The Talent Trade

Take it from Stephanie: when your kid asks you what you do for a living, try to simplify...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez, Partners in ThinkingAhead's nonprofit practice, explain how when you're itching to get ready, set, and go on a search, the "ready" and "set" parts of that equation are often the most critical. Here's what they do prepare...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez, Partners in ThinkingAhead's nonprofit practice, explain the unique feeling of satisfaction that comes from making placements in the nonprofit arena, and the distinct way they approach their work for organizations, that leaves a lasting impact even after the role is filled.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Stephanie Maas outlines ThinkingAhead's unique slew of boutique offerings, goes through their 3-step process for making sure that the relationship with the client is the right one, at the right time, for the right opportunity, and covers the biggest changes from the past 5 years which have forever altered the job market, and the role of search within that market.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

While you might think you've got a better position at your existing company all locked up, that doesn't mean you can coast through the interview. ThinkingAhead’s Jonathan McIntosh explains how to help those familiar colleagues see you in a different light...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Brian Vogt, Managing Partner and a top Legal Recruiter at ThinkingAhead, shares personal insights into his role, and the keys to building successful relationships with clients and candidates. Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Making a hire for your team? Considering a move yourself? Here are the dead simple, but critical questions you need to be asking first...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

ThinkingAhead President Greg Boucher lays out the 3 mental constructs you must master in order to enter your flow state, and execute strategically, including how to build momentum, learn from your wins as well as your losses, create productive routines, batch work, maintain focus, and more.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Not quite gelling with a particular rule at work? Well, that rule could become an exception....before becoming a rule again later. Make sense? Don't worry, we'll explain.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Dan Kuhar shares personal insights into his role, what drew him to ThinkingAhead and the world of executive search, and what happens when nonprofit organizations develop a long-term relationship with a recruiting partner. Whether you’re considering a career in executive recruiting or curious about our firm’s unique approach, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Hiring managers in the banking world; you may be asking yourself questions like: Why do people leave? How do we get them to stay? How do we differentiate our bank from others to potential candidates? Listen in for some answers...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

In the life of a recruiter, the phone is your friend. Learn about the two types of recruiters and how each of them needs to be using their phone time, and the 3 times of day that present the best opportunities to up your game.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

The attitude around referrals has changed a lot over the past 20 years, and mostly for the better. Hear how referrals can lead to opportunity from all sides, and how they're easier than ever before.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

So you've already got the job...that's it, right? Actually, what happens on day 1 and 2 can make a HUGE difference to your success in the role...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Ryan Rasmussen, Partner and Executive Recruiter in the Nonprofit Practice at ThinkingAhead, shares personal insights into his role, what drew him to ThinkingAhead and the world of executive search, and what happens when nonprofit organizations develop a long-term relationship with a recruiting partner.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Don't make a rookie mistake and don't be a benchwarmer. When your time comes to play in the big leagues, consider these 3 factors...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Time to declutter! Not just at home, but professionally as well. Learn the 4 big categories to get into order for a smoother Q2 and beyond, the way they interact with one another, and how to attack each one.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

If you're looking for a candidate, you'd better keep your expectations...realistic. Stephanie shares a story of how she had to give it straight to one client, and why ultimately, they appreciated the candor.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

It's the magic word that might be the hardest to say right now, but making it a habit can change EVERYTHING...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Newsflash: it's competitive out there. Don't let the best RECRUITER stand in the way of the best OPPORTUNITY. Don't let your ego get in the way, either. Here's some good advice for managing both...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Are you getting questions like "why do I need a search firm at all?" or "what's the difference between firms anyway?" Stephanie's got the answers...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

What IS stability in today’s market? It’s not being part of the biggest organization, and it’s not being part of the smallest either. So what IS it?Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Making progress in the corporate world isn’t just up or down anymore. It’s sideways, diagonal, or sometimes staying right where you are. But what are the questions you need to ask yourself to get there?Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Don’t give in to the Negative Nancys….ANY progress, or even just holding steady, is worth celebrating…Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Stephanie breaks down the lion vs gazelle mentalities, the 4 pillars of building your desk and how to self-assess it regularly, and the 30-day challenge that can truly transform your game.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

They say that all good things must come to an end...but don't lose your head when it happens...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Yes, filling a search is about satisfying a client and getting paid. But sometimes, filling a search can still hit you straight in the feels...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Considering a career in search? Here are a few key things to keep in mind...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

"Aunt Mimi" serves up some advice that, as it turns out, is as applicable for the marketplace as it is for the rest of your life...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Piggybacking off of Episodes 37 and 38, Stephanie digs into how much you should be investing in terms of time and effort into certain searches, how to make that determination, how to find out if a client is as committed to you as you are to them, and why ThinkingAhead is a bit like a luxury car.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Stephanie shares what's keeping her spirits merry and bright at this most magical time of the year, and her sincere wishes for all of our listeners.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Stephanie has a hot take on a generational observation that, quite frankly, has left her a bit befuddled.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Expanding on a topic mentioned in Episode 37, Stephanie reveals the template for her quick, but effective, elevator pitch to prospective clients, which you can customize for your own use.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Stephanie breaks down the 3 different quality levels of searches, and the components that make up what defines each of those levels, as well as which criteria are "must-haves" and which are "wish I hads".Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Talent Trade host Stephanie Maas breaks down the Thanksgiving lesson that listeners can carry with them EVERY day, plus her favorite Thanksgiving traditions, and the #1 thing she is a total dork about.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Even as we head into the holiday season, Stephanie wants you to know that a little rest and relaxation isn't an option....because it's MANDATORY.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

If you work in banking, you know the elephant in the room. It's not risk. It's not compliance. It's not a flat economy. It's not the regulators. So what IS it? And is there a solution?Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Learn how the pros at ThinkingAhead execute next-level business development, including the 3 stages of client development, the 3 simple questions that unlock relationship building, when the "blind squirrel" approach actually has it's place, and the tricks to staying on the radar until the time is right.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Panel interviews, or back-to-back interviews can be daunting. But it's not you versus them.....it's you versus yourself, your experience, and your own preparation. Learn how to get organized for the big day, why to say "yes" to that drink, and what to do if nature calls.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Perhaps you've only ever heard that a growth mindset is good, and a fixed mindset is bad. That's not always the case. Learn when IS the right time to put those blinders on, and when to cast them aside.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

It doesn't matter whether you're a candidate or a client, if you don't communicate with your recruiter, you're missing out on talent and opportunities. Just listen to a few of the hairy situations that a lack of communication has landed Stephanie in...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

So you've worked for a big company, and you want to namedrop in an interview. Does that really give you a leg up? .....Kinda. But it's not THE most important thing...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Josh Karamol, Executive Recruiter and Partner with the Commercial Banking & Finance team at ThinkingAhead, walks Stephanie through the delicate and often emotional process of tendering your resignation, how to not burn bridges, leave your now-former employer in a good place, and stay focused on the job ahead, rather than the one you're leaving behind.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Groan. Eye roll. Heavy sigh. Aren't we all sick of this question? All the same, there IS a right way, and a wrong way to answer it...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Sure, nobody wants to feel like just another cog in the machine. Like just another brick in the wall. But sometimes, in the right situations, you've just got to plug in, and let go...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Am I making a good first impression? Am I answering the questions right? Do I look presentable? Is this a date? No. But it MIGHT be a job interview...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Stephanie lays out some "rules of the road" for drafting and circulating eye-catching resumes, including the choice between DIY or professional, the importance of brevity and quantitatives, and why your resume should be like your Social Security number.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Ok, Boomer....or Gen Xer. Multitasking gets a bad name. But there's a new kid on the scene: toggling. And this isn't your father's multitasking...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

Somebody's made a costly mistake. It happens. Here's what NOT to do to make it even worse...Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.

You're on top of the world, huh? Time to coast? WRONG. Time to ELEVATE.Discover what sets ThinkingAhead apart, hear stories from recruiters, and browse opportunities by clicking here.