Mike had recently been VP of HR, Client Services for QVC, responsible for a team of 140+ at 9 US sites.  He has accepted the position of SVP, HR, North America for Henkel, a global consumer products company with global headquarters in Germany.

Name three things provided by Kelleher Associates that added value to you in your search.

Over the years, I have developed a very good network with search firms and HR professionals in the Philadelphia region. However, Kelleher Associates was able to expand my network even further, including connecting me with high-level executives such as CEOs and COOs. I had the opportunity to meet corporate leaders who knew the region, as well as a variety of industries, and these meetings helped open my mind to new possibilities and career options.

Secondly, everyone at Kelleher Associates was very accommodating and gracious about assisting me in any way possible. I would stop into the office at least once a week, and the firm would often let me use an empty office to make calls and get some work done, at the same time, giving me the opportunity to change it up a bit from my home office and maintain my focus. 

Describe the level of service and accessibility of Kelleher Associates consultants.

I was originally assigned to another organization for my executive transition, and instead I asked to work with Kelleher Associates. I knew the firm had an exemplary reputation for helping clients land successfully, and that I would have access to my coach, as well as the firm’s other principals. Within the first three weeks, I was able to sit down and talk with several Kelleher Associates consultants. Ellen, in particular, was incredibly accessible. We had a weekly meeting for the first few months, and then bi-weekly meetings, but we continued to talk on the phone every week for at least 30 minutes.

Additionally, the administrative staff at Kelleher Associates is really a team of unsung heroes. I had a presentation I used in my job interviews, and the staff always had fresh, updated copies of it ready for me upon request. The firm’s administrative staff also worked with me to polish my other written materials, including a marketing plan and resume. Their behind-the-scenes work really kept things moving and helped to alleviate much of my stress.

Describe the overall knowledge level of your coach.

Ellen was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Within our first three weeks together, we had completed assessments designed to take a closer look at my work style, as well as environments where I would make the most impact and that I would enjoy. She also helped tailor my resume and create a personal marketing plan, which guided me in terms of seeking applicable positions and relaying what business and personal value I would add to a company. These were brief documents, but reviewing them prior to embarking on interviews was very helpful.

Ellen was a very good fit for me as a coach because she had done executive search work in the past, including higher level human resource searches. She had a good grasp of what companies look for in an HR leader, and she had great insight on where my skill set and style would be most impactful. Quite simply, Ellen provided me with priceless expertise and guidance.

Describe and rate the resources and support available to you at Kelleher Associates.

I would rate the principals very highly for being readily available to speak with me, and I would rate Ellen similarly high for her coaching skills. Kelleher Associates had a great network of people available to me.

Describe your comfort level with your coach.

Ellen was the executive search person that had “found” me for Penn Mutual in the late 1990s; she also knew my wife and children. We had a good comfort level together, and she was able to play devil’s advocate and help me to consider things such as my commute and which industries would provide an opportunity for me to make a difference. She asked me thoughtful questions and made sure I considered what I would be getting myself into before accepting any job offer. I also knew that I could call her at any time; she graciously provided me with both her home and cell phone numbers.

That’s really a trademark of Kelleher Associates – warmth, genuineness and caring that is individualized to each client. The firm really sets itself apart with the personal touch it provides. I feel that now I’m a client for life; I can always come back for continued career guidance.

What did you learn during this search process that you will take forward in the future?

Kelleher Associates’ approach really showed me the importance of spending more time in the “upfront planning stages” of a job search. There were key contacts with whom I should have connected with sooner, such as past board members, who I had overlooked, and it took me months to call them. If I had realized this earlier, I would have expanded my search even more, at an earlier stage. Kelleher Associates also taught me that it’s important to slow down at the beginning, do some key assessments, and really fine-tune my resume in preparation for the job search.

I would also say that I’ve learned to take the time to enjoy the people I’m meeting. During my search process, I had the opportunity to meet so many people from a variety of industries and disciplines. Now that I have a new executive position, I plan to keep my expanded network intact and stop and enjoy the friendships I’ve made – both in the business world and within the Kelleher Associates organization.

In summary, I highly recommend Kelleher Associates. I couldn’t be happier with my experience.