The Executive Career Playbook

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 13th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market    

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 12th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market  

Roles that disappear. Months of silence. Finalist-stage ghosting. AI screening that filters out perfectly qualified leaders before a human ever sees their name. If the executive job search feels like a different planet right now, you’re not imagining it. Join Michelle Merritt and Debra Boggs for a candid talk as they pull back the curtain on what’s actually happening in the C-suite and senior executive job market and, more importantly, what is working right now. This is the conversation senior leaders need to be having right now.

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 11th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 8th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market    

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 6th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 5th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

You negotiated hard for your last role… or did you? Most executives leave between $50,000 and $200,000 on the table in every compensation negotiation, not because they lack leverage, but because they don't know how to use it. In a job search, the offer isn't the finish line. It's the starting line. Join Michelle Merritt and Ezra Singer for a candid, tactical conversation designed specifically for senior leaders and C-suite executives navigating compensation negotiations in their next career move. This isn't a lecture on negotiation theory. This is a real-world playbook built for executives who are tired of being told to just ask for more. This conversation is for senior leaders, VPs, C-suite executives, and anyone who has ever accepted an offer and immediately wondered if they should have asked for more.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 4th 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - May 1st, 2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/29/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/28/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

This is a career strategy conversation built specifically for C-suite and senior leaders who want to lead, not react. The talent and HR community is buzzing about SHRM 2026 but here is the question most people are not asking: What did it mean for the executives sitting on the other side of the hiring equation? Join Michelle Merritt for a focused 30-minute debrief on the biggest lessons, themes, and shifts that came out of SHRM Talent 2026, and what every senior leader in career transition or board pursuit needs to hear right now. This is not a simple conference summary. This is a strategic translation of what was covered into what it means for your career, your candidacy, and your board positioning.   Whether you attended SHRM Talent 2026 or watched from a distance, this conversation will give you: + The key themes that dominated the conference and their implications for executive hiring + What HR and talent leaders are now prioritizing when evaluating senior candidates + How AI is reshaping the executive search and board recruitment landscape + Tactical actions you can take this week to stay ahead of the curve   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/27/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/24/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/17/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/14/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

You have done everything right. Strong career. Impressive title. Real results. And yet, the executive job search feels like shouting into a void. Applications go unanswered. Conversations stall. Opportunities seem to materialize for everyone but you. Here is what most executives figure out too late: the traditional job search playbook does not work at the senior level. Applying to posted roles, waiting on recruiters, and hoping your resume lands in the right inbox is not a strategy. It is a gamble. And for C-suite and senior executives, it is a losing one. Why the hidden job market is not a myth The difference between applying and positioning How to build a targeted company list that drives proactive outreach What executive search firms want from candidates The three non-negotiable elements of an executive search strategy Whether you are actively in search, quietly exploring, or positioning yourself for a board seat alongside your next executive role, this session will give you a framework you can put to work immediately.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement  

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/10/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/08/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/07/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market  

Your LinkedIn profile is not just a digital resume. For senior executives, it is often the first (and sometimes only) impression a board director, search firm, investor, or peer makes before deciding whether to pick up the phone. And yet, most executive profiles are quietly costing their owners opportunities every single day. Whether you are actively exploring your next C-suite role, positioning yourself for a paid board seat, or simply want to ensure your profile reflects the leader you actually are, this session will give you a practical framework to audit and elevate your presence immediately. You will come away with: -The five profile sections that make or break executive credibility on LinkedIn -Why your headline may be the single most damaging line on your profile -How recruiters, board nominating committees, and search firms actually use LinkedIn to evaluate candidates -The profile elements that signal "actively looking" in ways that can undermine your positioning -Quick, high-impact fixes you can implement the same day This episode is not about vanity metrics or chasing followers. This is a tactical, executive-level conversation about strategic visibility and how your digital presence either opens or closes doors.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement  

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/06/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/03/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 04/01/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/31/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market  

Join Michell Merritt for an essential conversation about advancing your board career beyond your first appointment. Whether you're currently serving on one or two boards and ready to expand your portfolio, or preparing for your inaugural board seat, this session delivers the strategic framework you need. What You'll Learn: -How to leverage your current board experience to attract premium opportunities -The critical differences between landing your first board versus your second or third -Proven networking strategies that work at the board level -How to position yourself for compensation committee, audit, or governance roles -What boards really look for when vetting experienced directors -Common pitfalls that derail otherwise qualified candidates Who Should Attend: -Senior executives and C-suite leaders currently serving on 1-2 boards -Experienced leaders preparing for their first board appointment -Anyone serious about building a meaningful board portfolio   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement  

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/30/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market  

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/27/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/25/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/24/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market   careerbrief03242026   The Executive Career Brief for March 24th 2026

How Senior Leaders Successfully Pivot Join Debra and Michelle for a conversation about making strategic career pivots as a senior or C-suite executive. Whether you're considering a move to a different industry, transitioning from corporate to private equity, exploring a portfolio career, or positioning yourself for your next C-suite role, this session will provide you with practical frameworks and actionable strategies. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get real-world insights from executive career strategists who have guided thousands of senior leaders through successful transitions.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement  

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/18/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/17/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market      

The executive search landscape has shifted dramatically. What worked even 18 months ago may now work against you. In this candid conversation, Debra Boggs sits down with Amber Schleinkofer, President & Strategic Talent Partner at AS Talent Advisors, LLC, to pull back the curtain on what actually matters when recruiters are evaluating C-suite candidates today. You'll discover: -How AI and automation have changed the way recruiters find and vet executives -The red flags that immediately remove candidates from consideration -How to position yourself when you're currently employed vs. in transition -The truth about working with multiple search firms simultaneously -What makes an executive's LinkedIn profile truly stand out to recruiters This is not a recruiting pitch. This is a strategic conversation designed to help senior leaders understand the current market reality and position themselves accordingly. Whether you're actively exploring opportunities, passively open, or simply want to understand how the executive search world operates in 2026, this session will give you practical intelligence you can use immediately.     Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement      

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/16/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/13/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/11/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/10/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

Get ready for an honest conversation about networking at the executive level. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, pursuing board roles, or strengthening your professional relationships, this session cuts through the noise to deliver practical strategies that work for senior leaders. What We'll Cover: - Why traditional networking advice falls flat for executives (and what actually works) - Building meaningful relationships without the transactional feel - Leveraging your network for career transitions and board opportunities - Strategic approaches to staying connected without overwhelming your calendar - Real-world examples of networking that lead to results This isn't about collecting business cards or awkward coffee meetings. It's about building genuine professional relationships that create mutual value and open doors throughout your career. Join in as Debra Boggs and Michelle Merritt share how to network in a way that works for you.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/09/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/04/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market  

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/03/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

Is your LinkedIn profile working for you or against you? If you're a C-suite executive or senior leader exploring opportunities, your profile needs to do three things simultaneously: Maintain professional discretion with your current role Signal availability to the right people (recruiters, board committees) Demonstrate thought leadership and expertise Most executives nail one. Maybe two. But all three? Join in as Debra Boggs and Michelle Merritt share how to optimize your presence for your next move.

D&S Executive Career Brief - 03/02/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 02/27/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 02/25/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

D&S Executive Career Brief - 02/24/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market

Join us for an eye-opening conversation about the real cost of leaving money on the table as Debra Boggs sits down with our D&S Chief Strategy Officer Michelle Merritt to discuss her compelling chapter "The $2.8M Lesson" from the newly released book Empathy Impact: The Wild Effects of Kindness in Action. In this episode Michelle Merritt shares the true story behind the $2.8M figure and reveals how empathy-driven negotiation strategies help senior executives secure compensation packages that truly reflect their value. Whether you're exploring a new opportunity, navigating a career transition, or preparing for board appointments, this conversation will transform how you approach compensation discussions.   What You'll Learn: - The psychology behind why high-achieving executives struggle with self-advocacy - Practical frameworks for confident compensation negotiation - How empathy impacts both sides of the negotiation table - Real-world examples of executives who transformed their approach (and their outcomes) - Tactical strategies you can implement immediately in your next opportunity   This is a must-listen episode for Senior leaders and C-suite executives in career transition, those exploring new opportunities, or professionals preparing for board service who want to ensure they never leave money on the table again.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA   Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com   Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen   Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement

D&S Executive Career Brief - 02/23/2026 Your Daily Edge In A Competitive Market