From an International Finance Executive…
"Just three weeks after being recruited as a top finance executive for a leading bank, an unexpected corporate reorganization left me without a position. That’s when I met Gail Meneley, and it may very well have been one of the best things to ever happen to me.

Up until that moment, my career had been on a steady upward trajectory. I had established an international reputation in finance and was reaping the financial success I had worked so hard to achieve. At the earliest stages of my transition, Gail sensed that there was something important missing in my life, and helped lead me through an amazing journey of self-examination and exploration. Knowing that she was a former CEO who had been through a similar transition helped establish her credibility, and I immediately trusted her experience and insight.

At the outset, I would never have guessed that I would eventually open a gallery and pursue a lifelong passion for collecting and design that had been fueled by my international travel. Success can be measured in many ways, but Gail helped me realize that fully integrating one’s values, life, and career was the most important one, and worth any risk it demanded. I could not have come this far without her mentoring and coaching.”

CEO of a $12 Billion Global Company...
"I had resigned from a Fortune 100 Company and was immediately in the running for a significant CEO position. I didn’t get the job. I had only been out a few weeks so I wasn't concerned until Gail Meneley asked me the question, “Why didn’t you receive an offer?” I realized that I didn’t have a clear answer, and she responded, “Shouldn’t we find out?”

That was my first taste of the “straight talk” approach that is at the heart of the Shields Meneley Partners’ practice. I had been referred to this unique firm by another CEO who had told me that they were people I would respect, who I could trust, and who would tell me what I needed to hear.

From there, I embarked on the most extensive executive evaluation I had ever experienced. It included a variety of assessments and lengthy interviews with colleagues, board members and others I had worked with and for in past positions. The most critical take-away from more than a dozen interviews was this: If I didn’t improve certain skills I would never be the CEO of a Fortune 100 company. We identified a premier resource to work with me one-on-one, and now, others tell me that once what was a weakness, has become a strength.

The intensive, half-day feedback that was part of the executive assessment process examined the implications of what we had learned and raised potential red flags about the future. It made me more aware of my tendency to take on an exceptional level of personal and professional risk and to minimize the degree of difficulty involved in successfully executing complex corporate turnarounds.

I continue to rely on the insights I developed during my work with Shields Meneley Partners, and believe that their advice and counsel have been of great help during the three years in my new role."

From the COO of a Regional Health System...
"I had been with a health care system for more than 20 years. The stress had increased exponentially as I managed and integrated a complex series of mergers. I had not expected my position to be eliminated, and met with Gail Meneley and Hugh Shields soon after I was notified. They were professional, empathetic, and supportive. They made me feel like a valued colleague, not a “client”.

Gail helped me shift my perspective from the past to “What do you want your future to be?” The in-depth assessment renewed my confidence in my experience and competence, and allowed me to recognize the many directions I could pursue. They showed me how to take control of my future.

I recently accepted the position as COO of an architectural firm that specializes in the design of health care facilities. I am grateful for their insight and genuine enthusiasm that helped me see the possibilities and pursue a wonderful new career."

From the Vice President of a Global Life Sciences Company…
"I was offered transition services of my choice and after interviewing several firms, chose to work with Hugh Shields and Gail Meneley.

The opportunity to sit back and assess my career and career options was invaluable, and the guidance and professionalism that Hugh and Gail offered was outstanding. Many executives in transition are confronted with career choices …many choices… for the first time. I struggled with which direction I wanted to take and gained a clear understanding of my strengths and preferences.

As a result of that effort, I have taken the position as Vice President of Strategy for a NASDAQ listed medical devices company. It’s been extraordinarily gratifying to move from pharmaceuticals to medical devices, and without Hugh and Gail’s support, I might not have found myself as well situated. I am confident that others will be fortunate to experience the same level of excellence that I did."

From a Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer...
"I worked with Gail Meneley for several months after separating from my employer. I credit her with providing critical input to my successful transition to a new role with a new company.

I interviewed several "outplacement" firms, but only met one firm that understood the needs of a senior executive. When I met with Gail for the first time, I was immediately struck by her professionalism, experience, empathy and focus. She helped me work through the emotional impact of the transition, and focused me on the positive elements of transition. She distinguished herself with her very personal approach. She offered actionable networking advice and provided immediate access to her own wide network of top industry contacts and former clients to answer questions about entry points to a target company and direct access to decision makers.

Two parts of the process were of particular value. The first, the in-depth executive assessment feedback meeting, was enormously helpful. My wife and I spent an afternoon with Gail and Dan DeWitt, their staff psychologist, discussing the implications of the assessment on both the operating role, and the corporate culture where I would thrive.

The second part of the process was "on-boarding" coaching after I accepted my new position. It had been a number of years since I had changed firms, and Gail and I spent time discussing my "100 Day Plan" so that I could hit-the-ground running and quickly demonstrate my value to my new organization. Simply remembering to take the time to listen and learn how a new company really works, and how the other members of the senior team interact, was critically important.

My experience with Gail was outstanding. Her hands-on, experience-driven approach is unique, and her confidential advice and counsel was invaluable."