Wendy: Successful launch of consulting firm as stepping stone to global position.
Challenge
Wendy was frustrated and dissatisfied with her role in business development and wanted to become a thought leader in her specialty area within digital marketing for business to business companies. She was hesitant to leave her current role and unsure about her options.
Process & Results
Donna helped Wendy identify her strengths and interests. Then coached her as she launched a business as a consultant, trainer, and professional speaker on emerging social media strategies for business to business organizations. She became a widely respected social media expert and co-founded the popular Madison Social Media Breakfast. Ultimately after 4 years in her consulting business, Wendy was recruited in a full time role as the Global eBusiness Social Media Manager for a $13 billion global manufacturing company of engineered products with 60,000 employees. She serves on the Center of Excellence team where she acts as internal consultant to 150 divisions and 48 countries, building and implementing strategy on social media. The role has allowed her to use a perfect blend of her past experience, her strong skill set and thought leadership positioning.
“Donna’s professional guidance and personal support were invaluable to me during my career exploration process. Donna really helped me step back and gain a realistic understanding of what skills and tools I have to work with, how to present those well, and what their true worth is in the professional world. Her methods are practical, reality-based and effective stepping-stones to learning a method of strong, effective personal presentation. The investment paid off professionally as it developed the stepping stone for the next position I took–with global responsibilities. I cannot recommend Donna’s services highly enough to those seeking guidance to take their skills in job search and preparation to the next level.”
Peter: Offered newly created role as Director of PR and Corporate Communications after losing Director of Corporate Communications role.
Challenge
Peter had been Director of Corporate Communication at an insurance company for over 22 years when a new CEO made changes on the senior team and Peter lost his position. This was shocking news. Peter was in his 50’s and had fully expected to retire from that company where he had been successful for so many years.
Process & Results
Donna helped Peter process the devastating loss of his job. Through examining his past accomplishments and identifying his many skills, Peter regained his confidence. Donna coached him on job search strategies and invited him to join her at key business networking events. Contacts made through networking led to discussions with the CEO and executive team at a respected and growing company. Peter identified unmet needs he could address and he was offered a newly created role as Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
“I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Donna during a career transition. Donna provided me direction, inspiration and motivation to take the next step in my career. Her one-to-one approach with clients provides a very personalized counseling environment. I have recommended Donna to numerous friends and professional contacts and will continue to do so without hesitation.”
Diane: Landed VP position and attractive compensation package after losing VP role at her former company of 25 years.
Challenge
When a new CEO began putting into place a new management team, Diane lost her job as Vice President after 25 years with the company. In her 50’s she unexpectedly needed to launch a job search for another executive position in the Madison area. Diane was offered an outplacement package by her company and she requested to use Career Success Strategies for her company-sponsored services.
Process & Results
Donna guided Diane through a career assessment process, developed the first resume she’d had in decades, introduced her to LinkedIn, created a strong LinkedIn profile, and provided intensive coaching on networking in person and through LinkedIn. Diane landed a position with attractive compensation at a large local insurance company where she now serves as Vice President for Customer Operations.
“Donna has a great methodology and approach yet it was very customizable to meet my needs and situation. She is extremely well connected in the Madison market and provides you many opportunities to network in order to increase your exposure. She is very responsive to you and provides as much one on one time as you need. Her extensive experience has allowed her to create a sizable “library” of documents, books, and other resource material that she effectively uses to assist you.”
Jackson: VP started successful Madison-based consulting firm after learning CEO was making changes at his former company.
Challenge
Jackson was VP of Maketing and Sales when a new CEO made several changes to the executive team. He needed to find a role with a comparable six-figure income. He, his wife and two young children wanted to remain in Madison.
Process & Results
Donna led Jackson through career assessment exercises that examined his values, abilities and strengths, motivators, and preferences. He started an independent consulting business so he could serve contacts he had on the East Coast but remain in Madison. His consutling work was very successful and he ultimately was offered a senior level position inside one of his client companies.
“Donna provided me with highly professional, pragmatic and insightful guidance as I worked through a mid-career transition period. She respectfully challenges her clients with thoughtful questions, opinions and ideas for achieving next-step career satisfaction. As someone used to coaching others, I enjoyed the personal attention and sound advice I received from Donna. I look forward to remaining in contact with her.”
