KA: How did you decide to work with Kelleher Associates during your recent career transition?

AW: I had been the Director of Finance with a multi-national manufacturer of consumer products, primarily personal hygiene products, since 2003, and had been with the company since 2001. They are based in Sweden and had operations in North America, Central America and South America, but recently decided to concentrate on Central America and South America. My position was moved to Mexico in the restructuring in September 2008. I had a pretty good network in place, and part of my compensation package was outplacement services. One of my contacts asked if I intended to stay in the Philadelphia area, and when I told him yes, he suggested I contact Kelleher Associates. He said that I might be steered by others to a larger firm, but that the folks at Kelleher Associates – Ed Kelleher and Mitch Wienick in particular – had a great network in this region and personal relationships with a diverse group of companies. I spoke with Ed right after Labor Day, and he suggested I come in for a meeting.

KA: Once you came in to meet with Kelleher Associates, what did you work on together?

AW: We covered the full gamut, starting with updating my resume. In working with Ed and Mitch, they helped me to understand that success in a new opportunity hinges on understanding what made me successful in the past. I was very “active” in the beginning, doing a lot of calls and making contacts. Ed’s primary effort was to get me to calm down, and start putting me in touch with the “right” people who could help me to expand my network in the Philadelphia marketplace. Additionally, they were able to introduce me to the next level of retained search firms that introduced me to more job leads. Everyone at Kelleher helped me find that focus.

Through constructive conversation, we covered my career, and I realized that I had forgotten or taken for granted what I had accomplished and my achievements in my career. Together we detailed my experiences, which helped me prepare for the interview process. It showed me how to talk about my career in a more directed way, and to effectively present that information in an interview. Al Kramer worked with me in videotaping my interviews and prepping me for the actual process. The team at Kelleher also showed me how to work with other tools, like the Philadelphia Business Journal, for example, to assist in the targeting of potential companies that were a possible fit.

As job leads and potential opportunities arose, it was great to have the chance to strategize with Ed and Mitch. The connection that Kelleher Associates has in the Philadelphia marketplace is unmatched. These networks enhanced my ability to at least get useful information about the company if not talk to someone who has been there.

KA: How did you find your new position at Heraeus Electro-Nite?

AW: In working with Ed, I was able to identify target companies. We targeted certain corporations in the Philadelphia area that were foreign-owned, or international companies with a significant Philadelphia presence. Additionally, I began to attend various networking events such as Execunet and the Financial Executive Networking Group. Together with Ed, we developed a personal profile, including my target companies for distribution at these networking events. I had met a recruiter at a December networking event, and distributed my profile which included Heraeus Electro-Nite. The timing worked out perfectly. Once I had identified Heraeus and made the connection, it went very quickly. After initial meetings, I was asked to go to Belgium to meet the European team. The interviews went well, and the cultural fit was good too. With the right opportunity and the right fit, the process moved quickly and resulted in the offer.

KA: What are your responsibilities in your new position?

AW: Heraeus is a $15 billion German company specializing in precious metals for industrial use. The Electro-Nite division with headquarters in Belgium manufactures sensors for molten metal and steel work. I report directly to the North American President, and the Chief Financial Office in Belgium. I’m responsible for the finance group in the U.S. and Canada, including the monthly close and reporting, strategic planning, forecasting, financial management and general administration within North America. The NA management team here in Langhorne, PA is a tight-knit group who really know the industry. I’m excited to be a part of the leadership team I’ll also be interacting with sales, marketing, R&D, and human resources, among others. There will be some travel for me, between the U.S. and Belgium, as well as to our plants and facilities outside Pittsburgh and in Indiana. It’s a new industry for me, and an exciting challenge.

KA: What did you learn from the process?

The job search process can be difficult at times, especially in these uncertain times. By working with the people at Kelleher, there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. They were able to keep me on track and focused. It is important to keep digging in and to remain positive. Networking is the key. There are a lot of people who are willing to help. The good thing about this economy is that people are more and more understanding of the “transition” process. I am able now to look back and really appreciate the process and the people that I met along the way. As Ed would say, “Good things happen if you let them.” I’m committed to staying connected and letting good things happen.