| Thierry Denis (2010) |
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Thierry Denis could count multiple successes as a General Management executive when he came to Kelleher Associates. He was looking for a position in an international enterprise with a global role. Now in his new position as Director of Supply Chain and Sourcing for Owens Corning, Thierry enjoys a job that is tailor-made for his particular aspirations and abilities, in a corporate culture that is just right for him.
How did you learn about Kelleher Associates? When I worked for CertainTeed, in Valley Forge, PA, we used Kelleher Associates internally. I knew they were very professional and had a broad network of connections in Philadelphia. At a point where it was necessary to shop for an outplacement firm, I chose Kelleher Associates. Can you share some of the process you went through with Kelleher?
Mitch Wienick was my coach. He is the ultimate professional, extremely meticulous, and very detailed. As an individual, he has very good advice and is expert at evaluating your situation. Although I had no new revelations about the outplacement process, Mitch was there when I needed someone to talk to about key meetings and interviews and he greatly added to my network.
In the beginning, Mitch wanted to take the time for a very thorough personal evaluation. I had gone through the outplacement process before and knew about 360° assessments, Myers-Briggs, and polishing resumes. I knew who I was and what I wanted to do, and it was hard to be patient. As their client, you want to go fast. The process feels like it is slowing you down, but it is not. The details are very necessary in refashioning and updating your personal value proposition. In our first campaign, Mitch Wienick had me reach out to recruitment in target companies. I had a reasonable network before, but this process definitely helped expand it. Strategically, I spent most of my time networking. It helped that I had stayed involved in service firms and associations, and was president of Financial Executives International (FEI), with its 300 members. I expanded my network in the Greater Philadelphia Senior Executives Group (GPSEG, 1300 members) and Business Executive Networking Group (BENG, 600 members). A year before I had 100 contacts on LinkedIn, and now that number grew to about 500. At first, the Owens Corning position looked like a very traditional opportunity. My choice was based not so much on the job description, but on the company. Owens Corning is a manufacturer of building materials and glass fibers, and I knew them as a competitor of my previous employer. I sent a letter to the CEO. Once I made positive contact, Mitch was with me every step of the way. And it turned out that the position really represented a personal growth opportunity for me, which made it very exciting.
What Kelleher services proved to be especially valuable during your search? Even though I needed less coaching than the typical client, I especially appreciated Mitch’s ability to leverage the network, particularly around Philadelphia. I was mobile, but trying to stay in the area.
Was there any particular “value added” feature in your work with Kelleher Associates? It is a matter of degree. I learned through the networking process that I needed to help others first. When you are undergoing outplacement, there is a sense of urgency on your side. Although it is conceptually easy to say, it is harder to put into practice. You need to really invest yourself in trying to help others first, and then accrued benefits start to flow your way, too.
What would you recommend to others seeking their next position or considering a change in their career path? My first piece of advice: call Kelleher! I recommend that people use outplacement services, and Kelleher Associates’ local network is particularly valuable to senior executives who have had their “head down” for much of their career. |
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