I am delighted to share my experience working with Andy, my former chief, who has recently embarked on a new journey as a career coach. Andy's impact on my professional growth has been profound, and I am grateful for the privilege of having him as my mentor.
Seeing Potential: Andy's keen eye for talent is unmatched. When he hired me, he saw something in me that I hadn't fully recognized myself. I vividly recall the moment he offered me the position on the spot. Then the dreaded question about my desired compensation was next. Although I knew what I wanted, I hesitated, fearing that aiming too high might lead to rejection. I caved in the last moment and expressed my willingness to accept less, emphasizing this career and opportunity to grow is worth more to me. In response, Andy said along the lines of "Let's forget this is an interview. This is one-on-one advice. You know what you bring to the table and you know what you deserve, so be confident in what you say and don't settle for less." His words resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of self-advocacy. He not only acknowledged my worth but also approved my request. These seemingly small gestures distinguish leaders who genuinely care about their team members from those who exploit them. Andy's encouragement and belief in my potential have left an indelible mark on my professional journey and this was the first moment I knew he was different from other C-suites. I knew his belief in my potential fueled my determination to excel thereafter.
Another memorable part of my interview that I never expected was that Andy went beyond the standard questions. Not only did he inquire about my qualifications for the job itself, but he also provided valuable insights on how my resume that he was reading could be better. His extensive experience--having reviewed thousands of resumes both professionally and during his spare time for USC college students--made his guidance invaluable. This man critiqued and gave me advice on how to update my resume during my interview because that's just the type of person he is! He helps you even when you don't ask. He's always willing to share his knowledge and help anywhere, anytime, and funny enough during interviews with people he hires. (And yes for those who are curious, he did tell me to not update my resume. I wasn't going anywhere!)
Fearless Authenticity: As a rolling theme throughout this, Andy taught me to stand firm in my convictions. In our work within the auditing realm, pointing out what doesn't work back to their process owner can be brutal and ruthless, but he instilled the principle of "effective challenge" into our souls. We were encouraged to voice our ideas confidently, knowing that constructive criticism drives progress and a better future for everyone. His fearlessness in standing behind what he believed in inspired me to do the same.
Invested Leadership: Andy's coaching style is hands-on and personal. It's not every day, where a level 1 nobody gets to have personal 1:1 meetings for a few months with the executive to get acquainted with the program. Moreover, he didn't just delegate tasks; he actively participated in projects alongside the team. I truly appreciated the collaborative meetings we had for each project, where he shared insights, answered questions, and ensured our alignment with the program's goals. His investment in our success was unwavering and he made a point to be in these meetings so we could understand his thought process, approach, and rationale (a world's difference between leaving review notes via email and figuring it out on your own). This type of guidance, where you are able to learn directly from an executive from my point of view was pretty darn extraordinary in the corporate world. That is the level of commitment and dedication you will receive in working with Andy as he will oversee and be there every step of the way with you. Andy genuinely cares about those he mentors.
From Level 1 to Level 2: Through Andy's guidance, I progressed from a level 1 staff member to a level 2 professional the following year. His mentorship played a pivotal role in my growth. He challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and strive for excellence. I owe much of my success to his unwavering support.
In parting, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Andy. Thank you for shaping my career, challenging my limits, and believing in my potential. Your coaching will undoubtedly guide others toward success, just as it did for me. read more