ExecuNet Participant Testimonials

Past participants have been enthusiastic about their experiences at the Chicagoland ExecuNet meetings.  Here is a sample of comments about the value received.

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I want to personally thank Gail Sussman-Miller for being very instrumental in my search for the perfect role for me at this point in my career.  Gail is a first class career coach and without her the process was somewhat daunting and felt like an impossible task to accomplish.  I remember by mid-month, for the past nine months, really needing Gail's Chicagoland ExecuNet session just to be energized to start over the next morning with hope and new ideas to continue my search.

Gail provides good direction with measurable objectives (life skills).  She meets people where they are in order to move them to the next level. I visited other venues, chatted with other career coaches and hands down, Gail was superior in her skill and lead the best sessions.

I wish Gail and Inspired Choice continued success and the ExecuNet team the ability to continue to inspire people.

Sherell Fuller 

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Gail, Your "forward-able email" for following up with people who offer to make referrals was extremely valuable to me. It is such a positive and effective way to take a more proactive approach to developing your network. I have suggested that approach to many, many fellow jobseekers. I also appreciate the welcoming, constructive atmosphere of the Execunet meetings I attended. Gail, that is a direct result of your nurturing and professional personality. Thank you.

(Email [email protected] to get your copy of this forward-able email template to make it easier for people to introduce you in a memorable way that differentiates you!)

 

Joanne Malinowski

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Gail -

I'm happy to report that I've finally landed at Mayer Brown LLP as the Director of U.S. Finance Operations.

I think the ExecuNet networking groups worked best for me (and I went to alot of different meetings).  I like being able to communicate with one large group vs 3 - 4 rotations in smaller groups.  You do a great job coordinating and keeping them on track.  My compliments.
I'm happy to network and will help anyone I can.  I had so many folks who went out of their way to talk to me when I was searching and I can't tell you how much I appreciated it.  I'll pay it forward the best I can.
Best regards,

Ken Berezewski

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Hello Gail,

I only recently joined Execunet and attended just 1 of your meetings, so I haven’t really had a chance to get to “know” the group yet.  That being said, I was very impressed with the meeting I did attend and think you did a marvelous job of moderating and providing useful information to the group.  I have highly recommended you to all of my colleagues that are still in transition.
I’m happy to report that after 6 months of searching I have landed as a Senior Program Manager

I feel very fortunate to have landed such a great job.

This was the first time in my career that I’ve been in transition.  It was definitely very stressful as the months dragged on.  The role that “obstacle busters” such as yourself play for folks in transition is so critical.  I greatly appreciated you being there with such an organized, well-managed networking group when I needed it.  Keep doing what you do!

Greg McAfee

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Hi Gail,

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you once again for last night's Execunet meeting. It was my first time attending, and I found it to be both a stunning and fascinating experience. I also want to compliment you on the way in which you manage time during the meeting. It is easy to imagine how conversation could be allowed to take over and make the meeting much less focused and beneficial than it otherwise is.

Congratulations!
Mark

Mark Essenfeld

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Gail,

Can I just say, you are such an inspiration!!  What you do is amazing - you bring people together in a simple way that is effective and fulfilling.   I really appreciate you facilitating the [Chicago ExecuNet] networking meetings. Never thought I would say this but,.... networking is fun!!!

Cathy Leibrock

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Gail:

Thanks for leading the meeting tonight. I expected two things different than what I experienced.

I envisioned a group of people pushing their resumes at each other and focused on what ‘they’ need. Not the case due to the way it was structured

I have interviewed hundreds of candidates in my career and hired a few dozen; and I was generally impressed with the caliber of people at the meeting. Two reasons
-the economy is worse than I want to admit (a small part, yes)
-or, Execunet is drawing the right candidates.

I haven’t experienced other exec networking groups like…Grey Hair Mgmt and don’t know them, but I don’t think I need to check them out.

Dan Gaffney
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Not only did I really enjoy my first meeting and meet some great folks, but it was very productive to my job search.  The positive energy in the room was amazing and inspiring. 

When I read the format on the website I didn't really get it, but after experiencing a meeting, the format absoulutely works.  I got some good ideas, expanded my network and gained some valuable contacts for my search.
Thanks again for your leadership and for providing such an amazing and valuable service to those of us who really need the support at this point in their careers.

Chuck Talcott
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Hi, Gail:

Last night was my second ExecuNet Chicago event . . . I continue to receive significant value, feeling energized after I leave the session.  Thank you for helping, supporting and making everyone so comfortable ! ! !

Alan Stimac
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Thanks again for facilitating a great meeting last week! I appreciate your focus & direction to keep us on a positive and
meaningful track as well as providing words of wisdom and encouragement!

This was the most energetic and supportive meeting I have attended in my four months of networking events. I also appreciate your thorough follow-up in providing examples from our discussion and the final directory.

Thank you for your support Gail!

Terri Hines
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Hi Gail,

It was very nice to meet you yesterday. I am motivated to join the group after a very rewarding experience at yesterday's meeting.

Thanks.

Bernie Jorge
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Gail - I thought the meeting was great.  You should feel pleased and proud of a first Chicago event. I was so impressed with everyone's willingness to share contacts and tips with others. A great, positive energy was in the room.

Thanks for inviting me, Gail. I hope I'll have the opportunity to help someone in the group produce their own personal interview. If you have any feedback about my presentation about Custom Interviews, I'll appreciate it. 

Karen Ross

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[Feedback on June 17th Meeting]

I wanted to comment on the meeting Wednesday night.  I've been to one other ExecuNet meeting several months ago.   I must say that your job search approach, your meeting management skills, and the overall energy you bring to the meeting was great.   I wanted to give ExecuNet one more try and I'm glad I came back.   The meeting was quite good.

James (Chip) Bennett