Deloitte

• Selected to participate in a fellowship program focused on enhancing understanding of the ER&I (Energy, resources, and Industrial) industry across the firm. Engaged in projects aimed at supporting firm leaders in growing their practices within the ER&I sector.
• Transitioned to the Internal Audit offering to support Agile IA & strategic IA engagements influencing departments to create purpose-driven teams embracing new technology, navigating risk, and leading learning practices
• Led redesigning of organizational structure (30+ team members) from a technical and teaming perspective while facilitating internal and external relationships, recapturing metrics, and building change management documentation
• Established relationship with Deloitte Consulting and aided in expanding their health care Human Resource Advisory board by facilitating in-person experiences with over 25+ attendees
• Created shark tank-style analytics competition driving innovation and automation ideas for the firm, client, and stakeholders with over 40+ attendees and global leaders

Internal Audit - Consultant

• Relocating to Indonesia to support internal audit control design from a business process and technology standpoint for a 3 billion dollar mining investment, the largest copper mining plant in the world.
• Navigated intense situations with government officials that ultimately led to my return back to the US. An opportunity I'm forever grateful for, Indonesia is a beautiful place!

Internal Audit - Senior Consultant

• Educated team members and improved understanding of relevant IT systems; SAP, Oracle, Workday, SuccessFactors
• Built out global documentation for Agile methodology and obtained Agile Coaching ICP-ACC certification
• Managed collaboration and virtual production among 50+ attendees for internal Agile bootcamps

IT & Specialized Assurance - Consultant

• Performed general information technology control testing, report logic testing, and business process controls testing while working on over 10 SEC external audit engagements within the Energy, Resources, and Industrials industry offering
• Facilitated client walkthroughs for newly implemented IT systems and headed the system implementation control testing
• Energized recruiting efforts at Deloitte by participating in local, regional, and university-based events

IT & Specialized Assurance - Analyst

DxConsulting, LLC

A business I started to better serve job seekers struggling in their careers.


• 2024 LinkedIn Top Voice 
• 2022 Top Job Search Expert To Follow On LinkedIn  (JobScan)
• Captured over 21k followers and 5M+ content views through LinkedIn with daily content creation and producing a year-long weekly video series
• Formulated a job search method, “Conversations > Applications” that reverses the traditional job search process for candidates

Visit www.dxconsults.com for more information. 

Or...scroll down further for some client testimonials.

PS... If you made it this far and really can't find a reason to connect or are struggling to personalize your invite. Just send me a message saying "#Whynot?", happy to connect and start a conversation! I appreciate you taking the time to read about my passion

Founder

Audience & Income

Audience & Income is an exclusive membership community for creators, dedicated to helping them grow their audience and create income online.

Member

Helping job seekers revitalize their networking strategy in Q3 | Conversations > Applications ✌️

I believe you should be able to obtain your career dreams and that’s what I help professionals do. 

My clients have landed roles at Oracle, Deloitte, EY, Tata Consultancy, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Eaton, Salesforce, KPMG, PWC, Dell, Higher Education or started their own venture 😌

But, landing your dream role doesn’t happen by chance, or with me creating an offer letter for you. My most successful clients know it takes hard work, patience, and perseverance.

The results? Massive career pivots, finding clarity in what you wanted to do, landing your target role in 2 months, and getting 2x your current salary. 

Ultimately, the people I work with feel respected, valued, and paid fairly in their career path.

I am a career coach guiding frustrated mid-career professionals to their target roles by teaching them to have the right conversations with the right people

I specialize in 1:1 coaching that covers job search strategy and career clarity.

Sick of hearing from me?  Scroll 👇🏼  to see what my clients have to say

Note: All opinions expressed are solely my own and not of any employers

Who am I and why should you listen to me?

I was an underdog, I never had the perfect GPA, experience, or stories to tell and I still broke into the #1 professional service firm in the world. Before that, I spent time in public accounting, start-ups, and fortune 500 companies.

But... your LinkedIn doesn't show a recruitment or hiring team experience?

They were internships and I decided to remove them. Hiring isn't rocket science + I had the below opportunity

I sat behind the scenes in HR and watched resumes pile in, held phone screens and reference checks, and interviewed candidates, and rejected candidates (yes, all while utilizing an ATS). 

I’ve seen how treacherous the job searching process can be; automated rejections, ghosting, 14 rounds of interviews, and 250 applications a week. I don’t want you to have to live in the process that every candidate believes to be normal.

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and also had the opportunity to live in Austin, Texas for four years. After four years, incredible weather, and "Keep Austin Weird" vibes, I finally decided that I missed home and wanted to see the Browns win a Superbowl. I headed back to Cleveland and started working with my dream company + starting my own business. I'm an avid sports fan, enjoy being active, and spending time with my family + and friends

Dominic Imwalle

I've seen people take two full weeks off during this holiday split.

I've also seen people working straight through, treating it like any other December.

I've watched job seekers pause everything until January. I've also watched job seekers send connection requests on December 27th and land interviews by January 2nd.

I've known hiring managers who go dark for weeks. I've also known hiring managers who are online right now, reviewing profiles and responding to messages.

The calendar split this year means fewer people are taking extended time off. Most are working at least part of this week.

As someone who's coached hundreds through career transitions, my advice hasn't changed: Don't wait for January if you're serious about your search.

Today's a perfect day to send 5-10 messages, go deep on research, and start conversations.

People are still working this week.

Tap in where you can and then go have a day 🤝

Platforms don’t hire you, people do | Career Coach | Creating content to make your search go a level deep than “easy apply”

Get out in the world. 
Go do things you enjoy. 
Go push yourself to tears. 
Go hang around people you love.

The world is waiting for you.

Houston. Thank you 🤝

Platforms don’t hire you, people do | Creating content to make your search go a level deep than “easy apply” | Career Coach

No alternative text description for this image

Last week I realized I no longer submit quarterly reviews to a boss.

I am the boss now.

Here's what the last 90 days of running my own business looked like:

- Survived 3 months
- Held 50+ calls with job seekers
- Didn't touch a penny of my savings
- Joined Favikon for their partner program
- Landed ~$500K in compensation for clients
- Started engaging in pure recruitment services
- Generated 450K impressions with LinkedIn content
- Built a community for conversation > applications with ~20 active members

Sitting in plan for 2026 right now

But I forgot to celebrate the work and be honest about the story.

Every week has been a rollercoaster.
I wish someone had shared that earlier with me.

But I love it so much.
It's a privilege to wake up and serve professionals.

Here's to waking up and treating it like day one 🤝

Ps) these are the highlights, no mistakes/failures pictured

A client reminded me of something I've been doing wrong for years.

We see posts that resonate.

But we scroll past them anyway.
Telling ourselves we'll come back later.

I've lost count of the posts I meant to comment on.

The connections I could've made.
The conversations that never happened.

Here's what I've learned:

- That insight that clicked? Respond immediately.
- That moment of connection? Don't let it pass.
- That person you admire? Tell them today.
- That post you loved? Comment now.

The real cost?
Missing out on relationships.

- How many people never heard your perspective?
- How many conversations died in your drafts folder?
- How many connections slipped through the cracks?

I'm consistently amazed by what happens when I just hit send.

For you, if commenting feels uncomfortable, start small.

It pays to engage with content that moves you.
Pays more to believe people want to hear from you.

Because they do.

The only mistake is convincing yourself otherwise.

Stop saving posts for later.

Start building connections now ✌🏼

I predict career coaching will grow over the next 10 years as organizations have less and less people who care about the growth of those beneath them. They won't spend the time to develop their people because AI was supposed to replace their job. 

Coaching doesn’t replace managers, it replaces the development that no longer exists.

You have to love every single part of the game. And that's my favorite thing about training for a race or serving professionals. 

It will not bounce your way a majority of the time until the ONE week that it does and you dominate because you stayed ready. 

If I'm not with friends, this is what I love doing. 

Have a Sunday 🤝

Ps) t-minus one week until Houston marathon

Endlessly scrolling through LinkedIn won’t guarantee you more interview calls.

1 massive misconception I keep seeing  -  thinking hours on the platform = interview invites.

Why it keeps you stuck instead of moving forward:

1) You confuse activity with actual progress
2) You lose consistency chasing perfection
3) You burn out trying to "do more" ("easy apply")

People respond to candidates who:

- Stay top of mind
- Show up regularly
- Build trust through repetition

So if you're exhausted (or feeling behind):

- Let small actions compound over time
- Message 2 - 3 people per session
- Track who you've reached out to
- Set 15 minutes, twice a week
- Focus on quality over quantity

Because your consistency → creates the leverage that sporadic effort never will.

"Do I need to be on LinkedIn all day?"

1) No.
2) It starts with showing up on your terms.

Build your outreach so you can:

1) Create momentum
2) Trust the process
3) Stay visible

If your goal is to land interviews without burning out...

- Play the long game
- Control your schedule
- Shift from hours to habits

People want to hear from you.

Act accordingly 🤝

I will be your random guy on LinkedIn every single day of the week. 

S/o LinkedIn for giving me a platform.
Blue badge or not, I'll be here rocking 🤝

Founder @ SalesBrand | LinkedIn executive brand and content consultancy | Over half a billion organic LinkedIn views

The LinkedIn Top Voice blue badge summed up in two images.

1. Mel Robbins: world famous author and writer, sold millions of books, has 40 million followers across social media, gets thousands and thousands of engagements per post.

2. Dominic Imwalle: random guy, with a solo consulting business in Texas, gets 20 likes per post

UPDATE 1:

There is a third category. Big LinkedIn-native influencers. I know some of them. Top Voice for them makes sense.

UPDATE 2:

There appears to be a Blue Badge purge going on at LinkedIn right now. People are losing them left and right. So we will see how this all shakes out.

"If someone came to you today saying 'the market is terrible,' how would you response now?"

I asked this to a professional in my program this morning who landed a role before Christmas, their answer:

"It probably is. It's a tough market and from conversations I had, strategic hiring is what's been happening and what is happening"

You don't gain anything by not admitting it. 

It brutal out there, now let's get to work 🤝

A great leader is not just a good manager - 

It's someone who transforms your entire career trajectory.

If you're 5-15 years into your career and you haven't worked under a leader who:

- Demands a high quality work product
- Requires you to share your story
- Requires you to document your story
- Magnifies where you've won
- Gives you room to grow in losses
- Helps you develop other leaders
- Gives you autonomy to find a project you enjoy
- Teaches you how to navigate compensation

Then I highly recommend working this entire year to find someone like this. 

Note: It could take a few years and still be worth it.

I watched a client almost quit 10 minutes into the role research I asked them to do.

"Where do I fit in?"

The job search spiral is real.

Where do I find roles?
What's the next role title?
Who wants to bring me into the fold?

But it's easy to miss the point when you get started.
The exercise isn't to find your next job immediately.

Sure, there should be some targets.

But the goal is to find interesting people and let the lane emerge through the conversations.

This especially goes for folks who are currently employed and looking to make a slow move in Q1 of 2026.

You have time to:

- Build relationships before you need them
- Explore what roles actually interest you
- Let opportunities surface naturally
- Double down on folks you know

Could you land a role by mass applying today?
Of course, it's just going to burn you out faster.

I've watched clients transform their search when they stopped hunting and started connecting.

The conversations reveal the path.

So, are you searching for a job or building toward one?

I’ve watched doors open and careers soar simply because someone offered genuine kindness in an everyday moment.

Don't underestimate how often people are watching you move throughout the day.

Especially online. 

ps) audio scare at the end from the dog, s/o Bea

I joined Favikon's creator program late last year and it's been a breakthrough for understanding the creator economy.

Here's what I've learned:

1. How creators are actually getting supported

- Understanding what moves the needle
- Rankings and metrics that matter
- Finding others building in public

2. Building out my "creator spotlight"

- Where have I won?
- Where do I have room to partner?
- What audience am I hanging out with?
- What have past partnerships looked like?

https://lnkd.in/g8s8FQSm
(give it a look, still in process 🤝)

3. Setting real goals

- Partner with a health/lifestyle brand by end of Q2
- Stop being ignorant to owning a personal brand
- Double down on the creator economy

This works because:

- It pushed me to grow beyond just posting.
- It's already led to partnership conversations for Q1.
- It connects my two worlds: LinkedIn and athletic training.

By following this, I'm:

- Creating opportunities I didn't see before.
- Building something beyond career coaching.
- Owning the fact that there's life outside going on.

I was born in the old school way of things, time to adapt ✌🏼

Don't idolize the LinkedIn profile - validate it with questions. Here's the shift:

You finally land a call with someone whose career looks perfect on paper.

Senior title. Dream company. Impressive trajectory.

You're ready to absorb every word like gospel.

But here's where most people get it wrong.

They treat the conversation like a masterclass instead of a discovery call.

Avoid:

- Taking every piece of advice as absolute truth.
- Forgetting to test their perspective against others.
- Leaving without understanding what didn't work.
- Nodding along without challenging ideas.
- Assuming their path is the only path.

Run towards:

- Digging into the failures, not just wins.
- Asking what they'd do differently today.
- Testing their advice against your situation.
- Treating their experience as one data point.
- Comparing their insights to other conversations.
- Following up with what you learned elsewhere.

Why does this matter?
Because their LinkedIn tells a story, not the story.

What worked for them might not work for you.
Your job isn't to copy - it's to collect evidence.

When you treat people like hypotheses instead of saviors, you stop worshipping profiles and start building your own playbook.

That's how you make smarter moves in the market.

Test everything, believe selectively ✌🏼

Ps) this is what I spent a Saturday coaching session discussing, it pays to spend time with the right people to uncover where you're headed!

Job seekers focus on what they can't control.

The interview invite, the recruiter's response, the offer timing.

What about the work you can do today?

Here's what's in your control right now --

1) Who are you reaching out to this week?
2) How do you deliver your story?
3) Where are you showing up consistently?

The interview comes later. The offer comes after that.

But the outreach? The conversations? The visibility?
That's today's work.

Control the inputs, trust the outcomes ✌️

When you shift to conversations > applications, tracking the right signals separates good networking from great networking.

Watch for these leading indicators:

- They offered to introduce you to someone in their network.
- They asked how they could be helpful moving forward.
- They gave you a name to mention in your outreach.
- They connected your background to a specific role.
- They shared internal context you couldn't find online.
- The insights you gained helped you take action.
- They followed up after the conversation ended.
- They asked about your next steps or timeline.

These are all signs of a networking conversation that moved the needle.

But, one signal alone doesn't mean much.

Therefore, when multiple indicators show up in the same conversation, you've built the type of connection that actually leads to opportunities.

When conversations feel like they're going nowhere, look for these signals.

I'm confused why you'd use anything other than beehiiv to run your newsletter in 2026. 

I have a small list I'm writing to on roughly a weekly basis, from there I can:

- Refer people to other newsletters I love. 
- Manage products that are relevant for subscribers.
- "Vibe code" into a new landing page for people.
- Monetize w/ ads few different ways (take home all of it).
- Own all digital assets in one platform vs. multiple sites. 

Better yet, they have an awesome team supporting you 24/7. I remember when they first kicked off and I was in a slack chat asking questions + getting 1:1 support. 

Even more, you hear from Tyler Denk 🐝 pretty often on what's next. 

Also gotta s/o Daniel Berk 🐝 who keeps me hooked.

If you need a newsletter platform, run here 🤝

Most people see job seekers as statistics, not individuals. That’s where everything goes wrong.

You have the opportunity to change someone’s life. 

One call. One message. One offer.

You gain nothing from showing up to an interaction with anything less.

Have a Saturday 🤝

Ps) ShareAura is an elite running app where I thought about this post.

The job search isn't glamorous, but it's where you build the momentum that matters.

We're often waiting for the "right" opportunity.

But most days, it's just you doing the work.
No one's watching, no one's cheering.

What does that work actually look like?

- Reaching out to who they recommended
- Connecting your experience to their pain
- Finding the company in your field
- Crafting the email to the hiring team
- Tweaking your resume or LinkedIn
- Taking action after the conversation
- Crafting the connection request
- Finding the person to contact
- Scheduling the conversation
- Finding the role you like
- Holding the conversation

And the list goes on.
This is the work you can control.

When you take the gut punch from 8+ interviews that didn't go your way?

You go back to this work.
You create another opportunity.

These are all steps I've seen create wins for people. 
Run back here if you're struggling 🤝

The world wants to hear from real people figuring out real problems. 

If you're posting on here + serving people at a high level, TALK about it where you can. Folks aren't gaining much from the 10th carousel or leadership quote - they want to hear about people in their situation and how they made it better. 

What's the point of me coaching professionals and then never turning around to talk about the experiences we've had together?

Food for thought, have a Wednesday 🤝

#1 for Career Coaching on LinkedIn. I help senior-level ICs & people leaders grow their salaries and land fulfilling $200K-$500K jobs —> 300+ placed at top companies.

Ranked The Top Career Coach Worldwide On LinkedIn | Helping Senior ICs & People Leaders Land $200K-$500K Dream Jobs

Ready to grow your salary and land a role you actually love?

I've helped over 300 professionals break through salary ceilings and land life-changing positions at Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, and other top companies.

Here's what makes my approach different:

Most job seekers waste months applying to hundreds of jobs with no results. My clients land multiple offers in 6-12 weeks using "The Simple Success Method" - my distilled 5-step system that focuses only on what gets you hired. After 300+ successful placements, I've learned that executive-level results come from doing the RIGHT 5 things perfectly, not overwhelming yourself with complicated processes.

My track record speaks for itself:
✓ 300+ clients placed at dream companies  
✓ Average salary increase: 40-80%  
✓ 300M+ content views helping job seekers  
✓ Featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider  
✓ Built my own 7-figure business using these exact strategies
✓ Ranked the top job search coach on LinkedIn (#1 in the U.S. and Worldwide by Favikon)  

What you get in Career Leap:
→ The Simple Success Method™ (my battle-tested 5-step system)  
→ 1:1 coaching sessions with me personally  
→ Exclusive access to proprietary AI job search tool  
→ Group coaching with other high-performers  
→ Private community of ambitious professionals  
→ Complete confidentiality throughout your search  

This isn't for everyone. I only work with senior-level individual contributors and people leaders who are serious about making a major career move and ready to invest in themselves.

My guarantee: If you don't land a $200K-$500K role within 90 days, we'll keep working with you until you do. That's how confident I am in this system.

More about me: Currently living in Chicago. I worked at LinkedIn for 4 years helping Fortune 500 companies hire top talent, then founded my own 7-figure recruiting start-up. Now I use that complete 360° perspective - platform insider knowledge + hiring expertise + entrepreneurial success - to help people land jobs they actually love.

Ready to transform your career?
  
Send me a DM with "CAREER LEAP" or book a free job search strategy call: https://lwspuk8wil4.typeform.com/to/LeHkspKC

P.S. - Spots are limited. I only take on a select group of professionals each month to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve.

Reno Perry

Before you plan the next happy hour, here’s what
(actually) makes employees happy…

A lot of companies still don’t get it.

They obsess over perks people don’t care about:

❌ Swag bags
❌ Office trivia
❌ Happy hours
❌ Pizza parties
❌ Ping pong tables

But ignore what actually matters to them.

Sure, happy hours can be fun.

But if you aren’t getting the basics right,
your best people won’t stay.

Instead, invest in what your team values:

✅ Flexibility that shows you respect their time
✅ Managers who support, not micromanage
✅ Being treated like people, not resources
✅ Feeling appreciated and supported
✅ Clear, honest communication
✅ Pay that reflects their value
✅ Work that feels meaningful
✅ Real opportunities to grow
✅ Psychological safety

Here’s the uncut truth...

Every high-performer I’ve coached says
the same thing:

The perks don’t matter if they don’t feel
valued, trusted, and empowered.


P.S. What else would you add to the list?

#1 for Career Coaching on LinkedIn. I help senior-level ICs & people leaders grow their salaries and land fulfilling $200K-$500K jobs —​> 300+ placed at top companies.

Wish I had watched these 9 talks earlier.

It would’ve saved me years of trial and error.

Feeling stuck in your role?
Coasting on autopilot?
Or ready to get to the next level?

These TED Talks don’t just inspire,
they teach you how to win.

If you’re pivoting, pushing for more, 
or done playing small... 

This is where you should start:

1. How to figure out what you really want
- Ashley Stahl
- Use the 3-circle method to clarify your path
- Watch this if you're stuck or second-guessing
- https://lnkd.in/gwm5gPW2 

2. 10 ways to have better conversations
- Celeste Headlee
- 10 practical tips to connect better
- Watch this if you want to be heard more
- https://lnkd.in/g4jybqek 

3. How to build (and rebuild) trust
- Frances Frei
- Logic + empathy + authenticity
- Watch this to lead with credibility
- https://lnkd.in/gFGNXP_c 

4. The power of vulnerability
- Brené Brown
- Why emotion makes leaders stronger
- Watch this to grow your emotional intelligence
- https://lnkd.in/g4BiWpSd 

5. The Happy Secret to Better Work
- Shawn Achor
- About: How positivity fuels performance.
- Why Watch: To boost results in just 12 minutes.
📽️ https://lnkd.in/genmEX5X 

6. Why We All Need Emotional First Aid
- Guy Winch
- About: Tools for mental recovery and strength.
- Why Watch: To bounce back faster under pressure.
- https://lnkd.in/gXi_ZWUT 

7. The Career Advice You Didn’t Get
- Susan Colantuono
- About: What really drives upward mobility.
- Why Watch: To grow faster in mid-career roles.
- https://lnkd.in/gXB4jqUW 

8. Why Listen to People You Disagree With
- Zachary R. Wood
- About: The value of healthy disagreement.
- Why Watch: To lead diverse teams with clarity.
- https://lnkd.in/ghAVyNaY 

9. What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection
- Jia Jiang
- About: A challenge to face fear head-on.
- Why Watch: To build bold, everyday confidence.
- https://lnkd.in/gGgunsSj 

Just 10-20 mins of insight can change everything.

Pick one. Watch it today. Apply what resonates.

And if it helps, pass it on.

♻️ Repost to help someone in your network level up.
👤 Follow for more tools, not just talk.

As you move up in your career, you’re expected to be more strategic.

Not because you suddenly have all the answers.
But because the decisions you make carry more weight.

I wish I could say the smartest decisions I’ve made came from instinct.

But that would be a lie.

They came from having the right framework
at the right moment.

No one has perfect information.
And being strategic isn’t about pretending you do.

It’s about knowing how to think for maximum impact.

Here are 5 models I rely on to think more strategically
especially when the stakes are high:

SWOT Analysis
-See what’s working.
-Spot what’s holding you back.
-Use before big moves or career pivots.

Second-Order Thinking
-Look past the obvious.
-Anticipate downstream effects.
-Use when decisions have ripple effects.

VRIO Framework
-Identify your true advantage.
-Clarify what actually differentiates you.
-Use to pitch your value or prioritize strengths.

McKinsey 7S
-Find what’s misaligned.
-Bring strategy, structure, and execution back into sync.
-Use when progress stalls or things feel off.

Impact vs Effort Matrix
-Work smarter, not harder.
-Focus on what drives disproportionate results.
-Use when you’re overloaded or stuck.

Being strategic isn’t about knowing everything.

It’s about knowing how to think when it counts.

And the right model can change how you lead,
plan, and win.

Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network.
And follow me for more posts like this.

You don’t get what you deserve.
You get what you negotiate.
And most people negotiate poorly.

Staying silent can cost you up to $1.5 million over your career.

After coaching hundreds of professionals into $200k+ roles, here’s what I’ve learned:

Most people don’t get underpaid because they lack experience.
They get underpaid because they use language that weakens their leverage.

One weak phrase can cost you $50k+ instantly…and that compounds over time.

❌ Lower raises
❌ Smaller bonuses
❌ Less equity

Your negotiation language sets the baseline for everything that follows.

If you catch yourself saying things like “I’m flexible on compensation,” stop right there.

Here are 3 powerful phrase swaps that changed the game for my clients:

❌ Never: “I just really need this job.”
✅ Instead: “I’m excited about the opportunity and want to ensure compensation aligns with the value I bring.”

❌ Never: “I’m currently making X at my job.”
✅ Instead: “Based on market data for similar roles, I’m seeing a range of X–Y. How does that align with your budget?”

❌ Never: “I’d be willing to take less to get started.”
✅ Instead: “I’m very interested in this position and would like to work together to finalize the compensation.”

See the difference?

You’re not being difficult.
You’re being clear.

You’re not demanding more.
You’re defining your worth.

Weak phrases cost you for decades.
Strong language changes everything.

($1.5M stat source: Forbes & Business Insider)

📌 Negotiation is just one piece of the bigger picture. Inside my Career Leap Accelerator, I help sr. level ICs and people leaders position themselves for high-level roles and navigate interviews, offers, and comp strategically. 

If you’re targeting a $200K+ role and want support at that level, fill out the short form in my Featured section and, if it’s a fit, we can talk.

I can tell when someone's networking out of desperation.

So can everyone else.

Here's the pattern I see after coaching 300+ people:

Most people only reach out when they need something.

They lead with what they want, not what they offer.

They disappear the second they land a role.

Then 24 months later? They're back. And it's obvious.

Look - if you need a job right now, you still need to network. I get it.

But HOW you do it makes all the difference.

The people landing $200K+ roles (even when they're actively searching)?

They network differently.

They still give value even while asking for help.

They're genuinely curious about the other person.

They build real relationships, not transactional connections.

Things like:
→ Targeting weak ties (research shows 70% of jobs come through loose connections)
→ Asking for advice instead of "are you hiring?" (opens way more doors)
→ Mastering the 30-minute coffee chat framework that feels like a conversation, not an interview

I put together 10 specific strategies in the graphic below 👇

Whether you're happily employed or actively searching, these work.

The difference is: one group builds relationships as insurance. The other builds them as lifelines.

Both work. One's just a lot less stressful.

Start today: Pick 3 people you haven't talked to in 6+ months and send them something useful.

An article. A congrats on a win. A simple "thinking of you.”

No ask. Just value. 

That's how you build a network that's there when you actually need it.

📌 P.S. This is exactly the kind of strategic networking I help clients build inside my Job Search Accelerator. We focus on outreach that compounds over time and leads to senior-level opportunities.

If you’re targeting a $200K–$500K role and want to approach your job search more intentionally, fill out the short form in my Featured section and if it’s a fit, we’ll talk.

Most candidates lose interviews even when their answers are “right.”

Here’s why.

Good candidates just answer questions.

The ones who get hired answer what's really being asked.

Coaching 100s of professionals into roles they love has taught me:

Every interview question has a hidden concern behind it.

Here's how to translate the questions into what they actually want to know:

❌ "Tell me about yourself."
✅ Can you connect your story to this role?

❌ "Why should we hire you?"
✅ What makes you stand out from everyone else?

❌ "Why are you leaving your current role?"
✅ Are you moving toward growth, or running from problems?

❌ "What's your greatest weakness?"
✅ Do you know your gaps and are you actively improving?

❌ "Tell me about a challenge you faced."
✅ Will you fix problems or just complain?

❌ "How do you handle pressure?"
✅ Will you deliver or fall apart when things get crazy?

❌ "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
✅ Will you stick around if we invest in you?

❌ "What are your salary expectations?"
✅ Are we aligned on compensation?

❌ "Do you have any questions for us?"
✅ Did you research us, or could we be any company?

❌ "We'll be in touch."
✅ I haven't decided. Your follow-up could tip the scale.

And remember:
Great interviews aren't about giving perfect answers.

They're about showing you understand what really matters to them.

If you can hear the concern behind the question and speak to that....

You'll stop sounding like every other candidate.

And start sounding like the only candidate.

📌 P.S. Interview prep isn’t about memorizing answers. It’s about knowing how to think in the room. If you want support building that skill and targeting higher-level roles, check the Featured section of my profile for details on how I work with clients.

 What_Hiring_Managers_(Actually)_Mean

You’re heading into 2026 and still applying to jobs with no interviews?

Here’s what’s actually happening.

Your experience is strong.
Your resume just isn’t being found.

Let me explain why, and how to fix it.

When you apply online, your resume goes into an ATS (Applicant Tracking System).

Think of it like a massive filing cabinet for recruiters.

And here’s the part most people miss:

Recruiters don’t read every resume.
They search.

Just like Google, they use filters and keywords:

“Python AND data analysis”
“SAFe AND agile transformation”
“Tableau AND executive dashboards”

If your resume doesn’t include the exact terms they’re searching for, you’re invisible.

Not rejected.
Just not discovered.

And in 2026, this matters even more.

Yes, you do need to pack your resume with the right keywords.

But that’s only half the equation.

The other half is the story you’re telling with those keywords.

Anyone can list tools or skills.
What gets interviews is showing how you used them and why it mattered.

The job description tells you exactly what recruiters will search for.

It’s basically an answer key.

Example from a real posting:

If they say “Experience with Snowflake required”
They will search “Snowflake”

So your bullet should read something like:
“Built and scaled a data warehouse in Snowflake supporting X users and Y business outcomes”

Not “cloud database”
Not “modern data platform”

Use their words.
Then show your impact.

Here are examples of high-volume searches going into 2026:

• Python, TensorFlow, LangChain for AI and applied ML roles
• Kubernetes, Terraform, Docker for senior engineering leaders
• Power BI, Tableau, SQL for data and analytics leadership
• SAFe, Agile, DevOps for transformation and delivery roles

Your action plan:

1. Read the job description closely
2. Highlight every tool, platform, and methodology mentioned
3. Use those exact terms if you have real experience with them
4. Embed them inside accomplishment-driven bullets that tell a clear story

Instead of:
“Led team through digital modernization”

Write:
“Led a SAFe agile transformation using ServiceNow and Jira, reducing delivery time by 40% across three product teams”

Same experience.
Very different outcome.

In 2026, resumes need to be searchable and strategic.

You already have the experience.
Now make it visible and compelling.

Your next role isn’t rejecting you.
It just hasn’t found you yet.

P.S. If you want help positioning your resume, experience, and job search strategy for higher-level roles in 2026, I’m opening a few final call slots for free consultations before the end of the year. If you’re interested, fill out the short form in my Featured section to apply and book a call. Once those spots are filled, I’ll reopen in the new year.

You checked all the boxes.

Salary. Title. The LinkedIn headline.

But something still felt off.

We’ve outgrown the old definition of success.
(And it’s about time.)

After coaching hundreds of professionals into
roles they actually love, one thing is clear:

The most fulfilled people?

They’re still ambitious.

But they’re aiming differently.

Here’s what they prioritize now:

1. Flexibility
→ Control over your time = real freedom
→ Autonomy fuels performance
→ It’s not a perk. It’s a priority.

2. Purpose
→ Your work should mean something
→ Impact > image
→ Purpose keeps you going when it gets hard

3. Work you enjoy
→ Energy is a signal (follow it)
→ Dreading Mondays isn’t normal
→ The everyday matters more than the highlight reel

4. Time for life
→ What’s success worth if you can’t enjoy it?
→ Space creates clarity (and longevity)
→ Your home life deserves your best.
Not your leftovers.

You can still aim high.
But you have to aim smart.

Make sure the target fits your life.
Not someone else’s.

What does success mean to you?

Recruiters spend 7 seconds per resume.

(Don’t let these 10 mistakes get yours skipped.)

A poorly written resume is the fastest way to 
get passed over for your next job.

Even if you’re a rockstar candidate.

If you’re serious about levelling up your career,
fix these 10 resume mistakes:

1. Listing Responsibilities Instead of Results
↳ You're hired for impact, not tasks.
🚫 Managed team and oversaw projects
✅ Led team of 10, cut costs 15% in Q3

2. Sending the Same Resume to Every Role
↳ Generic resume = generic response.
🚫 Same exact resume for every job
✅ Tailoring can improve your hit rate

3. Ignoring the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
↳ If it’s not keyword-optimized, it’s invisible.
🚫 Little or no role-specific language
✅ “Implemented Salesforce CRM…”

4. Drowning in Buzzwords
↳ Vague words blur real value.
🚫 “Synergized scalable solutions”
✅ Launched product 3 weeks early

5. Using Passive Language
↳ Passive = forgettable.
🚫 “Process was developed by me”
✅ Built onboarding system, cut ramp-up 20%

6. Treating Your Resume Like a Biography
↳ It’s not your life story — it’s your highlight reel.
🚫 Every job since 2000
✅ Focused on the last 10–15 years

7. Starting With a Boring Objective Statement
↳ Your intro should show value, fast.
🚫 “Motivated professional seeking opportunities…”
✅ “Marketing director who grew eComm revenue by 47%”

8. Poor Visual Hierarchy
↳ If it’s hard to skim, it won’t get read.
🚫 Wall of text
✅ Bold headers, clean bullets, whitespace

9. Skipping Leadership & Soft Skills
↳ Influence matters as much as output.
🚫 Purely technical content
✅ Mentored 5 analysts, led trainings

10. Ending With “References Available Upon Request”
↳ Don’t waste real estate (every line counts).
🚫 “References available…”
✅ Replace it with another achievement or skill

Your resume isn’t just a summary.

It’s a pitch for how you can do the job you're interested in. 

So here’s the real question:

Would your dream job call you after reading it?

📌 Your resume shouldn’t be the reason you’re getting passed over.
I help high performers land $200K–$500K roles by fixing their positioning, not blasting applications.
DM me “RESUME” if you want to explore working together.

10_Resume_Mistakes_Killing_Your_Chances

I stopped asking “What’s the culture like?” in interviews.

I’d get generic, unhelpful answers each time.

I ask these instead:

1) What do new employees typically find surprising after they start?

2) Can you share a recent example of how you supported an employee's personal or professional growth?

3) How does the company handle and implement feedback from employees?

4) How are successes and milestones celebrated within the company?

5) How does the company encourage employees to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the workplace?

6) How does the company ensure continuous learning and development for its employees?

7) What strategies does the company employ to ensure open and transparent communication at all levels?

8) Could you share an instance where the company's core values directly influenced a business decision?

9) How has the company changed since you joined?

10) What resources or books would you recommend to help me have a shared understanding with the people who work here?

---

Finding a culture that truly supports you starts with asking the right questions. 

Don’t settle for vague answers. Dig deeper to get a true sense of what it’s like on the inside. 

Try speaking with current and former employees too.

Those conversations can reveal things you might not hear during interviews.

I’ve had jobs that look great on paper but still felt like I was in the wrong role. 

The smartest career move you can make this year?

Aligning your ambition with your energy.

If you're crushing goals but feeling completely off-track, you're not broken.

You're just misaligned.

I see this all the time with people “doing well”

Great title. Good money. Totally drained.

They think they need to blow up their career and start over.

But that's not it.

You don't need a career overhaul. You need realignment.

There's a Japanese concept called Ikigai - it means "reason for being."

It's basically the intersection of what you're great at, what energizes you, what pays well, and what fits your life.

I've adapted it into a career framework I use with clients to find that sweet spot.

It's four overlapping questions:

→ What are you trusted to deliver? (Your zone of mastery)
→ What would you do even if it didn't pay? (What drives you)
→ What's actually in demand? (Market reality)
→ What fits your life right now? (Not just your ambition)

The magic happens at the intersection.

That's where you get focus, clarity, and motivation without burning out.

I broke down the full framework in the graphic below 👇

Look at it. See where you're strong. Notice where you're missing.

That gap? That's what's making you feel off.

—

P.S. This kind of clarity work is what we do with clients inside my Job Search Accelerator. I help professionals align their skills, ambition, and energy so their next role actually compounds their career. 

If you want to explore working together, you can apply and book a strategy call here: https://lnkd.in/gCKpEsYg

I don’t remember many inspirational quotes, but this one always sticks with me:

Doing nothing has a cost.

I was reminded of it while catching up with a friend.

They’ve been in the same role for years.

They told me they were waiting to “make their move when the time is right.”

But they weren’t growing anymore.
And they didn’t have the same leverage they once did.

They were slowly regressing and didn’t realize it.

So I finally asked, “What are you waiting for?”

Staying put has a cost.

Sometimes it’s missed opportunities.
Sometimes it’s stalled growth.
Sometimes it’s that quiet feeling of being stuck.

Here’s what staying comfortable often leads to:

1. Less growth
2. Fewer new opportunities
3. A smaller network
4. Skills that stop compounding
5. Confidence that slowly erodes
6. Regret from waiting too long

And there could be a significant cost in $ that you’re missing out on too. 

Don’t be like everyone else telling themselves “new year, new me” and then don’t do anything about it. 

There are 12 days left in the year.
That’s enough time to explore.
Enough time to prepare.
Enough time to at least take the first step.

Whether that’s finding a new job, starting something of your own, or choosing a different path.

Because not choosing change is still a choice.

And it comes with a cost.

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The Battle

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