along your neck, nipping gently at your pulse point.

"So eager," he murmured against your skin. "I like that."

His hand slid down your body, fingers tracing teasing patterns along your inner thigh. You arched into his touch, craving more. Lloyd chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying the effect he had on you.

"Patience, princess," he admonished playfully. "We have all night."

final chapter: DEPARTURE DAY

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

I do not do tag lists, but FOLLOW @buckets-and-stories and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to be updated any time I publish a new work!

[worldgonewrongpod]

COMING FROM AUDACIOUS MACHINE CREATIVE:

A new audio fiction podcast created and written by Gabriel Urbina

With the Pilot debuting at the 2025 Tribeca Festival

In the wake of a world-altering magical incident, the only two living magicians wrestle with how we got here and what happens next. When Adam Blackwell and Amy Stirling met, they immediately clashed. They were both grad students studying a long dead language, academic rivals, and brief paramours - though they’d really prefer if everyone forgot about that last thing, thank you very much. Then they became the only people in the world capable of doing magic. Over the course of the next five years, they became global superstars, objects of adoration, scrutiny, and fear. Until one day, Amy baits Adam into doing something incredible and terrible. The world's only two magicians are inextricably linked and now have to answer some difficult questions. Is this the right way to use their power? Have they done irreparable damage to the world? And above everything else, what are they going to do next? Don’t miss further announcements - Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or by searching for “The Harbingers” wherever you listen to Podcasts!

====

Credits

Created & Written by Gabriel Urbina (he/him) Directed & Sound Designed by Jeffrey Nils Gardner (they/them) Executive Producers Eleanor Hyde (she/her), Jeffrey Nils Gardner (they/them) The pilot features Joshua K Harris (he/him), Felix (they/them), Krista D'Agostino (she/her), and Olivia Love-Hatlestad (they/them)

[the-owl-tree]

Deer's Xenofiction List - The Good, the Bad, and the Furry

Compilation of my xenofiction books I've read, my opinions on them, and ones that I've yet to get to. Will be updated as I go along, if I remember. Books I have not read have an asterisk (*) in front of them. Not a complete list, I will update as I gather more titles.

Adaptations will be listed along with the source material and not as a separate entry.

While I am accepting additions to the list, please make sure your suggestion isn't already listed.

Last Updated: 24-06-2024

-New additions to the books section

-Categories and sub-categories being considered: short films, animal transformation (human to animal).

-Content Warning: Mentions of sexual assault, animal abuse, animal death, and violence. Only a handful of entries have content warnings because they were given to me prior. Please look into the works beforehand to see if you feel comfortable engaging with them, this list is not a content warning guide.

Books

Warriors by Erin Hunter - A long-running series following the drama of four groups of feral cat groups in a forest.

Rating: sucks just read the first arc and nothing else. unless you have childhood nostalgia for this series you probably won't like anything that comes after.

Seekers by Erin Hunter - another animal series from the erin hunter team. It follows a group of bears searching for a safe place to live.

Rating: It's fine. I only read the first arc. While it has a much drearier tone than Warriors at times as it deals with growing environmental impact of global warming and human interference. If you like Erin Hunter's writing style, you might like this one.

*Survivors by Erin Hunter - Look we just gotta get these out of the way, these guys have a monopoly on kid's animal books. Survivors follows a dog named Lucky (yes. really) trying to survive in an area abandoned by humans.

Rating: I read the first book and nothing else. I'm sure it's...fine, suitable for a dog-obsessed young reader but as it is, no one's really rushed to recommend it to me. I'm sure it has fans somewhere, but I can't really speak for them.

*Bravelands by Erin Hunter - uuuhhh animals? in Africa? Surviving? I guess? Sorry my bias against Hunter is showing, but at some point you start to wonder what's going on here, you can feel them trying to recreate the success of Warriors.

Rating: idk what to tell you, never read it and probably never will. If you're a person who likes lion stories, you might enjoy this, maybe? Been told the hyena rep is appalling, another sad day for hyena lovers everywhere.

*Bamboo Kingdom by (you guessed it) Erin Hunter - It follows three pandas (apparently) each in different panda kingdoms.

Rating: I couldn't tell you shit about this one to be honest. You want more bears? Here's bears!

The Bees by Laline Paull - A novel following the life of Flora, a sanitation bee in her hive who rises through the ranks of her devout society.

Rating: Unfocused at times and a rushed ending, but a gripping story nonetheless. Would recommend!

Pod by Laline Paull - Follows the life of Eira, a spinner dolphin from an "exotic tribe" who is forcibly taken into another group of dolphin's to become a member of their leaders harem.

Rating: This book relies on the mythos of "dolphin rape" with numerous, non-graphic sexual assault scenes. While interesting concepts are introduced and, at times, the plot becomes compelling; it otherwise flounders its premise with messy execution and poorly thought out ideas. Also there's an American spy dolphin named Google, make of that what you will.

*The Wildlings and its sequel The Hundred Names of Darkness by Nilanjana Roy - A book about a small band of cats lives in the labyrinthine alleys and ruins of Nizamuddin, an old neighbourhood in Delhi.

Rating: Recommended multiple times to me by different people, no warnings given.

Varjak Paw (and sequels) by S. F. Said and illustrated by Dave Mckean - A short book about Varjak, a Mesopotamian Blue Cat, and his journey to learn an ancient art from his family’s past.

Rating: Varjak Paw is unique with striking imagery and interesting ideas. However, the writing in itself is far from anything special. The book it at its best when accompanied by Mckean’s striking visuals.

*The Underneath by Kathi Appelt - An abused dog hides under the porch of a home to escape from its owner. Based on a reply I've been given, do not ask me to expand anymore on the plot of this book, I have no goddamn clue.

Rating: Described as a formative book for reading xenofiction, it’s been recommended highly! Contains heavy topics such as animal abuse, be warned.

*Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies - A novel following a red deer named Rannoch and a prophecy that looms over him.

Rating: It seems to have a decent fanbase and it's been recommended to me a handful of times.

*Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten - A coming-of-age novel following a roe deer named Bambi. Best known from the 1942 Disney film.

Rating: If you're a deerhead, check it out I guess!

*Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker - Often (favorably) compared to a textbook, Raptor Red follows a female Utahraptor. Written by a paleontologist, it's meant to be a realistic look at dinosaur's social habits and their interactions with their world.

Rating: Yet to read but sounds cool as fuck. This book contains a heavy emphasis on realism and world-building, with little dialogue. It may be slow for some readers!

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell - Horse girls, certain English classes, and so on, Black Beauty is fairly well-known. Though for those unaware, Black Beauty follows the titular Black Beauty's life in Victorian days.

Rating: It's a classic! Pulls at your heart strings! Just typing this out makes me want to reread it.

Watership Down by Richard Adams - Similar to Black Beauty, I can't imagine anyone reading this list doesn't know about the tale of a group of rabbit's trying to survive a harsh world.

Rating: It's well-written with a lively world, but its treatment of its female cast reveals a deep gendered bias in the writing.

*Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert. C. O'Brien - Mostly known from the (excellent) Don Bluth adaptation, the book follows Mrs. Frisby and he encounter with a group of highly intelligent rats.

Rating: Yet to read.

*Redwall by Brian Jacques - A 22 book series following a group of anthrophormic animals who live in Redwall Abbey and their call to action to defend themselves from "vermin".

Rating: Yet to read

Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky - A 31 book series following a group of owls and their attempts to thwart evil. The first arc follows Soren and his attempts to find the owls of Ga'Hoole and beat the 'Pure Ones' while the later books act as an epilogue and prequel.

Rating: First half read and loved! Highly recommend! Handling of Kludd is...meh.

Note: It has an animated film adaptation! While not entirely faithful, it still does a great job keeping to the themes of the books, trimming the fat, and telling a complete story. It also has two video games, one on DS and one on ah other consoles? Both are fun, I like the Wii version.

*(sorta?) Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland - Most people reading this will know this one! It takes place in a world of dragons with seven tribes. The first arc follows the exploits of prophecized dragonets and their attempts to end a war.

Rating: I've yet to finish it. The writing is skewed for a younger audience but is charming nonetheless.

Note: It has a graphic novel adaptation illustrated by Mike Holmes.

*Duncton Wood (First book of the Duncton Chronicles) by William Horwood - A novel the three groups of moles in Duncton Woods and the tyranny of a powerful mole named Mandrake.

Rating: Not yet read, heard good things! lots of mole sex apparently.

The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams - After escaping an animal research facility, Snitter and Rowf escape out into the wild where they must survive a hostile world.

Rating: ough. my heart. would recommend.

Note: Well-known for its animated adaptation, would recommend it as well.

*Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel - The first in the Silverwing book series, Silverwing follows a bat named Shade who loses his colony during a migration to the south.

Rating: Yet to read but I've heard good things!

Note: Currently has an animated television adaptation, go check it out!

*A Black Fox Running by Brian Carter - The story follows the tale of a dark-furred fox named Wulfgar and his human nemesis, Scoble the trapper, over the course of time.

Rating: Yet to read.

*The Books of the Named/Ratha’s Creature (First book of the Ratha’s Creature series) by Clare’s Bell - Ratha’s Creature is set in prehistoric times following the story of Ratha, a Dinaelurus nimravid(?) and her role as a female in her Clan.

Yet to read, often recommended in the Xenofiction scene.

*The Taken (Book one of the Foxcraft trilogy) by Inbali Inserles - Follows the story of Isla, a fox kit who loses her home and family and must survive in the world of “furless” while mastering Foxcraft.

Recommended by @girlashfur

*Hurry Home, Candy by Meindert DeJong and illustrations by Maurice Sendak - Described as "heavy", Hurry Home, Candy follows the life and struggles of a dog named Candy.

Recommended by @mosshugs

Felidae (the first book in a nine book series) by Akif Pirinçci - A crime novel following Francis the cat as he tries to uncover the truth behind a series of murders in his new neighborhood.

Rating: I haven't read the novel and nor do I want to, but I did watch the adaptation. It's a grisly one but apart from the violent murders and striking imagery in the film, you're not missing much by skipping it. I can't really recommend this one for a variety of reasons.

Important: I can't stop you from reading the book or watching the animated adaptation, I watched the animated adaptation, but please do not financially support the author in any way. Pirinçci is a far-right dipshit and does not deserve support.

The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann - With eight books under its belt, The Animals of Farthing Wood originally started as one book about a group of woodland animals trying to find a new home after losing their old one to human development. It was followed by six sequels and one prequel.

Rating: Haven't read the books but I love the animated adaptation of it! I recommend checking out both.

*Ragweed (First book of the Dimwood book series) by Avi - A book about the adventures of a mouse seeing the world.

Recommended by @meanling

*A Dog's Life: An Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin - Written by the same author of the Babysitter's Club series, A Dog's Life chronicles the life of a dog named Squirrel.

Recommended by @meanling

*Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker and illustrations by Junyi Wu - Scary Stories for Young Foxes is a book consisting of several stories all told by a mother to her kits.

Recommended anonymously

*The Sight (and its sequel The Fell) by David Clement-Davies - Set in the same universe as Fire Bringer, The Sight follows a pack of wolves cursed by a lone wolf, Morgra, whose powers foretell the destiny of one of the mother wolf's pups: Larka, a white wolf gifted with a mysterious power known as The Sight.

Not yet read.

*Last of the Curlews by Fred Bodsworth - A realistic depiction of the journey of the last of a critically endangered and soon to be extinct bird.

Not yet read.

Note: Has an animated adaptation!

*Wish Tree by Katherine Applegate - From the same author as The One and Only Ivan! While this story includes animals, it's main character is an old oak tree named Red! The perspective is really interesting. She is both the neighborhood wish tree, and a home for many animals. A family of Muslim refugees move into the neighborhood, with the kid, Samar, becoming attached to the tree.

Not yet read.

*Pax by Sara Pennypacker - A war approaches and Peter must release his pet fox when his father enlists. The story alternates between Peter as he starts a journey to find his pet, and Pax who is learning to survive in the wild.

Not yet read.

*A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Perry - Inspired by the wolf 0R-7 (Journey), we follow Swift. After a rival wolf pack attacks, Swift's family scatters and must find a new home, taking an 1000 mile journey across the Pacific Northwest.

Not yet read.

*The Tygrine Cat by Inbali Iserles - Alone and lost, a young cat called Mati is struggling to be accepted by a colony of street cats in the bustling marketplace at Cressida Lock. What Mati doesn’t know is that he is the last of a vital, age-old breed and that a mysterious feline assassin named Mithos is close on his trail. With his enemy nearing, can Mati learn to harness his ancient powers — before a deadly feline force destroys both him and his newfound friends and takes the spirit of every cat on earth?

Not yet read.

Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis - The ancient Greek Gods make a bet and endow fifteen dogs from a shelter with human-level intelligence.

Rating: I can't say I loved this book but nonetheless I appreciated it's prose. If you can get past outdated pack dynamics and some...questionable writing around its female characters, there's a lot to appreciate. Mind you, this is a book for adults and does not shy away from sexual material.

Comics (Webcomics included)

Beasts of Burden written by Evan Dorkin and illustrated by Benjamin Dewey and Jill Thompson - The comics follow along the adventures of the ‘Beasts of Burden’ a group of animals who investigate paranormal happenings in their neighborhood.

Rating: With gorgeous art and an interesting world, I recommend! Just be warned, it is bloody and the sory doesn't hold your hand.

Note: Beasts of Burden currently has 21 comics published in Dark Horse Comics.

What Lurks Beneath by ArualMeow - A feral colony must grapple with a food shortage while simultaneously tussling with the divide between two groups of cats.

Rating - A highly compelling read. Each character plays a role in the unravelling drama of three siblings and you will walk away loving someone.

Note: Ongoing!

I Hope So by Detective Calico - A rewrite of My Pride turned into an original story, I Hope So follows the story of three lionesses navigating both the complicated politics of the lion prides but also the harsh environment they must survive in.

Rating: Slow to update but absolutely worth it! I Hope So is a charming and interesting read. It’s yet to finish but it’s far enough that you'll be able to invest yourself in the world and characters with no trouble!

Note: Ongoing!

Tofauti Sawa by TheCynicalHound - A revenge story that follows a spotted hyena named Sahara.

Rating: Tofauti Sawa is not here to endear you to its protagonists or hold your hand. It can be a tough read but a worthwhile one nonetheless. I need to catch up but I recommend it!

Note: Ongoing!

*Golden Shrike by Doeprince - A story about twin deer and their friends and their search to retrieve three fallen stars for a bored God.

Rating: Yet to read but I've heard good things!

Note: Ongoing!

*Doe of Deadwood by Songdog - It follows a deer who has a pact with a demon that takes the form of a tree. It has some heavy themes and light gore.

Recommended by @beeloaf

Note: Complete!

Jet and Harley by Doeprince - Described as a beautiful piece on grief and moving on, Jet and Harley stars a kitty cast and gorgeous artwork.

Rating: Recommended anonymously. It's still starting but it has some strong set up and charming writing going for it, I recommend keeping an eye on it!

Note: Ongoing!

Preeny Has to Repeat 6th Grade by momodriller - A love letter to adoptables and the creativity of young artists, this charming comic utilizes designs bought from adoptables on DeviantArt! It follows the story of Preeny, a young cat with a magic brush tail and what happens when her whole world turns upside down.

Rating: Beyond adorable, charming and sweet. There's a lot of love put into this webcomic and it shows! Highly recommend.

Note: Ongoing!

Africa by Arven92 - The story of a female leopard named Africa and her quest to protect her family and loved ones while her territory comes under threat.

Rating: Gorgeously drawn and with a story that twists, Africa pulls no punches in showing you the wickedness of its antagonists but also the enduring bond of a family.

Note: Ongoing!

*Oren's Forge by Teagan Gavet - A webcomic that explores the dynamics of predator and prey and what happens when those divisions fall in the story of a pair of pine martens and their journey for sanctuary.

Rating: Not yet read

Note: Ongoing!

*Pride of Baghdad written by Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon - A graphic novel falling the fictionalized account of the real life escape of four lions from the Baghdad Zoo after an American bombing in 2003.

Rating: Not yet read.

Content warning for graphic violence, gore, animal death, and a brief one panel depiction of sexual assault.

*I Didn't Know by Songdog - A comic about a cat exiled from her Church.

Rating: Not yet read.

Note: Ongoing

*Fox Fires by Pipilia - This ongoing Webtoon follows a Tanuki named Raate as she goes on a journey to find the missing "Fox Fires", a gate between the land of the dead and living. She encounters many friends such as birds who are messangers for elves, magic cats, and normal mean wolves.

Not yet read.

Note: Ongoing

Manga & Anime

*Silver Fang Gin and Ginga Densetsu Weed written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Takahashi - The original and the sequel respectively, the manga series follow Akita dogs, Gin and Weed. While Silver Fang focuses on Gin's search to fight the monstrous "Red Helmet", Weed follows the titular Weed and his search for his father.

Rating: I've not read this but upon getting recommended it, multiple people warned me about the misogyny in the series. Ye be warned. Additionally, the manga is (apparently) very gory!

Note: Both have anime adaptations. Weed's opening is a fucking banger go watch it at the very least.

Beastars (and Beast Complex by extension) written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki - In a world of anthromorphic animals, Beastars follows Legosi, a young wolf navigating his complicated feelings towards other species and learning more about his world.

Rating: Beastars is action-packed, fun, emotional, and dramatic! The first half is a compelling story of identity and how we interact with one another and the complex forces of society that drive our feelings, all wrapped up in a wonderous animal metaphor. As a coming-of-age story, it carries themes of desire, sexual desire, yearning, shame, and more. The second half is eeeeehhh not as strong, but I still recommend it nonetheless!

Note: Beastars currently has an anime adaptation by Studio Orange! It looks fantastic and has some really nice quality of life changes. Highly recommend.

Chi's Sweet Home written and illustrated by Konami Kanata - An adorable slice-of-life story following a cute kitten named Chi adapting to her new home.

Rating: It's just plain cute! If you're looking for something adorable to help you relax, I recommend this one. It's for a younger age demographic so don't go in expecting deep storylines or anything.

Note: Chi's Sweet Home has two adaptations: one with traditional 2D Japanese animation and two seasons and a 2016 3DCGI adaptation. I'd recommend the original adaptation but that's pure preference.

Nyankees written and illustrated by Atsushi Okada - A comedy manga that depicts street cats as brawling "yankees", drawing them as both cat and human to depict their brawls over food, territory, and ladies!

Rating: It's funny, I can't deny the humor in this one makes me chuckle. It's a little racy but otherwise, a fun, light-hearted read.

*A Cat's Tale written by Sae-Him Kwon and Hyeon-Jung Kim and illustrated by Kwon-Sam - A thrilling tale of murder and deception from the animals living on the Sae-Min's farm from the point of view of an elderly cat.

Rating: Yet to read, discovered on Anime-Planet's search system.

Monotone Blue written and illustrated by Nagabe - A story set in high school, it's a BL manga that follows Hachi the cat and Aoi the lizard.

Rating: Yet to read, but I adore the author's other works so I have high expectations!

*Neko to Ryuu written by Amara and illustrated by Sasaki Izumi- A cat raises a baby dragon as her own.

Rating: Yet to read but come on, that sounds adorable.

A Story of Seven Lives written and illustrated by Shirawaka Gin - A Story of Seven Lives follows Nanao, a former housecat turned street cat after a terrible tragedy.

Rating: It's a tearjerker and absolutely adorable. The artwork is lovely and all the cats' designs look fantastic. if you're interested in a simple drama about the relationship between cats and people, i would highly recommend it.

Note: There are human protagonists! If you want pure animal protagonists, maybe skip this one.

*The Walking Cat: A Cat's-Eye-View of the Zombie Apocalypse by Tomo Kitaoka - Zombies roam the earth and civilization as we know it is dead. When Jin—a young man trying to survive the chaos—rescues a cat from certain death, the unlikely duo sets off on a quest to find a mysterious island where Jin’s wife may be alive. Witness the zombie apocalypse through the eyes of a fearless feline whose curiosity may kill him yet.

Rating: Not yet read.

PLEASE READ: Due to its setting, this series has been given a handful of content warnings, please heed this warning before you read. Content warning for gore, death, sexual abuse, physical abuse.

Film

i'm not gonna put every disney or dreamworks film on here i'm sure a majority of us know that disney makes a lot of already popular animal films. if possible, i'd like to spotlight some films that weren't made by big studios and/or don't get a lot of attention. Further note, some of these are adaptations of children's books. I'm cheating a little here mainly because the adaptations are more well-known and probably more appealing for readers of this list than the original books. Uh, sorry.

The Brave Little Toaster directed by Jerry Rees - The film follows the adventures of sentient kitchen appliances and the search for their owner.

Rating: Aimed for a younger audience, it's an adorable viewing for all ages.

Isle of Dogs directed by Wes Anderson - In the year 2038, canine flu breaks out in a futuristic Japan and all dogs are sent to 'trash island' where they fight to survive. One day, a young Japanese boy crashes down on trash island to find his dog.

Rating: The stop-motion animation is gorgeous, the writing is fun and charming, and the visuals are amazing, however the film has rightfully garnered criticism for its stereotypical depiction of Japanese society and 'white savior' narrative around one of its human characters.

Chirin no Suzu (English Title: Ringing Bell/Chirin's Bell) directed by Masami Hata - On a farm, Chirin witnesses the death of his mother to a wolf. Distraught and filled with rage, Chirin vows to get revenge and trains to do so.

Rating: A fantastic and visually striking film, the film's cute aesthetics hide a sombre and darker story. Would recommend!

*Vuk (English Title: The Little Fox) directed by Atilla Dargay - A Hungarian animated film that follows the life of a fox and how he must use his wits to survive.

Rating: Not yet watched.

Arashi no Yoru Ni (English Title: One Stormy Night) directed by Gisaburō Sugii - On one stormy night, a sheep and a wolf take refuge from a storm in the same abandoned home and befriend each other...unaware of what species the other is until later. They strike an unusual friendship that's tested when their respective groups begin to clash.

Rating: Cute, sweet, and well-animated, One Stormy Night is well known for the romantic undertones of its two leads. I think it's adorable and highly recommend.

Note: It received another adaptation of the same source material, a 3D animated show where they made the sheep a girl. Do with that information what you will.

Leafy, A Hen into the Wild directed by Oh Sung-yoon - A farm chicken dreams of one day living a life in the wild and raising her own clutch of eggs and, after faking her death to escape, finally gets the opportunity to do so.

Rating: A gorgeous animated film with moments that will tug at your heart strings. It's got some kiddy jokes with poop and fart jokes but they're not too distracting. Would recommend!

Note: Please find a version with the ORIGINAL ending, not the censored one. It is more thematically fitting and one heck of a gut-punch.

Underdog/A Dog's Courage directed by Lee Chun-baek and Oh Sung-yoon - After being abandoned by his owners, a dog joins up with a pack of other dogs in search of 'paradise'.

Rating: Despite some poor pacing and wonky tonal problems, I think this movie is still worth checking out! The character designs are cute and it's decent entertainment if you've got some time.

Note: There's a post that says this movie is about dogs escaping to North Korea, it's not true. They escape from North Korea to South Korea.

Padak directed by Dae-Hee Lee - A dark and sometimes brutal film about a wild fish that ends up in a restaurant fish tank that overlooks the ocean. The film stays there and the audience is given a tense, nerve-wracking narrative of life and death.

Rating: A fantastic, emotional movie that uses its limited setting to its full advantage. It's brutal and unforgiving but one hundred percent worth the watch.

Khumba directed by Anthony Silverston - A film that follows a zebra with only half his stripes and his journey to gain the rest of them in hopes of being accepted by his herd.

Rating: It's fine, a little wonky but it has a lot of heart.

Earnest and Celestine directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner - A gorgeous 2D French animated film based on a series of children's films about a bear who takes in an orphan mouse in an anthropomorphic society that does not approve.

Rating: you're going to get cavities at how sweet this film is. Charming, funny, and visually stunning, you would be remiss if you didn't watch this wonderful film at least once.

The Land Before Time directed by Don Bluth - After tragedy strikes, young Apatosaurus must embark on a journey to find the Great Valley.

Rating: It's a classic! A bit cutesy and meanders at times, but still worth a watch.

Note: Pretty well known for the host of direct-to-DVD sequel movies it produced, a television series, and a video game.

Television (Online Productions Included)

My Pride directed by Maddi Patton - My Pride is an independent internet production that follows the tale of a disabled lion named Nothing trying to exist in her cruel society.

Rating: My Pride is clearly a work of passion, one can’t deny the creator clearly had a vision of what she wanted from this show. However, the execution is flawed and the handling of disability has been (rightfully) criticized. While the animators and voice actors have clearly put a lot of love and effort into the project, the writing falls short of what it could be.

Note: The series ends on a cliffhanger and has been discontinued. You have been warned.

My Little Pony (Generations 1-5) developed by Hasbro - If you like ponies, here you go! While G1 did have a human character, G3 to G5 are purely horsies. Each generation has a different story and main cast to follow.

Rating: Very obviously for a younger age demographic, the generations do have their own charm! G4 is popular for a reason with a sleek style, witty writing, and a lovely cast of characters.

Azurehowl and Azurehowl Reborn created by azurehowlshilach - Bet this one brings back nostalgia lol Azurehowl is set in a world where wolves have the magic of dragons! It centers around Ruuza who may be more special than she realizes.

Rating: i gotta rewatch this one to make my thoughts clear but i remember finding it charming. Azurehowl Reborn appears to be the remake/reboot of the original series.

Note: Ongoing!

Twelve by Petpyves - An original series about May and Imp, a duo who's jobs are to jump from body to body and guide them to a better end, results vary. It's a work of love and has some really strong concepts and writing, as well as doing its best to handle more mature subejcts with respect.

Rating: It's rough around the edges but nonetheless a great show to binge! I recommend it, though it's been a while since I watched it.

Note: Complete!

No Evil by Betsy Lee - In the land of myths and fables incarnate a group of spirits live their casual lives alongside humans, until a cataclysmic force thought to be dealt with shows once again in the world. A prequel series to the webcomic Brother Swan.

Rating: Not yet watched.

Note: Complete!

Burrow's End by Dimension 20 - A Dungeons & Dragons campaign following a group of stoats.

Rating: Not yet watched.

Note: Complete!

Video Games

Okami developed by Clover Studios - You play as the wolf Amaterasu on her journey to save the world from forces of darkness.

Rating: A classic for a reason. Fun to play, great story, lovely characters. Would recommend!

Stray developed by Bluetwelve Studios - In a walled city populated by robots, you play as a cat.

Rating: ending made me bawl. Gameplay is a bit clunky, the platforming is essentially hitting buttons to automatically jump to your destination instead of you jumping yourself. Otherwise, would recommend!

*Tokyo Jungle developed Crispy's! - Set in a deserted, furistic Tokyo, you can select from a wide array of animals to play as and survive.

Rating: never played but maaan do I want to.

*Spirit of the North developed by Infuse Studio- You play as an ordinary red fox whose story becomes entwined with the guardian of the Northern Lights, a female spirit fox.

Rating: Yet to play.

Untitled Goose Game developed by House House - honk

Rating: honk

*Copoka developed by Inaccurate Interactive - You play as a pigeon trying to build a nest in a totalitarian state.

Rating: Yet to play.

*Seasons After Fall developed by Swing Swing Submarine - 2D platformer where you play as a fox in a magical land.

Rating: Yet to play.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon developed by Spike Chunsoft - A rogue-like RPG in which you take the form as a human turned Pokemon and must navigate your world. There are currently seven games to choose from, each with a unique world and story.

Rating: I love PMD, I'm putting it here because I'm biased. I love it a lot and it fits the criteria so here you go!

Cattails & *Cattails: Wildwood Story developed by Falcon Development - With the creator known for their WC fan game, Untold Tales, Cattails branched out from the bones of the fan game and became an original game of it's own! In this RPG, you play as a cat where you can hunt, fight, find love, and solve puzzles. Wildwood expands on the base mechanics, adding in farming, characters, and more!

Rating: I found the first Cattails to be cute and simple. It's not an intensive RPG, the mechanics become repetitive after a while. If you're someone who likes getting into the rhythm of a grindy rpg, you'll like this one. Not yet played Wildwood but I've heard it's great!

Rain World developed by Videocult - You play as a nomadic slugcat in a brutal world with only your wits, agility, and strength to survive. Eat, hunt, flee, and hibernate while finding out the secrets of your world.

Rating: Okay. this game is HARD. Like unfair hard. Imprecise controls, brutal difficulty, and sometimes really unfair save points - this one is tough. However, it is gorgeous and it's really fun seeing all the beautiful environments the creators came up with. Enemies are also incredibly complex, reacting to each other and you in different ways. It's an acquired taste, while it wasn't for me personally, I would recommend giving it a try at the very least.

Miscellaneous

Additions that aren't necessarily xenofiction but pertain to it in some way.

Cheek by Jowl: Animals in Children's Literature by Ursula K. Le Guin -A fantastic essay that explores the role of the animal in children's literature from its role as something to reflect human society, or how it teaches children about animals. Furthermore, it explores the ways in which xenofiction can intentionally or unintentionally reinforce human bigotry through what we deem the "natural" order of the world.

Rating: Please read if you're interested in xenofiction! A fantastic essay that kicks you off thinking critically about what xenofiction has to say. The essay has a striking section on Watership Down that I highly recommend reading.

Cardinal West (YouTube) - A YouTube channel that discusses xenofiction. Videos that I recommend to start with are:

How (Not) to Write Xenofiction: A Literary Autopsy of “One for Sorrow, Two for Joy” by Clive Woodall (CW for discussions of sexual assault)

How Adapting The Fox and the Hound Changed Animation

[alliance00]

Ready to Secure Excellence? Explore the Top Executive Search Firms in the UK with Alliance Recruitment Agency!

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[jmdbjk]

No hurricanes.

We have 4 days left in August but it looks like there will be no hurricanes for us. We are typically waiting for one to arrive about this time every August. Definitely a welcome calm because there was already too much shit packed into this past month as it was so thank you to Mother Nature for not adding that extra layer of a shit show.

That being said, there is always next week for a hurricane. We wait. In the meantime, Episode 5 of Are You Sure? drops after I go to sleep tomorrow night.

Namjoon has been active on his IG account, he just tweaked his bio, changing the title "right place, wrong person" to all lowercase. We are holding the ship on a steady course, Captain. Seas are rough but we see the signals.

In case you didn't know, Miss Karma came back from her vacation. As of today, Min Hee Jin has been terminated as CEO of Ador.

She is being given the choice of remaining as director/producer for NewJeans but all of her stock options and whatever went poof. Good luck bitch, fighting your sexual harassment lawsuits without your CEO salary or perks. On your way out, please fumigate your office and leave the keys with the security team.

In other news, Billboard executives meeting this week to discuss major changes to Billboard Hot 100 and minor changes to Billboard 200. Can't wait to hear what this new round of fresh hell will be.

Also, Billboard having an event in Seoul to fiNd ThE nExT BTS!

Ya know... after all this time... how has no one ever realized its not the NEXT BTS anyone needs to be searching for? Yes, to the part about finding an authentic artist who can craft their own (really good) songs with lyrics that resonate. But the real key they need to find is...

... the next FANDOM that is like Army. Globally diverse from different walks of life including young, old and in-between. Loyal, loving, smart, organized, even if at times we seem to struggle to come together.

If an artist can cultivate a relationship with their fandom which consists of mutual respect and trust between them only THEN can the artist do anything, be anything, even untouchable. Hasn't anyone been listening at all? BTS has been saying for years they couldn't do anything... wouldn't be where they are... would have no reason to exist WITHOUT ARMY.

Seriously shaking my damn head. No one listens. No one.

Some other random things that are constantly doing a hit n'run inside my head...

I hope Jimin’s time with Dior menswear is finished because good lawd that shit is fugly. No. Just no:

It looks like an outfit they would be forced to wear as a penalty for losing a Run BTS game. Isn't that the same way Koreans tie up what they call a "lamb head" towel around their head to go in the public baths?

I haven’t talked about Jin at all this month. Shame on me.

He's been very very busy endearing himself not only to Army but to middle-aged men, women, kids, moms, future spouses, actors, idols, foodies, gamers, fishermen, grandmas, grandpas, the world.

Hobi will be coming home in 49(?) days!

Jimin and Jungkook are sending off their fellow soldiers with autographs as they are discharged. I guess it is somewhat comforting to read these simple messages they write to their departing comrades. It's all we have for now. I hope they are doing ok way out there in the boonies. 9 months and 15 days left.

[parititalent]

Global Talent Recruiting: Best Practices for Attracting Top Talent Worldwide

Finding the perfect employees in today's competitive global marketplace is what makes or breaks a company's potential. How to gain access to the comprehensive and diversified talent pool from any corner of the world is the secret to tapping into the best available professionals for companies. Businesses that master the art of global talent recruiting set themselves up for sustainable growth and innovation. Here are some best practices for attracting top talent worldwide:.

Adopt flexible work options and telecommuting One of the most significant shifts in the landscape of workforces is their increased tendency to work remotely. Companies should take advantage of Global Talent Recruiting, thereby creating work opportunity beyond geographical boundaries and hiring remote talent. Since work-life balance and flexibility are endorsed by all professionals, businesses can reach a much larger talent pool and reach out to professionals who would otherwise not be available. It also saves relocation costs while allowing them to have candidates from different parts of the world.

With remotely sourced talent, fresh perspectives are guaranteed, particularly when talent is drawn from diverse cultures and regions. Diversity has been proven to fuel innovation and creativity within teams. To make the integration of remote talent effective, a company needs to invest in tools and technology such as project management platforms, video conferencing solutions, and cloud-based solutions that would facilitate easy communication and collaboration.

Develop a Strong Employer Brand A great employer brand is necessary in Global Talent Recruiting because, actually, this could mean having the right reputation to present a good working environment to applicants, career development prospects, and a defined mission. So, speak about your company's values, culture, and benefits for employees on your website, social media, and job listings.

Testimonials from existing employees, global reach, and diversity and inclusion efforts can also be highlighted. When the candidates realize that a company fits their personal values and provides scope for growth, then your open positions would attract them more to your company.

Use Technology to Optimize the Recruitment Process To hire the right candidate no matter which geographical location the candidate is coming from, it is necessary to streamline the recruitment process. AI-based recruitment software will help companies filter applicants easily, match their skills with job requirements, and even automate the scheduling of interviews. This will save much time, but it will also remove unconscious bias so you choose the best candidates based on qualifications instead of location or background.

Virtual interviews and evaluations can also be completed on remote hiring sites. In this way, candidates across the world can apply to work for the company without needing to travel, which will make the process easier for the company and the applicant.

Utilize Global Networks Building alliances with international talent communities is another important step in Global Talent Recruiting. This includes partnerships with global job boards, virtual job fairs, and social media platforms like LinkedIn that could open access to talented populations worldwide. Another potential option could be partnerships with recruitment agencies that specialize in sourcing remote talent to firms. Many of these agencies have access to highly skilled applicants worldwide because they are not actively applying to other job boards.

Conclusion Try to add this best practice into your strategy for Global Talent Recruiting. And believe, the very best the world can offer will come knocking at the doors of your company. Remote hiring focus, building a robust employer brand, making use of cutting-edge recruitment tools and tapping into worldwide networks would give your business a head in such fast-changing scenarios. For more on hiring remote talent, please visit www.partiti.io.

[vanillatwistgirl]

Numerology Observations:

Numbers are literally everything, they have their own meaning. Remember when you see synchronized numbers yeah even them. Every number has their own purpose and here the observation on what these mean exactly.

Life Path 1: A natural-born leader, someone who is self-reliant, independent, and driven to achieve. You might thrive in entrepreneurial roles or in situations that require innovation.

Life Path 2: A peaceful, diplomatic soul who seeks harmony in relationships and values cooperation. You might be naturally drawn to roles where empathy, understanding, and teamwork are essential.

Life Path 3: The communicator and creative spirit. This number thrives in artistic and expressive endeavors, such as writing, performing arts, or speaking.

Life Path 4: Practical and stable, someone who is grounded, disciplined, and focused on building lasting structures, whether in business, relationships, or personal development.

Life Path 5: Adventurous and versatile. The 5 is all about freedom, change, and movement, often excelling in environments where unpredictability or novelty is present.

Life Path 6: The caregiver and nurturer. Life Path 6 is often responsible, empathetic, and deeply caring for others, thriving in roles that require a protective and nurturing touch.

Life Path 7: Analytical and introspective. The 7 life path is drawn to intellectual pursuits, often excelling in philosophy, research, or spiritual development.

Life Path 8: Powerful and authoritative, 8s are typically driven to succeed in material and business realms. They often have a strong ability to manage, organize, and lead.

Life Path 9: Compassionate and humanistic, 9s are often focused on service to others and making a difference in the world. They tend to have big hearts and global ambitions.

If you’re looking for a numerology reading, I can provide a personalized reading based on your birthdate and name.

Here is an example on how it's calculated, I'm choosing only date of birth.

Birthdate 22/10/2001 Add, all the number 22 (Date, keep as it is because it's a Master number)

10: 1+0 = 1

2001: 2+0+0+1 = 3

Now add: 22 + 1 + 3 = 26 → 2 + 6 = 8

Your Life Path Number is 8.

And what it means: You were born to lead, build, and manifest abundance. You have the rare combo of vision and execution. Think CEO vibes, boss energy, or someone who can handle both the spreadsheet and the soul-searching.

Note : 22 is a master number and it represents the Dream Builder (divine purpose, higher mission).

[globaltalentacquisitioncompany]

Renowned  London Based Recruitment Agency: TalAcq Ltd.

"TalAcq Ltd." deliver high-impact talent on behalf of innovative and mission-driven companies through an unrelenting commitment to helping our clients and candidates achieve their full potential. Our seasoned executive search consultants meticulously assess candidates, ensuring they align with your organization's culture, goals, and vision. We pride ourselves on discreet, efficient, and personalized service, delivering game-changing leaders who navigate the complexities of London's competitive market. Elevate your executive team with our expertise and elevate your business to new heights. Contact us today!

[thetaplowgroup]

Finding Top Executives for Multinational Companies through Global Executive Search

 In this age of globalization, multinational companies need top executives to oversee their operations across multiple countries. To find the best candidates for these positions, many companies turn to specialized executive search firms.

But how exactly do these firms work? What sets them apart from other recruitment agencies? Let's take a closer look at global executive search and why it is so important for multinational organizations. 

What Is Global Executive Search? 

Global executive search services is a specialized recruitment process that involves searching for the most qualified candidates for senior-level positions in international organizations.

This type of search requires a deep understanding of cultural, political, economic, and legal conditions in different countries in order to identify the most suitable candidates for each role.

The goal of a global executive search is to find the best possible fit between an organization’s needs and the qualifications and experience of potential job applicants. 

Why Use Global Management Consultants? 

When it comes to finding top executives for multinational companies, there are certain advantages that come with using global executive search firms rather than other types of recruitment agencies.

For one thing, these firms have a much wider reach when it comes to identifying potential candidates; they can draw on their extensive database of contacts around the world in order to find the most suitable people for each position.

Additionally, they are knowledgeable about local cultures and labor laws in various countries; this knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to making sure that recruitment processes are compliant with local regulations.

Finally, executive search firms typically have access to resources such as assessment tools and market research data that can help ensure that organizations make informed decisions when hiring senior-level staff. 

Executive search firms offer organizations an effective way to recruit top talent from around the world.

By leveraging their expertise and resources, these firms can help companies find the best possible fit between their needs and those of potential job applicants—all while staying compliant with local regulations.

No matter how big or small your multinational company may be, finding top executives can be difficult without help from an experienced professional.

By utilizing global executive search services you’ll gain access to a larger selection of potential candidates and increase your chances of filling those high-level roles with qualified individuals who can take your business to new heights.

With this approach, you’re sure to find an executive that meets all of your needs!

Ultimately, global executive search is an invaluable tool for any multinational organization looking for top-tier talent to fill their senior positions.

Contact Taplow to get started with the executive hiring process. As one of the top executive hiring firms, we offer unparalleled expertise in finding the best individuals for our client's specific needs. We have a team of experienced professionals who bring decades of know-how to the selection process.

Our highly efficient search service meets all our client's requirements with swiftness and precision, ensuring that their vacant executive positions are filled quickly with qualified candidates. With an extensive database and national network for sourcing managerial talent, we confidently guarantee the success of your executive hires.

Original content source