Client: Jessica was the director of external relations for a large healthcare organization.
Industry: Healthcare, Higher Education, Nonprofit
Function: External Relations, Development, Fundraising
Challenge: Jessica made the difficult decision to leave what she once believed was her dream job after realizing it no longer aligned with her values or professional goals. She sought a meaningful, stable role that offered long-term growth, greater autonomy, and improved work-life balance without relying on traditional recruiters.
Process: Jessica enrolled with The Barrett Group to clarify her career direction, build a stronger executive brand, and access high-value opportunities through building social capital, targeted multi-channel job search approach, interview preparation and negotiation strategies.
Landing: Jessica secured a newly created Chief Development Officer role at a mission-driven higher education institution. The role offers flexibility, impact, and long-term growth, fully aligned with the vision she refined during her program.
Study: Jessica had been recruited into a senior leadership role at a major healthcare institution, managing hundreds of partnerships. The opportunity seemed like a perfect fit—mission-driven, close to home, and a natural next step in her career. But within weeks, it became clear that the role wasn’t what she expected.
“It didn’t align with what was promised. I had little autonomy, and the structure made it hard to lead effectively. I realized I needed a role that better matched my values and supported my family.”
At that stage in her life, long hours and a rigid environment were no longer sustainable. Jessica was ready to pivot into a leadership position where she could make a long-term impact but didn’t want to rely on traditional recruiters who might simply “place” her somewhere.
“I wanted something more intentional. A role that would be meaningful, stable, and aligned with what I truly care about.”
Clarity Led to Confidence
After researching various services, Jessica chose The Barrett Group (TBG) for its professionalism and personalized approach. She began with the Clarity Program, working with her consultant Marsha Foster. “OMG, I loved it! Every single thing I decided to look for during Clarity is exactly what I’m doing now.” Together, they explored Jessica’s values, strengths, and ideal career environment.
She identified four key pillars for her next role: flexible work schedule, financial stability, fulfillment, and an authentic cultural fit. The Clarity process became the foundation for every decision she made moving forward.
She appreciated Marsha’s ability to reflect back her core desires and keep the sessions focused on long-term career satisfaction.
Rebranding for Results
Jessica’s next phase focused on building a powerful executive brand. She worked with her career consultant, Lori Chevalier to reshape her resume, enhance her LinkedIn presence, and develop the tools to approach both the advertised and unpublished job markets through a targeted job search strategy..
Jessica also learned to use LinkedIn strategically, mapping her network, tracking opportunities, and conducting targeted outreach. “I used to think LinkedIn was just for updates. Now I understand how powerful it is for real connection and visibility.” She used tools she never had to use in the past due to being frequently recruited.
“I’d never done a formal job search before. It was all new. But Lori helped me build a system.”
Her job search included applying to roles, networking extensively, and working through multiple interviews. While some offers came close, none checked all her boxes, until a warm introduction connected her with a leadership team at a respected, mission-based academic institution.
The Right Role, the Right Culture
The breakthrough came when a former colleague connected Jessica with her new organization. The organization was in the early stages of growth and needed a strategic leader to design and lead their fundraising and development function for the first time. Jessica was invited to meet with the leadership team, participate in a donor event, and share her vision for the role.
“It was a completely different vibe. They were thoughtful, values-driven, and genuinely excited about what I brought to the table. It was the cultural fit I had been looking for.”
Today, Jessica serves as Chief Development Officer. She’s building a comprehensive fundraising program from scratch, strategizing major gifts, community messaging, donor cultivation, and more.
“There’s trust, flexibility, and a real sense of purpose. Even though it’s a challenge to build something new, I feel fulfilled and supported. I’m finally in a role that reflects who I am—both professionally and personally.”
Prepared for the Future
Jessica highlights the interview coaching and compensation strategy tools as some of the most valuable parts of the program. “I used the interview guide in every interview. Those salary questions? I used them all. I wish I had known to ask those at my last job.”
When asked if she recommends The Barrett Group, Jessica shared:
“Absolutely. I already have. It was worth every penny, not just for the tools, but for the confidence it gave me. This process changed the way I see my value and how I approach my career.”
Jessica’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when executives take control of their transitions and invest in a process that helps them align purpose, position, and power. Executive job transitions do not have to follow the traditional path. With the right support, even a difficult experience can lead to a deeply fulfilling next chapter.
