A day in the life of an executive recruiter

I've been an executive recruiter for about 10 months now. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy what I do is I get to match people with their next ideal opportunity. It is one of the greatest thrills to call someone with news of a job offer. I had the opportunity to extend TWO offers to two separate people on the same day. The first offer was for a $250K CMO position at a very prestigious organization in Chicago. My candidate, receiving the offer, is a 30-year old superstar who was not on the market that I convinced to interview with them. We extended the offer, and she had the nerve to ask for A LOT more! "You're 30-years old!" And, she informed us that she needed to digest the offer over her week vacation. Apparently, all business is supposed to be put on hold for her for the week. If I was the client, I would have written her off because that definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth. What a slap in the face!

My second offer went to a candidate who is on the brink on losing her job. Granted, she did have an offer from another company, but this company may not be around in two years. I found her a great opportunity with more money, more stability, a chance to build a brand, more vacation time, and a bigger title! First, she wanted equity, and now she wants to "think about" it for a few days.

We're in a tough economy. If you are offered a great opportunity at a stable company, take it. If you have to wonder if your position will be around in a few years, then it's probably not a company you want to be at. Companies are bending over backwards for solid talent. If they want you, then work with them (and us!) to make it happen. Budge a little! You're only 30!

Birthday Week

It was David's 30th birthday last week, and as always, a week long celebration. I have always been a huge fan of birthdays, and I especially wanted this one to be special. The "birthday week" started on Thursday, August 28th with dinner at Red Ivy and tickets to the Cubs game. The boys had a great time, which obviously made me happy because I didn't have to entertain. Friday was an intimate dinner of two at Naha, one of David's favorite restaurants. After spending close to $500, we left with happy faces and happy stomachs! Saturday was a pizza pary at Mark's, and Sunday was my favorite night...a wine dinner at Terragusto.

Now, I am letting my liver recuperate.

Wine list from our dinner at Terragusto

A TRIBUTE TO “MCDOUCHE” AND “SPARKY”
AUGUST 31, 2008


1998 “Cuvee Josephine” Joseph Perrier, Champagne
“Grand Siecle” Laurent Perrier, Champagne


2006 Grenache Blanc Blend, Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc
2006 Grenache Blanc, Curran, Santa Barbara


2006 Cab Sangio, “Scabrone” Rose ,Guadoal al tasso, Bolgehri
2006 Pinot Noir, “Mendocino Ridge” Auteur, Mendicino Coast


2005 Sangiovese, Leonnetti, Columbia Valley
1999 Sangiovese, Valdicava, Brunello di Montalcino

Can you break the pattern of choosing the wrong man?

My best friend, who also happens to be my sister, is now living in Chicago. I spent numerous days AND nights trying to convince her to move here. Unfortunately (but fortunately), it took a horrendous event to make this move happen. Janice had moved to Madison to start a life with a very much older man she was dating. I remember thinking AND saying, "Forget Madison! Come to Chicago!" And as every "Dao woman" would be, Janice was stubborn and wanted to work at this relationship. Well, it didn't work out; thus the move to Chicago.

She's starting from scratch, which is one of the hardest things to do. I admire her for her strength. As I watch her get back into the dating scene, I notice that she is still attracted to men at least 10 years older. That worries me. What is it about "older" men that appeals to her? Is it the sense of stability? Men are finally accomplished at this age? Or does she need a fatherly figure to make up for the fact that she never had one? Can she break the pattern of always choosing older men?

The biggest question is, have I broken the pattern of choosing the wrong man? More to come.