Winter 2006
Kelly Vange
Kelly Vange has
lived in seven countries, worked in 15, and
visited nearly 60. A business leader who
directed people, projects and consulting in the
US and abroad, Kelly wanted a general management
role close to home. His unusual background,
combined with diverse functions (sales,
training, public relations) and experience in
diverse functions (legal, engineering,
financial) also presented challenges in
marketing himself.
“The most
valuable transformation was seeing value in
my accomplishments. Ed convinced me of my
value and built my confidence. Within months
we made substantial progress.”
How did you
become acquainted with Kelleher Associates?
I knew of Ed
Kelleher through a good friend, Rip Tilden, who
had a great experience with Ed and benefited
from his coaching. Ed and I were introduced at a
GPSEG meeting and he very graciously agreed to
meet that week.
Why did you
decide to engage Ed Kelleher as your Coach?
I had been
searching for a long time and felt I needed
repackaging. I approached the possibility of a
new coach (I had previously engaged a
professional coach) with some skepticism.
But it became
apparent that Ed would work for me. The
chemistry was right. I liked his manner and
ideas and determined he was substantially
different from others. Ed understood me.
Additionally, I
had very positive feedback from other Kelleher
clients.
What was
your expectation?
I had no clear
focus and couldn’t get my arms around who I am
and what I could do. My background is very broad
and I didn’t know how to present myself to
potential employers.
I didn’t expect
to find the ‘dream’ job, but I hoped to attain
this focus to get on track with my search.
Of what
value was Ed’s coaching and support? What role
did he play in the process?
Ed took time to
get to know me. We talked about what was
important to me and what was the ideal
situation. I realized I possessed all the skills
essential to a GM role.
The most
valuable transformation was seeing value in my
accomplishments. Ed, in his gentle way,
convinced me of my value and built my
confidence. Within months we made substantial
progress.
What about
your landing?
It turns out
that I found my ‘dream’ job of a senior
management role in an international company with
headquarters in Chester County close to home. I
was interviewed by 13 people (Germany and US)
over a period of two months – a very deliberate
process.
My new
position, General Manager, 1&1 Internet, Inc., a
German web-hosting company, is a perfect fit for
me.
What would
you advise others going through the process?
A search can
take a long time and it is easy to get
discouraged. Sometimes you need a reminder of
your value in the marketplace and to have the
objectivity of a person outside your circle. A
first rate coach, like Ed Kelleher, can make a
remarkable difference. |
