Cracking the code of leadership failure and how ASTC is changing the game 

I’m DDushyant D. Arya ex GE, Co-Founder of AST Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., and for over a decade, my father Dinesh Arya an alumnus of IIT Mumbai and I have been deeply involved in understanding one simple but crucial question — why do exceptional leaders sometimes fail in new roles despite having everything going for them? 

Leadership success isn’t just about credentials. It’s about fit — cultural, behavioral, and function. When we started AST Consultancy Services (ASTC) in 2013, our mission was to bring in senior passive candidates who not only get hired but stay, grow, and create impact. 

Why New Leaders Often Fail Despite Impressive Credentials 

The failure of top executives is rarely due to lack of competence. Through years of executive search experience, we’ve observed five key reasons why leadership transitions sometimes go wrong: 

1. Cultural Fit Mismatch: Organizations often overlook whether a leader’s values and work style align with the company culture. This misalignment can quietly erode performance and morale. 
2. The Ivy League Halo Effect: Many companies overemphasize academic brilliance or big-brand experience, forgetting that agility, adaptability, and emotional intelligence drive real success in today’s fast-changing business landscape. 
3. Lack of Clarity: Often, expectations from a new CEO or senior leader are vague. Some companies unconsciously look for a replica of the previous leader rather than defining what’s truly needed for the future. 
4. Inadequate Induction: Expecting a new leader to “hit the ground running” without structured onboarding can be counterproductive. Even the best leaders need context, alignment, and early support. 
5. Chemistry with the Board: The relationship between the CEO and the board is the invisible thread holding everything together. A few meaningful pre-selection interactions can often make or break that equation. 

The ASTC Approach: Hiring for Retention, Not Just Replacement

At AST Consultancy, we have always believed that leadership hiring should never be transactional. We go far beyond the traditional “Triple E” lens — Education, Experience, and Exposure — and instead, look deeply into a candidate’s values, adaptability, resilience, and long-term alignment with the organization. 

We challenge job descriptions before we begin. We ask — does this role description truly reflect where the company wants to go, or is it a shadow of what once was? We assess cultural fit, behavioral compatibility, and how a leader performs under pressure. We conduct deep, discreet reference checks and maintain absolute confidentiality throughout. 

This is why we have consistently maintained a 95+% closure rate with clients across small, medium, large, and global organizations, and our placements replace with our Sr hirings enjoy an average retention tenure of over seven years — a testament to our commitment to longevity and impact. 

Beyond Hiring: Supporting the First 100 Days 

Unlike conventional executive search firms that step back after placement, we stay involved. We call ourselves “the pandits who don’t run away after the marriage” — and we’re proud of that. 

We provide structured transition support during the first 100 days, helping the new leader align with company goals, understand the cultural pulse, and build strong early relationships. This approach ensures that both the leader and the organization move forward with clarity and confidence. 

A Legacy of Trust and Transformation 

Over the years, ASTC has built its reputation on one core principle — we don’t just fill roles; we build relationships that last. Our work has touched lives, transformed organizations, and created leadership stories that endure. 

To every aspiring entrepreneur, my message is simple — believe in yourself, and once you commit, stay through every up and down. The journey may test you, but resilience defines true leadership. 

As we look to the future, we see ASTC continuing to set new benchmarks in leadership consulting — helping organizations not just hire great leaders, but create enduring leadership legacies. 

– DDushyant D. Arya 

Co-Founder, AST Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd.