What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
As a job search strategist, I help clients plan a strategic job search. In the current climate, it’s extra tough because companies are slowly hiring due to an uncertain future with the pandemic. I coach clients to grow their business network with the aim of getting a referral into a company. This requires legwork by reaching out via LinkedIn or picking up the phone, but the quality of the connections are so much more valuable than lobbing resumes over the wall. The challenge is to get clients to get out of their comfort zone and realize that a more focused approach will net RESULTS! I recently had a client making six figures find a job in less than 30 days! We collaborated together on some critical resume and LinkedIn profile changes and made some key introductions. Simple tweaks can make a huge difference. As a former tech recruiter, I understand the nuances of what hiring managers look for in a resume to get you noticed and hired. The work I do is very rewarding when I see clients pushing themselves and landing great careers!
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I had a manager — Sheri Paul — early in my career who took a chance on me for a high level sales job. She recognized that while I didn’t have the exact industry experience, I had the drive and persuasion to make it in direct sales. She convinced the CEO to take a chance on me and I excelled in the role. Later, when she took a medical leave, she gave me the opportunity to step into her director-level management role on an interim basis. This led to a more permanent role for me as I led a national direct marketing sales team. Her continued confidence in me gave me the drive to prove to her I could do the job. Ironically, this was a job that I applied to through a newspaper — yes, in the good old days. While I recommend finding jobs through networking, this was one opportunity that came through an advertisement and was a great career move for me.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I’ve been self-employed for over 15 years and I think that’s a testament to my perseverance and hard work. I have worked for larger companies and been through a couple of mergers, so I appreciate the simplicity of working for myself and directing what I do on a daily basis. This is my fourth career and my most rewarding because it combines my years of sales and recruiting to help clients on an individual basis. I recognized a need in the market and I’ve been able to help many professionals find valuable work and redirect their careers toward more satisfying roles.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Take chances and keep saying “yes” to opportunities that come your way. There is no defined “road map” to a career; rather, it’s a winding journey. Sometimes you have to take a step back in a job in order to move forward to gain industry experience, and that’s OK. I would also recommend finding folks who you admire in your job and getting to know them personally and professionally. Learn how they got to their current position and ask questions — be curious! That’s how you find out what you need to do to grow your career.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I moved here 18 years ago from Boulder, Colorado and that was not an easy place to leave. My husband is a Badger, so work and family were primary reasons for moving to Madison. I had to restart my network here and it took a while, but Madisonians are very welcoming. While I was born and raised in Southern California, in my heart I’m a Midwesterner. We have a diverse economy here and a growing startup scene, which is great for job growth. The Madison area offers huge recreational opportunities, which I take advantage of all the time.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I’ve always played rackets sports my whole life. I was a former tennis teaching professional during college. My husband and I formed the first platform tennis club in Dane County and had a club of about 20 members. It was a labor of love and hard work. Unfortunately, we ran into some zoning issues and had to take our court down. This sport remains in Madison and it’s still one of my favorite racket sports. I also play pickleball, which is a rapidly growing game in Madison.
What are your guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasures are pretty simple. I can binge on Netflix but I’m also a huge reader of both fiction and nonfiction. If I’m not playing racket sports or riding my bike, you can find me on the couch with a book. I’m also an avid gardener and have been known to buy “way too many” plants, says my husband. But I grow food too, so that’s my excuse!
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