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

“Kelleher was extremely helpful through my transition process. Mitch and the team were always there to celebrate my successes, motivate me when I needed it, and be honest when the situation required. They helped make the transition process a true growth opportunity.“

-JM

June 2006

Jan Mehnert was previously Vice President of Human Resources with a tax compliance software firm. She was clear about her goal for her next position – to find a leadership role in Human Resources with a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. Jan has recently landed exactly as she hoped.

You came from a company that often referred employees to large outplacement firms in the Philadelphia area. How did you happen to select Kelleher Associates for your personal transition needs?

I knew Mitch Wienick as an Executive Coach while at my previous employer. Through Mitch I learned about Kelleher Associates, Inc., its customized approach, and unique level of personalized attention. Because I came from a Human Resources background, I wanted to be exposed to a new, non-HR way of thinking through my own transition. At Kelleher, I could benefit from Mitch’s expertise and creativity and his background as a former CEO.

What was the biggest challenge in your job search?

I have a tendency to be a bit whimsical. It is not my nature to stick to a structure. Mitch forced me to organize my search, adhere to a schedule, and stay focused.

In addition to your individual coaching, are there other aspects of your experience at Kelleher that you found valuable?

While I liked the freedom of working at home, I found the camaraderie and the networking sessions to be invaluable. My most productive and interesting contacts came from networking. It absolutely works.

You knew clearly that you wanted to secure a role with a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. Why so and how did Kelleher help you advance your goal?

The pharmaceutical industry lives in a world of change. It is continually forced to rethink, redo, and reinvent. I wanted a larger playground in a world that values creative solutions. While I did not have a pharmaceutical background, I believed in its purpose.

It was apparent to me that, in order to accomplish my goal, I would have to take a step back in title in order to learn and grow. Mitch helped me work through and manage this shift in level and role on both an emotional and business level.

What were the most important elements of your Kelleher experience?

Mitch is extremely supportive and really well-networked. He has a depth of executive experience to draw upon. Important to me was his unique skill at getting right to the point. He doesn’t sugar-coat and he is direct and honest. You need to have that in transition.

Everyone at Kelleher gave me their time and attention. All shared points of view, contacts, and examples from their own experiences. I benefited from spending time with all of the Kelleher consultants.

What is your greatest lesson learned from your search?

There are two key lessons: (1) the importance of my network, and (2) the need to quantify my successes continually. I know I need to keep my network active whether I have a job or not, and I know I need to tell my story in very measurable terms.

How did your find your position?

While attending a networking event, I met the Vice President of Human Resources at Wyeth, one of my targeted pharmaceutical companies. I didn’t yet have a resume to present. Through another networking contact, I met a recruiter whose step daughter worked at Wyeth and passed my resume to this same Vice President whom I had previously met.

We had an exploratory meeting but there was no available position at the time. When one opened up, I was a known quantity to them and top of mind so they called me in for an interview.

Kelleher continually emphasized the importance of networking and they are right – you never know who can be helpful in the search process and where and when the help will be forthcoming.

How long did your search take and to what do you attribute its timeframe?

My search was quick. I landed in just three months. I attribute that to Mitch’s encouragement not to go for the title, but for the growth opportunities. Now I am a Director of HR at Wyeth, reporting to the vice president. For me, it is about extending my growth curve. Mitch supported and advised me as I accepted my new role.