Executive turnover is quietly becoming one of the most expensive problems in business.
Research shows that replacing a senior executive can cost up to 213% of their annual salary, once you factor in recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Meanwhile, leadership instability has become increasingly common across industries.
But one fast-growing cybersecurity company has quietly done something rare: none of its newly hired executives have left in the past two and a half years.
Inside Horizon3.ai, executives are not just joining the company. They are staying.
Chief People Officer, Torie Runzel explained that the company has built a leadership environment intentionally designed for trust, accountability, and ownership; three factors that many organizations struggle to create.
Here is what makes their approach different.
Hiring executives for ownership, not just credentials
Many companies hire executives based on pedigree.
Horizon3.ai hires for something else: ownership mentality.
Runzel said the company looks for leaders who are capable of both leading strategically and executing the work themselves if necessary.
That mindset matters more than job titles.
“Leaders here are expected to lead and do the job if needed,” Runzel explained. “It creates credibility with the team and builds trust quickly.”
The hiring process reflects that philosophy. Executive candidates go through five executive interviews, a panel presentation, and additional expert conversations before receiving an offer.
The goal is determining whether the leader will scale with the company long term.
Research supports this approach. According to a study from Harvard Business Review, leadership failures often stem from mismatches in leadership style and organizational culture rather than lack of expertise.
Runzel said the company prioritizes humility and collaboration in its leadership team, individuals who embrace our “learn it all” and “no assholes” culture.
This was published on Inc.com first.
Click the Inc.com link to read the full article:https://www.inc.com/netta-jenkins/inside-the-company-where-executives-actually-want-to-stay/91328483
About the Author
From securing an $8M breakthrough inside a global fintech to being named CEO of the very platform she built, Netta Jenkins has mastered the art of turning bold ideas into lasting business transformation. With a LinkedIn community of over 200,000, she’s the CEO redefining how organizations drive employee engagement and performance through AI. A two-time Wiley author, Netta’s work has been amplified by Arianna Huffington to more than 10 million people. Her latest book, Supercharged Teams: How Every Manager Can Create a Culture of Excellence, gives leaders the playbook to transform everyday teams into high-performing powerhouses.
As founder of HIC, a workplace consulting firm and creator of HIC HR Hub, a private community for senior HR leaders to share and gain new insights. She also hosts Beyond Management™, a viral LinkedIn leadership series with over 50 million impressions, where she sparks street-level conversations that elevate employer brands, attract top talent, and inspire customers. A seasoned TEDx and international keynote speaker, Netta has energized audiences across the U.S., Ghana, the Netherlands, and Turkey with bold insights and measurable takeaways. With 15+ years of global advisory experience, she shares weekly video tips that empower managers at every level. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, McKinsey, Forbes, Fortune, and more. Named one of CIO Views’ Top 10 Most Influential Black Women in Business to Follow.
Netta helps organizations connect workplace culture, technology, and performance to deliver measurable, lasting impact. Previously serving as VP of Global Inclusive Strategy at IAC, Netta partnered with brands like Match.com, Vimeo, and Daily Beast. She advises Betterment, consults executives via the Intro app, and is pursuing a doctorate in quality systems. Currently, she collaborates with Marc Lore (former CEO of Walmart) and Preet Bharara (former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York) to build Telosa, a visionary new city in America. Residing on the East Coast with her family, Netta continues to make a transformative impact in both the corporate and startup landscapes.
