Quick Look:
- Client: Chief Development Officer for healthcare non-profit
- Services: Executive Transition Services
- Consultant: Jill Harmon
- Value: Support, accountability and a team of experts during career transition
Non-profit leader Stephen Bariteau loves his work in healthcare philanthropy. He’s spent the last three decades building the relationships, processes and institutional cultures that are essential for foundations to achieve their missions. He sees his role as something of a matchmaker.
“I help people fulfill what’s in their hearts. I love that,” Bariteau explained. “I’m somebody who represents the mission of the organization, and connects people’s desires to the needs of others.”
When his ten-year executive role with a healthcare foundation ended recently, he knew he wanted to continue making a difference in pediatric or adult healthcare. But, with only a handful of suitable positions available in Minnesota, he realized the job search would take time.
I would recommend Navigate Forward to any executives in transition, whether the employer or the person’s paying
Fortunately, his employer provided access to Navigate Forward’s Executive Transition Services as part of his departure package. Navigate Forward’s one-on-one guidance gave Bariteau the accountability, structure and expertise he needed to support his job search. In just a few months, he landed his current role as EVP Philanthropy and Chief Development Officer at Gillette Children’s.
An Accountability Partner to ‘Hold My Feet to the Fire’
Having experienced career transition before, Bariteau was prepared for many aspects of the job search process, including the “shock and awe” that can accompany a layoff or unexpected departure. His previous job transition resulted in a move from Indiana back to his home state of Minnesota.
“I made that transition through grit and networking—meeting new people and selling myself,” he said.
I asked for somebody to hold my feet to the fire. Jill Harmon was super at coaching me.
This time, Bariteau had the advantage of a dedicated team to provide guidance, resources and career best practices, all tailored to senior leaders. Jill Harmon served as his lead consultant at Navigate Forward.
“I asked for somebody to hold my feet to the fire,” Bariteau recalled, noting that Navigate Forward’s onboarding process includes matching each client with an executive consultant suited to their needs and style.
“Jill was super at coaching me,” he added. “She was excellent because of her knowledge in the non-profit space and her broader knowledge of job searches.”
Nearly Declining Outplacement Benefits
Ironically, Bariteau considered skipping his company’s outplacement benefits.
“It felt like I probably wouldn’t need it; it was lack of understanding about the services,” he said.
Now, he freely admits there is tremendous value for executives from the tailored approach that Navigate Forward offers.
“I could have gotten in the door for conversations, but without the coaching and partnership from Navigate Forward, there would have been no guarantee that I would have gotten through the interview process. I can honestly say that,” Bariteau explained.
Creating a compelling professional narrative was one of the first ‘a ha’ moments in his job search. This concise, forward-looking statement grounds the executive job search process. It helps others—from potential employers to executive recruiters to networking contacts—quickly grasp a leader’s strengths, goals and ideal next position.
I could have gotten in the door, but without the coaching and partnership from Navigate Forward, there was no guarantee I would have gotten through the interview process
“I’m a pretty intuitive and good writer, but at the same time, I was ill-equipped, without coaching and guidance, to write a professional narrative about myself,” he said.
Bariteau also appreciated the full team of resources available at Navigate Forward, from resume and LinkedIn experts to weekly group forums on a variety of leadership topics.
Job Search Support With No Time Limits
Ultimately, it was professional networking that led Bariteau to his new development role at Gillette Children’s. A networking meeting revealed the opportunity, then led him to connect with the executive recruiter in charge of the search.
Unlike other outplacement services that expire after a few weeks or months, Navigate Forward works with executive clients until each senior leader lands their next role
Throughout the hiring process, Bariteau took advantage of practice interviews, guidance on job offers and other Navigate Forward support. Unlike other outplacement services that expire after a few weeks or months, Navigate Forward works with executive clients until each senior leader lands their next role.
Now established in his new position, Bariteau is happy to raise awareness on the benefits of outplacement for senior executives.
“I would recommend Navigate Forward to any executives in transition, whether the employer or the person’s paying,” he said. “I would tell them, explore and embrace what Navigate Forward has to offer. They are really sharp. They actually care about what happens to you.”
He added, “I’m grateful that my previous employer paid for that benefit, and that I got to work with such great people who were really important to my journey.”
Is Change In Your Future? Learn more about Executive Transition Services and our unique approach to career services for senior leaders.
