From time to time we interview a client or former client about his or her career transition and their experience with Kelleher Associates. 

Jim Staples was previously employed as a vice president of global marketing at a major career transition firm. After working in the automotive and professional services sectors, Jim turned to Kelleher to help him find the right position. 

You were previously employed at a rather prominent career transition firm in the Philadelphia area. How did you end up working with Kelleher Associates, Inc. on your career campaign? 

With my background and experience, I was sure I could do a job search on my own. When I mentioned this to colleagues, two of them separately recommended that I at least talk to Mitch Wienick at Kelleher Associates. 

Mitch and I talked and I knew he could help me. Mitch acts an advisor and counselor, and his experience is impressive. 

Before beginning your program with Kelleher Associates, you and your wife met with Mitch Wienick. What was the purpose of this meeting and what was your wife’s reaction to the meeting?

I felt if we were going to invest family money in someone to help me with a job search, my wife should meet Mitch. Cathy was impressed with his insightfulness and approach and agreed it would be an excellent investment. 

You turned down an offer for a position very shortly after you started to work with Kelleher. What role did Mitch play in this decision and in retrospect was the decision a good one?

I was offered a marketing position with a relatively small accounting firm. I had a gut feeling that this was not the place for me, but it’s tough to walk away from an offer. I really needed someone to help me sort out my priorities and goals, and Mitch did that for me. 

He helped me think through all aspects of the offer; what the reporting structure was like, what the culture was like there. He acted as my sounding board and brought a rational view to my concerns. Once I turned the offer down, I never looked back. 

In addition to working with you on your campaign strategy and tactics, what additional value did Kelleher bring during the process?

The additional value was Mitch’s background, his experience and the one-on-one attention I received. Sitting down and talking with him got me thinking about so many things, and really helped me take new actions and make decisions that were best for me. Mitch brought the value of experience and expertise in my areas of interest. 

You had a number of potential offers at the end of your process; what role did Kelleher Associates play in helping you secure these offers and decide on the offer you ultimately selected?

Mitch offered me direction, cheerleading and patience. He really helped me look at the culture of the various institutions and pick the one that would be best for me. We went through the process of thinking through all the elements of the positions. 

Charts don’t work for me in these situations—I like to sit down and talk things through. With Mitch, I was able to come out with a clear answer at the end of our discussion. This was invaluable. 

Would you recommend Kelleher Associates to other senior executives in transition? Why? 

I would recommend Kelleher without hesitation. No matter how good you think you are at the networking and job search process, you cannot do this alone as well as you can do it with guidance. Working with someone who has been there before, someone who advises you every step of the way, is worth every penny.