“I’m going to try it on my own first.” We hear this fateful phrase from prospects quite often. These prospects are usually a little bit younger (and less experienced) executives. They are hesitant to invest in their careers and want to try their luck. Some of these succeed, of course. But...

We are wired biologically to react to situations that we perceive as dangerous without thinking. This is the so-called “fight or flight” behavior or sense of urgency. Without dragging the whole explanation out on the carpet (again), I tend to look to Daniel Goleman and his Emotional Intelligence as...

Would it matter to you if your doctor, dentist, auto mechanic, or tax preparer was an expert in your industry? Probably not. You most likely see their fields of endeavor and experience as being distinct and separate from your own industry experience. Yet, sometimes prospective clients ask us in effect...

On the North California coast (and probably elsewhere in the world) you will see wave signs sometimes saying, “Never turn your back on the ocean.” This is because freak waves occasionally visit these areas. These waves can take you by surprise if you do not keep your eyes open. The same is unfortunately...

Clients come to us looking for support in their executive career searches. They vary by personality and experience as much as the rest of the population—with one exception. Often these high-powered executives think they know everything there is to know about money and negotiation. Perhaps in their...

Why should you pay to play for career management services and what difference can that make? I’m probably an unusual case in that I have paid for career management services five times in my life. Why did I pay to play: in each case I knew I needed help. The scope of services varied significantly,...

Your job is not your life. You may already know this, but some of us have to discover it the hard way. In my case, this lesson came as a sudden derailment to my plans. I was expecting a promotion when the divisional presidency abruptly changed. The new president brought in his “cronies”...

Clearly, this is not the vertical lift-off politicians were hoping for. In fact, the recovery, if there is one, is more like a patchwork quilt. Certain areas and industries are performing better while others suffer. Perhaps you should not wait for the world to catch up. Perhaps you should instead...

“AwesomeLikeUmYouKnow.” How you speak is as much part of your “packaging” as is your resume or LinkedIn profile. Sooner or later in the career change process you will inevitably speak to potential employers. Will they understand you or even take you seriously if you use phrases like “AwesomeLikeUmYouKnow?” Some...

At the moment I am working on a review of the economic data that is emerging showing a weakening world economy increasingly supported by government largesse (at the taxpayer’s expense). It is a worrisome picture and I will address it again soon, however, in spite of the general gloom, we helped...