Testimonials
“When I first started my search, I explored every available resource and even hired a career transition coach. After months of frustration, I finally found Ken Schmidt’s Turning Point Executive Search and was blown away. I highly recommend his workshop series to anyone starting a search. It’ll save months of learning and ultimately get you landed in your next career position much sooner!”
–Edwin G. Kofler, Senior Healthcare Executive
“I met Ken Schmitt at his San Diego Venture Group. These are seminars which are run by Ken and his assistant. He offers these at no cost and they are a tremendous service to those who are seeking new executive positions. There are no more than a dozen people at the seminars which makes it easier to benefit from Ken’s advice and to network. He introduces each person and as he goes round the room he coaches us individually, suggesting for example that one of the members should join a particular organization. His approach is not generic but is geared to the individual.
It is common for people to be opportunistic when they coach, to have no set procedure. This may be helpful for some but I appreciate Ken’s process orientated approach. He has a proven process that works and his approach to networking is not hit and miss but fine tuned and strategic. He uses the Linked In social network and he teaches his clients how to use this.
Ken is effective, trustworthy and empathetic. He is a good guy who has great leads in San Diego. I have recommended Ken’s services to at least twelve people of all levels.”
–Lou Hess CEO
“When I needed career coaching I chose Ken Schmitt because I knew him well and I had worked with him previously in the IMA. He is very ethical and he demonstrates integrity and a high level of professionalism. He is a nice person to work and has excellent people skills. Rather than imposing his ideas, he listened to me and worked with me sensitively, giving feedback in an objective, tactful way.
I needed Ken’s help to determine where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do with my work. He provided an objective perspective, helping me to better understand my strengths and weaknesses and how best to play on my strengths and overcome my weaknesses. I was not sure whether I should seek alternative employment or stay with the same company. After working with Ken I decided to stay with the same company. I have been able to solidify my position in the company and be more assertive when I discuss my role and my focus with my boss. Consequently I have been able to get more value out of what I am doing. I am now looking at longer term goals and the major issues rather than being distracted by the minor ones.
Ken helped me develop action plans and to move forward in my career. I recommend Ken to others who need career coaching. I believe that his thorough helpful approach would be effective for any others wanting to receive help analyzing their careers.
I have been delighted with Ken Schmitt’s coaching advice about my start-up professional services firm. His entire approach was informed and helpful, with good follow through. My area of expertise is very specialized (forensic accounting) and many people do not understand the nature of my work. Ken, however, was a very good listener and he quickly understood my needs with minimal explanation.
Ken helped me to focus my service offerings, expand my network and find a mentor. He also gave me some useful marketing advice and he helped me improve my website. Ken advised me to compose statements about values, strategy and vision. Each of these helped me to define and brand my company. Ken also helped me to find the best service providers such as an attorney and tax CPA and he has assisted me in developing a presence on LinkedIn.
I have followed most of Ken’s advice because it made a lot of sense and was right on target.”
–Lydia Kowalewski.
“I engaged TurningPoint Executive Search as a career coaching client when I was at a true crossroads in my career. Ken and his team worked with me to define my career objectives, outline criteria for my next opportunity and facilitated introductions in the San Diego Area. What impressed me most about Ken and his team’s capabilities was that when I engaged them it was the true partnership we developed and the feeling that I became part of their team during my search. We had a plan and we executed it together as a team, which was a real differentiator. I am confident that TurningPoint’s coaching process was integral to my ability to secure my next position and allow me to grow as a professional during the search process.”
–Matt Costanzo, Costanzo Financial Group
“I engaged the help of Ken Schmitt three months ago as my career management coach. In that period of time, Ken worked with me to establish a clear plan of mutual deliverables and timelines for me to navigate and be most effective in my job search. Through many in-person meetings and regular phone calls, Ken provided guidance to me spanning from strategy to details. As a result of collaborating together, I recently secured a Director level position at an engineering services company that I am very happy and proud to be part of.
In my experience, several things set Ken apart as a career management coach. The first being Ken’s executive recruiting background provided me with a first-hand perspective into what employers look for and which strategies are likely to work best. He gave me excellent feedback on my resume and 1-page bio, and helped me overcome struggles in revising my LinkedIn profile. We focused a lot on sharpening up my networking activities. Ken did a great job coaching me on a number of networking techniques, plus on how to be much more resourceful in using LinkedIn.
Ken and his team have a vast knowledge of San Diego companies and the industry landscape. At several of my target companies, Ken personally knew inside contacts and facilitated personal introductions for me. Ken has served as an admirable role model in regularly and diligently attending San Diego networking events. His ever expanding circle of connections is a great resource.
Finally, I really appreciate Ken’s professionalism, his integrity, and his tireless work ethics. In our coach-client relationship, I found Ken to be a great communicator and very respectful in his approach to people. For my deliverables, I was held accountable and pushed when necessary, but always with the feeling of encouragement and support. When I had timely issues and matters needing to be discussed, Ken was always responsive – even during evenings or weekends. In my experience with Ken, he is committed to go the extra mile.”
–Peter Ma, Director of Product Development, D&K Engineering Services
