CAREER TRANSITION

Coaching for Your Next Career Stage

Chan Executive Coach Change Your Career

CHANGE YOUR CAREER

New direction for meaningful work

Chan Executive Coach Relaunch Your Career

RELAUNCH YOUR CAREER

Return to work with confidence

Chan Executive Coach Start Your Career

START YOUR CAREER

Identify what you want

Margaret Chan

My holistic approach and step-by-step process will put you on your ideal career path.

Highly responsive to my needs and systematic in her evaluative approach.

After 20 years of marketing luxury goods, I pivoted to sustainability management. Entering a completely new industry required significant career and personal repositioning. Margaret helped me devise a strategy highlighting my transferrable skills. Her coaching was invaluable, insightful, and thoughtful.

Highly responsive to my needs and extremely systematic in her evaluative approach, she is a top-tier coaching partner. I strongly recommend Margaret — she is a highly effective coach.

VP, Marketing in consumer goods changing to sustainability management
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret’s curiosity created a safe space to discuss sensitive career topics.

I wanted my resume to demonstrate my readiness for C-suite positions. Margaret, a former executive recruiter for many years, knows what recruiters expect, especially with C-suite roles. She was incredibly effective and provided clear strategic value.

Margaret helped me reframe my experiences to emphasize the depth and breadth of my skills and accomplishments. She is curious and easy to work with, which created a safe space for us to discuss sensitive career topics.

I had a tight timeline — she delivered. She was responsive and readily available. I hope to work with her on leadership development in the future.

VP, Strategy and Finance at global bank
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret helped me address my corporate gap strategically.

Margaret coached me through each stage of the relaunch process: helping me update my resume, address my corporate gap strategically, and apply for returnships (paid, mid-career internships for women relaunching careers). She developed interview questions tailored for my situation, collaborated to shape strong answers, and conducted mock interviews. In addition to returnships, we developed proposals for and responses to other career opportunities. She was responsive to my needs to meet deadlines — helping me feel supported throughout the process. Margaret was critical to my goal of successfully re-entering corporate life.

Former Portfolio Manager/Equity Research Analyst relaunching as Private Client Investment Advisor at top 5 bank
Relaunch Your Career Testimonial

Margaret’s advice helped me focus on my broad business skills so I could explore a wider range of opportunities.

After many years as a business executive with both legal and business experience, I wanted to switch to the tech industry. Margaret’s advice and pragmatic approach were extremely valuable as we developed an effective action plan.

I learned to focus on my broader skills — business, analysis, and negotiations — so I could explore a wider range of opportunities and continue as a leader in my next chapter.

Former SVP/General Counsel switched to a business role at a leading tech company
Change Your Career Testimonial

I am beyond thrilled to go back to work after a 15-year career break.

I had not written a resume in over 15 years! I was very nervous about the interviews. Margaret’s advice and her list of possible questions helped me to be 100% prepared. In fact, I felt confident and was prepared for every question in all my interviews!

Discussing how to answer certain questions — when to elaborate and when to be concise — was very helpful, as well as which past skills and experiences to focus on.

I am beyond thrilled that I went back to work after a 15-year career break.

Former trader relaunching her career as VP, Risk Management at major investment bank
Relaunch Your Career Testimonial

Margaret provided counsel and guidance that could only come from longstanding experience and from someone who treats her clients with utmost care and respect.

My goal was to create a concise resume and LinkedIn profile that clearly communicated my professional strengths, interests, and goals. Margaret began our work together with a meticulous review of my background, my interests, and my work experience. She assisted me in weaving those elements together into a cohesive and significantly upgraded presentation. The best part of working with Margaret is that she invested the time to understand where I am in my career now, where I want to be, and provided guidance that could only come from someone with longstanding experience as an executive coach. She treats her clients with the utmost care and respect. After working with Margaret, I have a much clearer picture of both the next stage of my career and my path to get there.

Big 4 Director in Consulting Practice
Career Transition Testimonial, Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret is an expert in Return-to-Work coaching.

Margaret conducted a highly-rated webinar for UCLA business school alumni — providing deep insights, sound advice, and actionable ideas for those seeking to re-enter the job market.

It was a true pleasure working with Margaret — I look forward to collaborating with her again in the future.

David Cooley, Director, Alumni Career Services, UCLA Anderson School of Management
Relaunch Your Career Testimonial

Margaret helped me define my career goals and strategize my job search.

Margaret is a highly personable, energetic coach. A relative recommended her, and I’m glad I listened. When I was graduating from college, I was looking to build my confidence in interviews. Margaret did just that — she helped me define my career goals, strategize my job search, and polish my resume. She helped me tailor my interview responses to highlight my experiences that best communicated my value.

I enjoyed working with Margaret during a critical stage in my life. I recommend her highly for those who are looking for career guidance.

New college graduate starting sales career in luxury goods
Start Your Career Client Testimonial

His work with Margaret changed his life — the best investment I have ever made.

When my nephew needed help starting his career after overcoming a significant medical issue, I made an investment and hired Margaret to work with him. Their work together changed his life — he was able to start his career in his desired field. He is now working on an MBA that is funded by his new employer, living on his own, and enjoying adult life. It was the best investment I have ever made — it paid off when he landed a job after working with Margaret for only three months.

Aunt of college graduate in finance at investment management firm
Start Your Career Parent Testimonial

During the pandemic, Margaret helped me build confidence to see new options – creating my own internship.

Searching for a summer internship during the pandemic proved challenging. I worked with Margaret to help define my goals and create a strategy. She helped me highlight my skills and accomplishments on my resume and encouraged me to speak to a range of connections for informational interviews.

Within a month, I connected with the CEO of a corporate social responsibility company who didn’t need additional interns. With Margaret’s support, I researched the company’s needs and convinced the CEO to hire me as an additional intern based on the value I could bring, in a role that matched my skills.

By the end of the internship, I was offered a part-time paid position during my junior year. Margaret helped me build confidence which allowed me to see new options, including creating my own internship.

College sophomore focused on social media for corporate social responsibility
Start Your Career Client Testimonial

Margaret helped me change both my function and industry.

After a 10-year strategy career in financial services, I wanted to move into an operating role in entertainment. Margaret helped me target marketing roles that matched my strengths. She helped me identify my transferrable skills and position my relevant experiences. From coming up with an overall job search strategy to interview preparation, Margaret was strategic, practical, and responsive.

With her support, she helped me build confidence that my goals were achievable. I am now in marketing at a major entertainment company. I highly recommend Margaret.

Former Director of Strategy in financial services pivoted to Director of Strategy, Business Development & Marketing at major entertainment company
Change Your Career Testimonial

Immediate Increase In Recruiters Reaching Out

Margaret coached me on rewriting my resume and LinkedIn profile, and on good interview practices. We developed specific responses to interview questions to address potential ageism. I saw an immediate increase in recruiters reaching out to me. I highly recommend her approach.

Director, Global Marketing
Career Transition Testimonial, Change Your Career Testimonial

I had never had a professional interview before but after only one weekend working with Margaret, I felt confident and miles ahead of where I was earlier. I got the job!

As a recent college graduate in Environmental Engineering, I had an interview scheduled with a company that was perfect for me, but I had never had a professional interview. I was not equipped to navigate interviews for full-time positions, and I knew I needed help.

Over a weekend, Margaret and I worked together to create an approach that fit my needs. We reviewed interview techniques, strengthened my answers to commonly asked interview questions, and conducted mock interviews. She helped me realize that my answers focused on personal strengths instead of demonstrating professional skills. Our sessions were thorough, well planned, and effective.

By the time of my interview, I felt confident, and miles ahead of where I was just a few days earlier. I got the job — I can confidently say that I would not have landed this position without Margaret’s help. I highly recommend her.

Recent college graduate starting career in environmental engineering
Start Your Career Client Testimonial

Margaret has a natural ability to see the best in people. She helped me achieve a goal that seemed unattainable.

Margaret successfully coached me through a challenging period following my job loss in PE before a pandemic. Her coaching helped me reposition my complex story positively which was critical to my securing my new role at a private investment firm that is well suited to my skill set.

I hired Margaret initially to help with my search process, interview preparation, and networking communications. However, her approach proved to be more valuable and broader in scope than I expected. I shifted my interviews to focus less on my PE skills to ways that I could add value in the future: my investment philosophy, track record of strategic value-add, and proven leadership ability. I positioned myself as a senior executive and seasoned investor. This approach had an immediate positive impact.

Margaret has a natural ability to see the best in people. She was enthusiastic in helping me recognize my unique strengths, develop the confidence to tell compelling stories about successes and failures alike, and achieve a goal that seemed unattainable to me.

My only regret was not engaging Margaret sooner! I highly recommend her to anyone seeking to advance their career.

PE professional joining major investor in private investment firm
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret’s pragmatic approach helped me immensely.

I enjoyed my job in operations but wanted a more innovative company. Margaret’s pragmatic approach helped me immensely in changing to a more rewarding position. Together we tailored my resume to highlight my strengths and accomplishments, and identify and target roles where I could be an asset to the company.

Margaret’s networking strategies and focused approach are a huge reason why I am so much happier at my new company.

Operations professional joined AI-driven tech company
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret helped me regain my confidence.

I experienced a crisis of confidence when I exited a business I founded and did not know what to do next. I partnered with Margaret — her guidance was invaluable.

Her logical process helped me understand my different career experiences, articulate my likes and dislikes, and recognize my strengths and development areas. We explored multiple paths that I would enjoy and fit my skill set. Margaret helped me position myself for roles that melded my entrepreneurial and financial services experience. She made valuable suggestions for my new bio and resume, and prepared me extensively for interviews.

Most importantly, she helped me regain my confidence — that I could add significant value to an organization. Without Margaret’s help, I might not be in the position I am today — one that I enjoy and find fulfilling. I can’t recommend her highly enough!

Former investment banker and entrepreneur changed to Interim CFO for ad-tech company
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret asked insightful questions and helped me look at things in new ways.

When I started working with Margaret, I had been looking for a job for a while and was feeling stuck.

From our very first conversation, before I had even engaged her, she asked insightful questions and helped me look at things in new ways. Margaret’s biggest contribution was helping me prepare for interviews — telling my story strategically.

She kept me focused, encouraged me to be proactive, and was supportive when I felt discouraged. With Margaret’s help, I found exactly the job I wanted and I couldn’t be happier.

Nonprofit development executive at international environmental advocacy group
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret’s help was absolutely critical as I switched from academia to business.

When I was in a Ph.D. program, I decided to pivot from an academic career to business. I don’t think I would be in this position today if it were not for my work with Margaret. Her help formulating my interview responses and her feedback on my communication style (how narrative they were!) were absolutely critical.

Above all, her quick observation that I often stopped maintaining eye contact while I was thinking and speaking, was a game-changer for me.

Former academic moved into operations role at online jewelry company
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret had experience guiding clients to navigate significant career changes as I made a transition from medical school to healthcare consulting.

I engaged Margaret during my third year of medical school when I was contemplating a major career change. This was a very challenging and stressful period and I needed a coach who was both competent and warm. Margaret met my ideal profile for a coach — empathic, easy to communicate with, and had experience guiding clients to navigate significant career changes.

Margaret did not impose her opinion; she offered constructive support as I reached my own conclusions. The process was stress-free and she sustained my morale throughout. Our partnership was a big factor in my successful career transition from medical school to healthcare consulting. I am happy to recommend Margaret as a career coach.

Medical student who pivoted to healthcare consultant
Change Your Career Testimonial

I chose Margaret as my strategic career partner because I could envision myself working with her on my future leadership development.

My goal was to switch from finance/strategy in banking to product/marketing at a major tech company. I knew the difficulties of changing my function and industry simultaneously; however, Margaret helped me approach my job search with confidence and clear thinking.

Her approach included a plan that incorporated extensive interview prep. I articulated my transferrable skills effectively and clearly presented my strategic thinking to elevate my relevant experiences to companies. I look forward to working with her in the future on my leadership development.

Former finance/strategy executive in financial services pivoted to Product Partnerships at leading Fortune 500 tech company
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret was insightful and encouraging and helped me stay focused and optimistic during the pandemic.

I was laid off during the pandemic and felt my worst. Margaret helped me stay focused and optimistic each day to look for new opportunities. I am so grateful for her help because I landed a new position in five months.

Logistics manager moved to new position in midst of pandemic
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret worked directly with my son — through self-discovery and assessment — to help him identify his interests and strengths and match them with potential careers.

As my son was starting his career, I made a critical decision to remove myself from the process and connect him to Margaret. She updated me monthly on their process while maintaining professionalism and keeping the content of their sessions confidential.

I appreciate Margaret’s coaching approach and style. And my son is now pursuing a career that he enjoys. I highly recommend Margaret.

Parent of new college graduate started data analytics career on Capitol Hill
Start Your Career Parent Testimonial

A true partner – I was able to make decisions with confidence.

Margaret was a true partner in my job search. She took time to understand me as an individual and helped me articulate my unique experiences and values.

The job search process is stressful, and I was questioning my every move. Margaret was always available to talk things through and provide guidance — I was able to make decisions with confidence. My new role is exactly what I need for this next chapter of my career.

Senior Product Manager at retail tech firm
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret was devoted to genuinely understanding me – both personally and professionally.

Margaret was a critical partner as I successfully transitioned from heading Corporate Development at an S&P 500 tech company to leading Strategy, Corporate Development, and Investor Relations (IR) at an early-stage entertainment tech company.

I have met many coaches over the years. By far, Margaret was devoted to genuinely understanding me both personally and professionally, which positively influenced our working together to achieve my goals. She helped me gain clarity and courage to pursue smaller companies to get broader responsibilities.

Margaret was comprehensive — helping with my resume, cover letters, emails, and interview preparation. We assessed feedback from my interviews with prospective employers so I could evaluate my options and make decisions. She was instrumental in advising on negotiations. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a true partner in their career transition.

Former Head of Corporate Development switched to VP, Strategy, Corporate Development, & IR at entertainment tech start-up
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret’s knowledge and experience, and the caring and candid advice she provided for all of us — helped my son succeed.

Margaret was instrumental in helping our son obtain a banking internship after his junior year and, ultimately, a full-time position with a Big 4 firm. He landed the job in the fall of his senior year — much earlier than expected. We credit his success in large part to Margaret’s early involvement in the process — she worked with him to evaluate his work, academic, and leadership history; craft a narrative for those experiences, and then create a resume that showcased his skills and talents.

Most important, Margaret worked directly with our son, keeping us posted but maintaining his confidentiality. She helped him build confidence and improve his interviewing and presentation skills. We were grateful to be (mostly) out of the loop and to see our son manage this process independently.

We cannot say enough good things about Margaret — her knowledge and experience, and the caring and candid advice for all of us — helped my son succeed.

Parent of college graduate in project management at Big 4 firm
Start Your Career Parent Testimonial

Margaret has highly relevant insights from her career as an executive recruiter.

Margaret was extremely helpful in my search process. She provided a unique combination of strategic clarity, pragmatic tactics, and highly relevant insights from her career as an executive recruiter. Her knowledge and inspiration help her clients to achieve their objectives.

President, Consumer Credit Cards
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret had deep expertise in advising my daughter on interviewing.

Margaret helped my daughter start her career after college. She was very experienced in fine tuning resumes and application letters, and had deep expertise in advising her on interview techniques. Equally important, she maintained confidentiality about their discussions, which helped my daughter to build trust and confidence. I definitely recommend Margaret to anyone who is seeking advice on starting their career.

Parent of college STEM graduate who is Assistant Lab Manager at biotech firm
Start Your Career Parent Testimonial

Working with Margaret was extremely productive, insightful, and rewarding.

Margaret helped me set priorities, determine the next steps in my journey, and reflect on family and career priorities. She was consistently responsive and available for my coaching needs. Warm and thoughtful, Margaret is a joy to work with — I highly recommend her for anyone facing challenging work and career decisions.

Organizational Consultant exploring relaunch options
Relaunch Your Career Testimonial

Margaret’s approach is supportive with clear accountability.

When my daughter, a college sophomore, began her search for a summer internship, she needed help navigating the process. Margaret helped her with interview preparation, including a list of interview questions to expect, and how to prepare clear and thoughtful responses. This process helped my daughter tell a compelling story in ways that were relevant to hiring organizations.

With my daughter’s work and leadership roles, Margaret recognized that she possessed far more skills and accomplishments than my daughter believed. This gave her greater confidence applying for jobs and preparing for interviews.

What I appreciated most was Margaret’s approach, which is supportive with clear accountability of what my daughter needed to do next.

Parent of college sophomore landed marketing internship in corporate social responsibility
Start Your Career Parent Testimonial

Margaret’s compassion, probing questions, and thoughtful “homework assignments” helped me sort out realistic opportunities.

Partnering with Margaret has been an incredibly constructive process — identifying priorities and exploring fulfilling ways to apply myself, especially in light of my career expectations and recent health issues.

Her compassion, probing questions, and thoughtful “homework assignments” helped me identify realistic and satisfying opportunities to apply my time and interests. I’m extremely happy where I ended up.

Former investment banker with career break preparing for her next phase
Relaunch Your Career Testimonial

Margaret has mastered the art of framing experiences in an impactful way.

After graduating from college, I had difficulty matching my skills and interests with positions in the market. Margaret and I had long, honest discussions — identifying a spectrum of possibilities. She was exceptionally supportive with my unique aspirations, zeroing in on my short- and long-term opportunities.

Margaret showed me how to craft my resume and cover letter to secure interviews! After carefully reviewing job descriptions, she helped me tailor my resume and cover letters to convey why I was a perfect candidate.

Framing experiences in an impactful way is a skill that Margaret has mastered. It showed when I received multiple interviews and an offer for a position that I love.

New college graduate started a career in sustainability
Start Your Career Client Testimonial

Margaret helped me reframe my career narrative after six-year hiatus.

After a six-year career gap, Margaret helped me reframe my career narrative and prepare for interviews re-entering the job market. She helped me reposition myself strategically because I was targeting roles that pivoted from my former career — and I was concerned about ageism.

I answered a list of her interview questions; this proved invaluable as I had forgotten many of my achievements and challenges. The ongoing discovery of my past was highly beneficial; each time I reflected upon my answers, I added more dimension to my narrative and uncovered areas to upskill to address ageism. The result was a comprehensive and cohesive career narrative that clearly articulated my value proposition in a new industry. I gained tremendous confidence in competing in today’s workforce.

Senior-level marketing executive re-entering the corporate workforce after a six-year gap
Relaunch Your Career Testimonial

Margaret helped me create a strategic positioning of my resume gap.

After receiving my first BA in humanities, I had a medical condition which prevented me from working for 7 years. After finally recovering, I enrolled in another bachelor’s program — this time for business. But with a seven-year gap on my resume, I needed help starting my career as I was finishing my second BA. Margaret coached me to assess my strengths, and to create a strategic positioning of my resume gap — so companies would view my candidacy positively while also protecting my privacy.

Margaret helped me revise my resume — making it concise and professional. She coached me on writing impactful cover letters — conveying my interest and value. We developed an interview strategy — helping me prepare confident answers to anticipated questions. I became more comfortable in interviews — overcoming my reservations.

After three months, I secured a position in my desired career. I credit Margaret with my success. I highly recommend her to professionals seeking coaching — whether they are starting or changing careers.

New college graduate started finance career at large investment management firm
Start Your Career Client Testimonial

Margaret provided specific, actionable feedback on my resume and thoughtful, focused mock interviews.

I enjoyed working with Margaret immensely as I considered changing from a teaching and theatre production career to corporate digital media production. She provided specific, actionable feedback on my resume and thoughtful, focused mock interviews. Margaret guided me to see how my theatre management skills could translate into succinct corporate language for potential corporate employers. I enthusiastically recommend Margaret to anyone looking to improve their resume or interview skills, or exploring a career transition.

Theatre producer/teacher switching to corporate digital media production
Career Transition Testimonial, Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret was always available to me and highly supportive.

I firmly believed that all I needed for applying for internships and full-time positions was my college career center. However, after engaging with Margaret, I was able to position myself a more compelling way with a stronger resume and better interview preparation.

Margaret’s knowledge and guidance helped me build confidence interviewing and positioning my experiences. She was always available to me and highly supportive as I landed a project management position at a Big 4 firm. She was superb and I enjoyed working with her. I highly recommend Margaret.

New college graduate started as Project Manager at Big 4 Firm
Start Your Career Client Testimonial

Margaret helped me gain clarity on my strengths and career progression.

This was critical — re-setting my mindset about the next steps for my career — so I was more targeted in my job search.

With her help over two months, I focused on roles that aligned with my interests and strengths. I developed a clearer narrative of my experience and accomplishments for my resume. With her interview prep, I interviewed effectively. I am delighted to start my new role.

Market Manager, at BTB company
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret helped me to develop a strategy that was realistic and efficient.

With a very thorough approach, Margaret understood my career journey and goals. She helped me reshape my resume to highlight my impact in each role and prepare for interviews. She encouraged me to think how my strengths could translate to my new career. As a result, I felt much more prepared to tackle my career search. I’m so glad I worked with such a wonderful career coach.

Head of Business Development at startup switched to Head of Strategy at corporate wellness company
Career Transition Testimonial, Change Your Career Testimonial

I landed a great role as CEO of a PE-backed growth stage software company.

I left my prior role as CEO of a software company and had never conducted a job search as a senior executive. Margaret provided needed structure in the coaching engagement as I identified target roles and narrowed down companies. She helped me update my resume and LinkedIn profile to have the greatest appeal to potential employers. Margaret’s deep executive search experience was invaluable to help me anticipate recruiters’ interview questions and expectations about CEO candidates and how best to position myself. Margaret is pleasant, upbeat, and supportive and a joy to work with. My new role is a great fit. I would highly recommend Margaret as an executive coach for others seeking new opportunities. She offers leadership development coaching, and I hope to take advantage of this when the opportunity arises.

CEO of software company who became CEO of PE-backed growth stage software company
Career Transition Testimonial, Change Your Career Testimonial

As a Big Four Partner seeking to move to the corporate side, Margaret asked probing questions to help me reflect and gain new insight.

In seeking a senior executive role on the corporate side, I needed to crystalize my achievements to demonstrate relevance to potential employers. Margaret’s approach of asking probing questions helped me reflect and gain new insight about my skills and capabilities, which resulted in a resume that was impactful, concise, and visually attractive.

I highly recommend her — she’s competent, responsive, wise, and cares deeply about her client’s success.

Former Big 4 Partner became Managing Director of Transformation at top 10 US bank
Change Your Career Testimonial

Margaret helped me answer the question, “So, what’s next?” to land my dream job in less than two months.

Margaret helped me think critically about my career with sharp, honest conversations about what I enjoyed most in my previous roles and what I would prefer to omit. She helped me think about my skills, and the types of firms and roles that would best value them. When my initial interviews did not go well, Margaret was a godsend, acting as a sounding board and helping me to sharpen my responses to make them more illustrative of my abilities.  Our work together paid off quickly. After working with Margaret for less than two months, I am COO at a hyper-growth fintech startup. She helped me with strategy and advice during offer negotiations, ensuring that I was fully prepared to have critical compensation conversations. I was very happy with my final offer.

COO of hyper-growth fintech startup
Career Transition Testimonial, Change Your Career Testimonial

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