Case Studies
SAADIA K.
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY
The Challenge
Saadia was aiming to step up from a Divisional CIO role to her first enterprise-wide CIO position. She initially assumed that her executive track record would be enough to secure interviews, but quickly realized the online application process wasn’t yielding results.
“I was under the impression that I’m a successful executive and could just apply and get interviews. That was
the most eye-opening thing, that job applications on LinkedIn or anywhere online don’t lead you anywhere.”
Why D&S Executive Career Management?
As a first-time executive job seeker at this level, Saadia turned to D&S for expert guidance on building assets that would match her goals and elevate her visibility.
“I didn’t know what a resume at this level should look like and didn’t want to rely on the internet. I needed experts who had done this before. I also knew LinkedIn was critical, and I needed help there, too.”
The Results
Through strategic updates, keyword alignment, and profile optimization on LinkedIn, Saadia became more visible to recruiters, even in a tough market. Outreach from hiring leaders increased and even continues to this day.
“Once the changes were made, people started to reach out. The market wasn’t great, but they found me and still do. The team helped open my visibility in ways I couldn’t have done alone.”
What Stood Out?
Saadia not only received career assets, but she valued the partnership throughout the process and the encouragement D&S gave her throughout the emotional ups and downs of her job search.
“I honestly wasn't expecting the relationship factor with your team. I was expecting it to be very transactional. But now I see you guys as being my support system for life and that's the most valuable thing. You can’t put a price tag on that level of support.”
She also credited Michelle Merritt’s negotiation coaching as a pivotal moment in her journey:
“I had never negotiated at this level before. Michelle gave me such good advice, I would’ve been clueless without her.”
Final Word
"For executives looking to work with D&S, my advice is to be open and communicate. Don’t expect them
to do everything while you sit and watch. It’s a collaborative process."
Heather V.
Vice President of CSR, ESG & DEI for a PE-Backed Company
The Challenge
Heather Venard was ready to take the next step in her career and level up to a VP role, but her resume didn’t reflect her senior-level experience. Like many executives, she had internalized early career advice to keep things short, resulting in materials that felt more junior than her experience warranted.
“My resume felt more junior because I was told to keep it tight and sweet. Working with D&S gave me the freedom and confidence to tell the full story of who I am, what I do, and how I can drive results for the next company.”
Why D&S Executive Career Management?
Heather chose D&S after receiving direct referrals from trusted colleagues, including her former boss and mentor.
“You were my obvious choice. I knew you had helped people I respected and they’d all had a great experience.”
The Results
With a powerful new resume and LinkedIn profile, Heather applied for just three roles and landed a vice president offer, even amid a tough job market for ESG, CSR, and DEI leadership.
“I had a referral into the job, but your work gave me the confidence to move forward and the polish to meet the expectations of a VP candidate. My materials were finally at the level they needed to be and that made all the difference.”
What Stood Out?
Heather was especially impressed by the level of personalized attention and genuine interest in her story.
“There was so much great listening. It didn’t feel like you were just regurgitating what I said. You really wanted to understand what I did and tell my story accurately. There was a lot of personal attention and energy focused on getting it right for me. Going through this process was a massive confidence booster. Even before I applied to anything, I felt empowered."
Final Word
“This work pushed me out of my comfort zone of who I thought I was as a leader. As women, we’re not often taught to shout about our achievements, but working with your team made it much easier for me to communicate my value.”
ANDREW T.
Chief Strategy Officer
Healthcare Industry
The Challenge
Andrew was at a pivotal moment in his executive career. He was ready for a new opportunity but pressed for time. He knew that a DIY approach to updating his resume and LinkedIn wouldn’t cut it.
“There’s so much work involved in getting started. I wanted it done right the first time. With structure and strategy behind it.”
Why D&S Executive Career Management?
Having worked with D&S several times in the past, Andrew trusted our holistic approach and experienced team.
“They’re not just resume writers. They support the entire search, from personal branding to interview prep. Led by professionals who’ve actually held leadership roles.”
The Results
With our team behind him, Andrew gained clarity, structure, and high-level support throughout every stage of his job search.
“The real value was having strategic support throughout a long, high-stakes interview process - recruiter calls, hiring panels, CEO meetings, compensation discussions ... D&S helped me stay one step ahead.”
What Stood Out?
He received real-time access to our team and coaching support when it mattered most.
“D&S provided concierge-level support. If a recruiter emailed me, I had guidance within the hour. That kind of access is rare.”
Final Word
“This work pushed me out of my comfort zone of who I thought I was as a leader. As women, we’re not often taught to shout about our achievements, but working with your team made it much easier for me to communicate my value.”
Debbie D.
Fortune 50 CFO & Public Company Board Director
The Challenge
Debbie faced the challenge of succinctly highlighting her extensive career achievements to effectively pursue public company board opportunities.
“My biggest challenge was being able to assimilate all the activities I've done over my career. Highlighting the most meaningful and impactful ones in a succinct and optically powerful way was difficult.”
Debbie needed strategic guidance to clearly articulate her value proposition for top board positions.
Why D&S Executive Career Management?
Debbie was introduced to D&S through the New York Stock Exchange Board Services, where she recognized D&S’s effectiveness in addressing her challenges.
“I saw some of the work you all had done, and it hit the things that were challenging for me. Then you and I had a discussion and really connected well. It made me feel good about the program and your organization.”
The Results
Working with D&S greatly improved Debbie’s board-related activities, increasing efficiency in presenting her professional profile.
“I definitely had a lot of new activity after working with you. You provided a portfolio of different tools and assets that helped me be more efficient, whether it was for speaking engagements, board seats, or other opportunities.”
What Stood Out?
Debbie was particularly impressed by the comprehensive set of tools provided by D&S.
“I didn’t realize all the different types of documents and what they could be used for at this level. That was a big learning opportunity for me after working with you. Having these things on hand made me more competitive for higher-level opportunities.”
Final Word
“I've referred several people because it's a really efficient process. You've got a good playbook. This is exactly what many of us at this level need and want, an expert to pull all the information together and make it compelling.”
Randy N.
Corporate Attorney, Executive Business Leader & Board Director
The Challenge
After a successful career as an entrepreneur and award-winning attorney for regulated industries, Randy was ready to shift from full-time executive work into board service. But she lacked the materials and narrative to position herself effectively for this new chapter.
“I had a resume, but it wasn’t the right resume for this type of work. I didn’t even realize that until it was pointed out to me. Board work is a whole new job in a sense, and I needed to present myself in a whole new way.”
Why D&S Executive Career Management?
Referred by a trusted colleague and the New York Stock Exchange Board Services, Randy came to D&S based on our reputation for excellence in board readiness.
“You came highly recommended by people I trust. That made all the difference.”
The Results
Working with D&S transformed her confidence and credibility in the board space.
“The documents you created made me feel credible. My resume, bio, and LinkedIn profile were instrumental in helping me land my two current board opportunities. Even though I hadn’t yet served on a corporate board, the narrative we developed together gave me the foundation I needed to be taken seriously.”
What Stood Out?
Our expert team and high-touch approach made a lasting impression.
“Everyone I worked with was so helpful and responsive. In the board world, everyone has a different opinion on how to present yourself. Knowing I was in expert hands helped me stay grounded and confident. It was all-around a good experience.”
Final Word
“If someone doesn’t know where to start or how to launch their board search, D&S provides a valuable service. This really is a very different world, and having the right guidance to navigate it makes all the difference.”