Finnegan Advisory

Fashion and retail careers are evolving rapidly. What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry today? What skills should they focus on developing?

Navigating a Job Loss: Steps to Move Forward You've just been informed that your position has been eliminated. How do you proceed from this unexpected news? Stay calm and professional upon receiving the news. While it's normal to feel anger, reacting impulsively can cloud your judgment. Inquire about the reasons for the elimination and ask about outplacement services, severance packages, and potential other roles within the organization. Next, update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Ensure they reflect your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring, rather than just the basics of your former role. Start networking to find new opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out for job leads, introductions, and advice. Meet for coffee, arrange calls, and share your story. Assess your financial situation and explore unemployment benefits to ease any immediate financial stress. Consider freelance work to help bridge the gap during your job search. Lean on family and friends for emotional support and guidance. Stay positive and prepare for upcoming interviews. Practice with someone who can provide constructive feedback. At Finnegan Advisory, we leverage extensive executive experience to help individuals and organizations excel in the retail sector. Reach out to explore how we can assist you with your career transition or organizational talent needs.

Enhancing Recruitment with a Human Touch: The Executive Recruiter Advantage While new recruitment tools and platforms offer impressive features and efficiencies, it's crucial to remember that recruitment is fundamentally about people. As an executive recruiter, I have seen firsthand that finding the right talent involves much more than matching keywords or sending automated messages. Here are some critical contributions that an executive recruiter and search firm provide: -Human Insight and Emotional Intelligence: Recruitment isn't just about filling positions; it's about deeply understanding people. We evaluate a candidate's compatibility with company culture, their career aspirations, and their potential to excel in specific environments—nuances that algorithms cannot fully grasp. -End-to-End Support: From sourcing and interviewing to handling offer negotiations and onboarding, we offer comprehensive support throughout the hiring process. We’re available 24/7 for any issues, providing feedback even to candidates who aren't selected, which helps uphold a positive employer brand. -Personalized Candidate Experience: Recognizing that each candidate's journey is unique, we tailor our guidance and support, a level of personalization that technology alone cannot achieve. This approach builds lasting relationships and trust. -Expertise in Strategic Decision-Making: Choosing the right candidate involves more than assessing skills; it requires strategic decisions that align with both the candidate’s and the company’s long-term goals. Our in-depth industry knowledge as former retail executives at Global Recruiters of Lowcountry enriches this process. -Confidentiality and Discretion: Executive searches often necessitate a level of confidentiality that technology platforms cannot ensure. We handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion, serving as trusted advisors to both candidates and clients. While technological advancements are exciting and necessary, they are merely tools that enhance—not replace—the essential human element in executive recruitment. At the end of the day, it’s about people matching, understanding, and creating opportunities that drive success for both candidates and organizations. Interested in learning how a human-focused approach can elevate your recruitment strategy? Reach out to me directly at kevin@finneganadvisory.com and let's explore what we can achieve together.

Turning Negative Thoughts into Stepping Stones for Growth Recently, I assisted someone who reached out for guidance on overcoming the negative thoughts that were hindering their personal and professional growth. Like many of us, they were burdened by mental clutter that obscured their true potential. We embarked on a structured journey to dismantle the old narratives that were no longer beneficial. By becoming conscious of how frequently negative thoughts emerged, we developed a plan to alter their self-perception. The first step involved pinpointing the limiting beliefs that subtly molded their reality. Through reflection, we challenged these thoughts and started reframing their mindset. We shifted from a mindset of "I can't" to "I can learn," opening up a world of possibilities with a positive outlook. Alongside this mental shift, we implemented small, significant actions to build momentum. Every advancement, coupled with self-compassion for any setbacks, reinforced their confidence. We celebrated each victory, no matter the size, and viewed mistakes as valuable lessons. This transformative approach aims to gradually reshape their self-view, empowering them to see themselves in a new light. I encouraged keeping a journal to track moments of self-doubt and all successes, celebrating each step forward. I know many of us grapple with self-doubt. I'd love to hear your experiences. What strategies have you found effective in shifting your mindset away from negativity?

Navigating Career Transition: Moving from Industry Leadership to New Horizons Transitioning to a new industry after a lengthy leadership career can be challenging. The key is to effectively communicate your transferable skills and demonstrate your value. Here are some tips to help you make a successful transition: 1. Identify Transferable Skills: Highlight skills like leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize these. 2. Frame Your Experience: Present your past experiences to show their relevance to the new industry. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements. 3. Research the New Industry: Show your commitment by researching the industry. Understand its challenges, trends, and key players. 4. Network Strategically: Leverage your network to make connections. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups, and seek informational interviews. 5. Address the Elephant in the Room: Acknowledge the industry change during interviews. Explain your motivation and how your background can bring a fresh perspective. 6. Highlight Continuous Learning: Mention any courses or certifications you’ve undertaken to bridge the knowledge gap. This shows your commitment to adapting to the new industry. 7. Craft a Compelling Narrative: Create a story that ties your past experiences to your future goals. Explain how your journey equips you with a unique approach. 8. Prepare and Share Stories: Recall skills and accomplishments to create stories that demonstrate your value. Effective storytelling helps interviewers understand your journey. 9. Expect Reservations and Be Prepared: Anticipate concerns about your industry change. Prepare logical, well-reasoned responses to address these. Example Interview Response: “I understand that my background in [current industry] might seem unrelated, but the core skills I’ve developed—such as strategic leadership and team management—are highly transferable. In my previous role, I successfully [brief example of a relevant achievement], which is directly applicable to [new industry]. I’m excited about this transition because [reason for interest], and I’m confident my experience can bring a fresh perspective to your team.” By clearly communicating your transferable skills and experiences, you can overcome initial hesitation and pave the way for a successful industry transition. Need further guidance on making this career transition? Let's connect at kevin@finneganadvisory.com and discuss your path to success!

Facing uncertainty at work? Layoffs are tough, but there are steps you can take now to secure your position and prepare for the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late—check out my latest post for practical advice and strategies. Need help navigating your career? Let’s chat! 📧 Kfinnegan@grnlowcountry.com #CareerAdvice #LayoffSupport #JobSecurity #CareerDevelopment #Networking

Unlocking the True Potential of Your Organization’s Culture Culture isn’t just a word; it’s the core of your organization’s success. But how well do you truly understand it? How do you ensure it aligns with your strategy and resonates with your team? In my conversations with leaders across various organizations, one topic consistently stands out: culture. It’s often the deciding factor in whether employees choose to stay with a company or seek greener pastures elsewhere. People are drawn to—and stay with—brands whose cultures they believe in, where they feel valued, aligned with the mission, and supported by leadership. One of the first steps in building a high-performing culture is to assess where you currently stand. This isn’t about a surface-level glance; it’s about diving deep into the fabric of your organization to see what’s working and what’s not. It’s about understanding the behaviors that define your team, the unspoken values that guide their actions, and the incentives that shape their decisions. Culture is an intangible yet powerful force. It’s the collective feeling of what it’s like to be part of your organization—the pride, the camaraderie, and the shared beliefs. But how do you measure something so elusive? Start by asking the tough questions: 1. What does our current culture truly stand for? If you can’t clearly articulate your culture, it may be more of an idea than a reality. 2. Are the behaviors we see day-to-day aligned with our core values? It’s not just about what’s written on paper; it’s about what’s lived out every day by your team. 3. How do our incentives reinforce or undermine the culture we aspire to? Incentives can be a powerful force for shaping behavior—but only if they align with the culture you want to cultivate. 4. Is there a sense of belonging and inclusion within the team? A thriving culture is one where every employee feels valued and included, contributing to a unified sense of purpose. 5. How does our culture show up in customer interactions? Your brand’s culture should be evident not only internally but also in how your team engages with customers. It’s a key indicator of whether your culture is truly alive. The answers to these questions will reveal the strengths and gaps in your culture, providing a roadmap for where you need to go next. Identifying inconsistencies between desired and actual behavior is a crucial step in this process. Only then can you begin to craft a culture that not only supports your strategic goals but also engages and empowers your entire team. Ready to elevate your company culture to new heights? Explore with us at Global Recruiters of Lowcountry to discover how we can transform your organization together. Reach out to 847-469-4500 Ext 4 to schedule a personalized consultation and start your journey toward a more engaged and unified team.

Stand Out with Measurable Achievements on Your Resume Having sifted through many resumes, one critical oversight frequently catches my eye: Not showcasing measurable results alongside accomplishments. When detailing your achievements, incorporating specific figures and outcomes clarifies your impact and transforms a general statement into a compelling narrative. Why does this matter? -Clarity: It helps hiring managers instantly grasp the magnitude of their contributions. -Credibility: Concrete numbers lend weight to your claims, bolstering the believability of your achievements. -Comparison: This differentiates you from peers in similar roles who may not provide quantifiable results. The ability to stand out in the job market is critical. Consider these enhancements to illustrate your achievements more powerfully: Instead of: “Improved sales performance”  Try:  “Increased sales by 25% in Q2 2023, generating an extra $500K in revenue.” Instead of: “Managed a team of sales representatives”  Try:  “Directed a team of 10, driving a 30% increase in quarterly sales and adding $1M to the bottom line.” Instead of: “Enhanced customer satisfaction”  Try:  “Introduced a new customer feedback system, boosting satisfaction ratings by 20% over six months.” These subtle tweaks can significantly elevate how your resume is perceived. Ready to optimize your resume and unlock your true potential? Message me or connect with Finnegan Advisory at kevin@finneganadvisory.com today. I offer resume reviews or rewrites, LinkedIn reviews/rewrites, mock interviews, and interview prep to help you shine!