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A Legacy of Trust and Talent Discovery

For over 15 years, Explora CS has been the trusted partner for organizations seeking exceptional leadership talent across the Americas. We are a boutique consultancy with a global mindset.

Explora CS Miami office
Our Story

Founded on a Simple Belief: Great Organizations Deserve Great Leaders

Explora CS was established in 2011 by Carolina Mendez in Miami, Florida. With a deep understanding of both North American corporate culture and Latin American business dynamics, Carolina saw an opportunity to create a consultancy that could bridge these worlds with sophistication and rigor.

Today, Explora CS is a recognized boutique firm with a team of four senior consultants and a network spanning 12 countries. We have completed over 500 successful placements for more than 120 client organizations, maintaining a 96% first-year retention rate -- a testament to the depth and precision of our search methodology.

Our name reflects our approach: Explora -- to explore, to discover, to navigate uncharted territory in the pursuit of exceptional talent. We do not simply fill positions; we uncover the leaders who will define an organization's next chapter.

Our Values

The Principles That Guide Every Engagement

These are not platitudes on a wall. They are operational commitments that shape how we work with every client and candidate.

Integrity First

Every search is conducted with absolute confidentiality and ethical standards. We maintain strict off-limits policies and transparent communication throughout every engagement.

Deep Expertise

Our consultants are not generalists. Each brings sector-specific knowledge developed over decades, allowing us to evaluate candidates with the nuance that complex leadership roles demand.

Cultural Fluency

Operating across the Americas requires more than language skills. We understand the business cultures, regulatory environments, and leadership expectations in every market we serve.

Results-Driven

We measure our success not by candidate shortlists, but by long-term executive performance. Our 96% first-year retention rate speaks to the precision of our assessment process.

Rigorous Process

Our proprietary assessment methodology combines structured behavioral interviews, psychometric evaluation, and reference analysis to ensure alignment on competencies, values, and leadership style.

Long-Term Partnership

We invest in relationships that extend well beyond a single mandate. Many of our clients have engaged us for a decade or more, relying on our counsel as their organizations evolve.

Leadership Team

Senior Consultants, Proven Track Records

Every engagement is led by a senior consultant -- never delegated to junior researchers. Hover on a card to learn more.

Carolina Mendez

Carolina Mendez

Managing Partner & Founder

Miami / Bogota

Carolina Mendez

Managing Partner & Founder

Carolina founded Explora CS in 2011 after 8 years as a Vice President at a top-5 global executive search firm. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de los Andes (Bogota). Carolina has personally led over 200 C-suite and board-level mandates across financial services, technology, and consumer sectors. She is a frequent speaker at AESC conferences and serves on the board of the Miami Talent Advisory Council.

Andres Rojas

Andres Rojas

Director, Executive Search

Miami / Mexico City

Andres Rojas

Director, Executive Search

Andres joined Explora CS in 2014 and leads our technology and healthcare practices. He brings 15+ years of search experience with a focus on digital transformation leadership. A certified executive coach (ICF-PCC), Andres holds an MS in Organizational Behavior from Columbia University. He previously managed the Latin American desk at a Big 4 advisory firm's human capital practice. Andres is bilingual (English/Spanish) with working Portuguese.

Valentina Herrera

Valentina Herrera

Principal, HR Consulting

Miami / Santiago

Valentina Herrera

Principal, HR Consulting

Valentina leads our HR Consulting division, bringing 18 years of expertise in talent strategy, compensation design, and organizational transformation. An industrial-organizational psychologist (PhD, PUC Chile), she has directed human capital projects for Fortune 500 multinationals entering Latin American markets. Valentina is certified in Hogan Assessments and Korn Ferry Leadership Architect, and publishes regularly on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness.

Daniel Vargas

Daniel Vargas

Senior Associate

Miami / Sao Paulo

Daniel Vargas

Senior Associate

Daniel manages candidate research, market intelligence, and pipeline development for our executive search and talent acquisition practices. With an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from FIU, he brings deep expertise in the industrial, energy, and infrastructure sectors across Brazil and the Southern Cone. Daniel is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and brings a data-driven approach to candidate identification and assessment.

How We Work

Our Proven Search Methodology

A structured, transparent process refined over 500+ engagements.

01

Discovery & Alignment

Deep-dive into your organization's culture, strategy, and leadership requirements. We define success criteria, reporting dynamics, and candidate profile with precision.

02

Market Mapping

Systematic identification of target organizations, competitive landscapes, and potential candidates. We leverage proprietary databases and executive networks across 12 countries.

03

Assessment & Shortlist

Rigorous behavioral interviews, psychometric evaluation, and confidential reference checks. You receive a curated shortlist of 3-5 exceptional, thoroughly vetted candidates.

04

Placement & Integration

Negotiation support, onboarding guidance, and 12-month integration check-ins. We stay engaged to ensure your new leader achieves early traction and long-term success.

Ready to Work With Us?

Let our team of senior consultants help you find the leadership talent your organization needs.

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