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.

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.

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

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.

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 about the incredible journey it took to get this consumer products business to where it is today: profitable, PE-sponsored, and thriving.

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 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.

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 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!

My dad was laid off from his job as a software developer for Wall Street trading programs as he neared retirement. He had spent 10 years at the company and was the go-to ‘fixer’ for broken code that at times could render an entire trading platform useless.

I love reading business books and thought-provoking books about growth mindset, personal development, and books that make me think differently.

It’s always a good time to job search. It’s always a good time to switch out of a job that doesn’t inspire you or help you grow in the right direction.

What an awesome business to be in! I’ve recently had the opportunity to be hired by a former candidate and this is something that happens quite frequently in our world.

One of the best parts about being an executive search partner is meeting so many amazingly accomplished people. Whether that be my clients who are leading high-growth businesses, investing in growth companies, changing the world by innovating across consumer, healthcare, and technology markets.

Fall always feels like the most significant season of change for me. But boy over the past few years have we all been in a larger, collective season of change!

I’ve never found a job that ignites this in me more than executive search does. The instinctive feeling reminds me more of being on the soccer field. I’ve done a Pep Talk before about how growing up playing soccer, I played sweeper.

At what age do we start comparing ourselves to others? What a human experience, yet, one that we need to often check ourselves about. We visited our daughter’s classroom recently and had a chance to see her work, experience her day-to-day, and meet new teachers.

I was speaking to a male CEO last week who was in the car with a fussing toddler while we sifted through the details of a kickoff call for a big search we’re launching.

Some of the companies they invest in are founder-led and she brought up a particular nuance that stretches beyond founders.