KRISTEN CULLEN FORTI

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Location: Boston, MA

LinkedIn Profile >>

Prior Operating Experience at world-class Companies

Kristen is Founder and CEO of Epitome Executive Search and affectionately known as “The Connector” thanks to her penchant for bringing people together across all facets of her life - friends, couples, home buyers, professional peers and of course, accomplished C-level executives and employers. She founded Epitome Executive Search after realizing that operating experience in executive roles is a very strong platform for matchmaking between high-caliber companies and talent.

Prior to founding Epitome, Kristen worked at some of the country’s most innovative brands including Panera Bread, CVS Health, Dunkin’ Brands and Ecolab where she focused on targeted marketing, digital marketing, loyalty marketing, and brand management. It was through her progressive leadership experience at these companies and her MBA at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, that Kristen’s professional network grew. She embraced new marketing strategies and eventually brought this experience to reacHIRE, a company that helps executive women get back to work after a career break, where she helped bridge the gap between Talent and Marketing and support clients like Deloitte, Fidelity, and Wayfair.

Today, Kristen’s LinkedIn video Pep Talks about job search resilience, manifesting success, and other professional topics are a popular staple for candidates and employers. Kristen loves that her work in executive search can truly integrate with her life.

She enjoys spending time with Andy and their daughter, running and practicing yoga, reading business books and fiction, and spending time anywhere near the ocean.

“Kristen is a strong strategic partner with an extremely high bar and an intuition for talent. Until Epitome jumped in, our Head of Finance role had been open for longer than we wanted. She moved the ball very quickly and found us the person we needed to take the business to the next level.”
— Contract CFO, High-growth multi-unit healthcare client
“Kristen’s commitment, and approach on both sides—job seeker and company—is unparalleled.”
— Head of Marketing , Healthcare: first a candidate and then a client
“Kristen Cullen Forti is one of the best recruiters I have worked with.”
— Finance Executive who was placed by Epitome

Pep Talks

Sometimes we all need a Pep Talk. These short, thought-provoking videos cover topics like job search resilience, pushing outside of your comfort zone, embracing the unexpected and manifesting success.

Featured Posts

Blog (INTERNAL ONLY)
"The opposite of anxious isn't calm, it's creative."
"The opposite of anxious isn't calm, it's creative."

This insight from Martha Beck, PhD—a Harvard-trained sociologist, world-renowned coach, and New York Times bestselling author—feels especially relevant as I continue building Epitome Executive Search in 2025. Creativity isn’t just a remedy for stress; it’s the spark that helps uncover untapped potential—our own personal genius.

She Stands Tall, Brave, and Unstoppable
She Stands Tall, Brave, and Unstoppable

This holiday season, our family had the joy of visiting New York City. One of the highlights was seeing my daughter pose confidently with the iconic Fearless Girl statue.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS of EPITOME!
CELEBRATING 5 YEARS of EPITOME!

Founding and growing Epitome Executive Search has been the joy of my career. A sure bet? Nope. Challenging? Yep. A humbling teacher? Absolutely.

"Nurture your long-term self instead of your insatiable short-term self." - Jamie Varon
"Nurture your long-term self instead of your insatiable short-term self." - Jamie Varon

Seven years ago, to the day, I made a life and career-changing decision to leave a role and company that didn’t fit and pursue joining a startup tackling a cause near and dear to me.

Listen to the whispers.
Listen to the whispers.

When I tell people how I got into executive search, I always start by saying “there was a whisper in my ear about it for many, many years.”

I was listening to one of our client's Founders being interviewed
I was listening to one of our client's Founders being interviewed

I was listening to one of our client's Founders being interviewed about the incredible journey it took to get this consumer products business to where it is today: profitable, PE-sponsored, and thriving.

How do we go from ‘Strength to Strength’ as we progress in our careers and our lives?
How do we go from ‘Strength to Strength’ as we progress in our careers and our lives?

More and more frequently I hear: “I just want to do something meaningful in this next role or opportunity.” Arthur Brooks’ book “Strength to Strength” encapsulates a 7-year journey he went on to understand the underpinnings of making a successful transition in one’s career.

I started a business book club when I worked at Dunkin'​. Nerdy, I know.
I started a business book club when I worked at Dunkin'​. Nerdy, I know.

I was a good and disciplined student but never an academic geek. I’m definitely a business geek. The book club was spawned by a great leader, Jon Luther, who had taken over as CEO of the business and bought the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins for the entire company.

Do not sit around while candidates collect offers
Do not sit around while candidates collect offers

We are negotiating an offer for a high-profile role with a candidate. An active candidate, we know we are competing for her against other employers. My client asked “doesn’t it make sense to let her get all of the offers in her processes and then decide? Then we’ll know she really wants us?” My answer is no.

I didn’t “fall into” recruiting. I chose executive search on purpose.
I didn’t “fall into” recruiting. I chose executive search on purpose.

I was reading the post of another search professional yesterday and she shared a VERY common line that you’ll hear in the industry: “I fell into search.” Every time I hear it, it sparks a guttural response inside of me!

 

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