I learned this craft from my father, Leonard, a top corporate recruiter who placed Presidents, CFOs, Sales/Marketing executives, and international finance leaders for Global 1000 companies. Working alongside him, I interviewed my first Bocconi-educated Fortune 500 CFO in Milan at age 21. He taught me the values of discernment, thoroughness, honesty, and curiosity that still guide my work.
I also learned research before the internet—the old-fashioned way. I once spent three weeks turning the three-inch-thick onion-skin pages of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and combing state CPA licensing rolls to find the handful of people we needed. That was sourcing before Monster, Indeed, LinkedIn, or Crunchbase, and it taught me how vast the talent market is—and how valuable the right information and thoughtful outreach can be. I still bring that depth to every search.
Early in my career, I also discovered a knack for spotting recruiting talent. I mentored two young recruiters who became stars in their own right—one helped build core teams at Palantir, the other is now a recognized leader in renewables recruiting.
After four decades recruiting CFOs and senior finance leaders for multinational companies, I've learned that the best matches are never just about a résumé—they're about character, calling, and fit. Integrity, kindness, clarity, and competence guide how I work. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than helping people step into roles where they can truly thrive.
My connection instinct extends beyond executive search. I introduced my knife-making friend Matt Conable to Michael Honack, a venture investor who shared his passion for fine knives. Together they founded William Henry, now regarded as the world's premier folding-knife maker. I also helped Open Gate Sangha, a Zen-based spiritual community, find its Executive Director/CFO, and encouraged a friend's brother to apply to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he landed his dream job.