Winter 2007
Tom Loane
Tom Loane is a global Information
Technology Executive with multi-industry experience.
As a builder of high performance IT teams and a business
leader with financial skills, Tom recognized the need for
high-level coaching in his search. Mannkind, a NASDAQ
traded company, needed a VP of IT with strong strategic
planning and business solutions experience for their
development and commercialization of a diabetes treatment.
How did you find Kelleher Associates and why
did you decide to work with Ed Kelleher?
Having met Ed at an ExecuNet meeting during an earlier transition and
knowing Kelleher’s fine reputation, I decided to sit down and talk to him about
my transition. Although they may have referred me to another outplacement firm,
upon my request, my corporate sponsor agreed to engage Kelleher for my coaching.
The difference is in the level of coaching and the one-on-one approach.
As a senior executive, what did you need in
coaching?
Opportunities are not created at this level as they sometimes are at the
mid-level for the right person. There is either a need--or not--for a senior IT
person in each company. Therefore, I wanted strong connections to the local
business leadership community--and I found each Kelleher principal is well
connected. I also welcomed Ed’s relationships with executive recruiters in the
area.
How was the length of your search? What did
you anticipate?
My entire search took about 6 months. I worked at this full-time, meeting Ed
often and coming into the office for the support and connections that others
offered. I had expected my transition might have extended to 12 months or more.
What was helpful to you during the process?
Ed has an interesting way of motivating you to execute certain
accomplishments for your next session. Every time you meet with Ed, there is
another good idea worth trying.
I learned the importance of being positive and
conveying this in every business meeting. Ed taught to approach every
conversation as if it were an interview – to be aware that internal feelings
come through. In particular, his coaching for the final interviews was very
helpful.
Working with Ed was also critical in final
countdown – negotiating the offer. He is very astute.
Do you have any advice to others?
Recognize that your search is the hardest, most important ‘job’ in your
life. It may take some months so don’t procrastinate – get started and be
devoted to it.
Don’t waste time looking back; ask what can I
do today.
At Kelleher I found it useful to attend client
meetings, meet my peers and spend time listening and sharing. Although I have a
fully equipped office at home, I scheduled two days a week in their office to
maximize the support offered there.
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