Executive Nexus

Executive Nexus, a provider of executive search and networking solutions, partnered with CoreBlue to take over, enhance, and maintain their existing software platform. Originally built as a prototype, the platform needed improvements in functionality, security, stability, and scalability. CoreBlue successfully transitioned the platform to a more mature and robust state, enabling Executive Nexus to focus on delivering high-value features for its users.

Executive Nexus is a UK-based executive search and networking organisation that supports senior executives and private equity firms in building valuable relationships. Their platform connects world-class leaders and facilitates professional growth through meaningful interactions.

Executive Nexus sought a partner to take over an existing platform developed by another organisation. The platform had been built during the start-up phase and was now ready for enhancement. The primary challenge was to improve the platform’s functionality, stability, security, and scalability while ensuring a seamless handover and ongoing maintenance.

To support Executive Nexus, Coreblue adopted a phased approach. Initially, a work package focused on redeploying the platform on an AWS environment under Executive Nexus’ control was executed. This involved conducting a thorough audit of the platform to document code and deployment requirements and ensuring a seamless migration, including the transfer of all production data to maintain existing user access.

Once the platform was successfully migrated and back online, discovery sessions were conducted to collaborate with Executive Nexus and plan new features and enhancements. The audit findings also contributed to identifying areas for improvement.

During these discovery sessions, Coreblue worked with Executive Nexus to backlog and estimate new requirements, enabling budgeting and progress tracking. The engagement followed a retained development model, where Executive Nexus set a fixed monthly budget, ensuring a steady pace of development. Agile methodologies were still employed, with regular communication through daily standups and bi-weekly sprint reviews and planning sessions. Progress was assessed at the end of each sprint to refine estimates and minimise incomplete tasks.

This approach allowed for flexibility in prioritisation, balancing support for the live production environment with new feature development as needed.

As the platform matured, the engagement transitioned into a support-focused arrangement. This shift provided assurance and stability for the live platform while minimising costs associated with new feature development. Coreblue continued to provide ongoing support and maintenance for Executive Nexus, ensuring the platform’s reliability and operational efficiency.

With Executive Nexus Coreblue has expanded our relationship to cover a range of wider responsibilities to drive the success of the Executive Nexus suite of products.

• Enhanced Stability and Security: Coreblue successfully improved the stability and security of the platform. Critical functions that were previously reliant on fragile third-party implementations have been transitioned to a more robust in-platform approach. This shift has increased the platform’s resilience and reduced its dependence on external factors, ensuring a more reliable user experience.
• Expanded role: As a result of our successful collaboration and technical expertise, Coreblue has been invited to join Executive Nexus in strategic business meetings. This demonstrates the level of trust and confidence Executive Nexus has in our partnership and highlights the recognition of our contributions beyond technical aspects. Our presence in these meetings allows us to provide valuable insights and support from a technical standpoint, aligning business goals with technological advancements.
• Roadmap development: Coreblue has actively assisted Executive Nexus in planning new products that will complement the existing platform. This collaborative effort showcases the expanded role we have taken on, going beyond platform maintenance and development. By leveraging our expertise and understanding of the platform, we have contributed to shaping Executive Nexus’ product roadmap, enabling them to envision and execute new initiatives that align with their strategic objectives.

CoreBlue continues to provide ongoing support, contributing to the strategic planning and development of new products for Executive Nexus, ensuring the platform remains secure, stable, and ready for future growth.