Career Coaching, Events, and Resources

Are you a talented professional who needs help landing a new job? You are at the right place! My mission is to share job search strategies and recruitment insights to help talent like you succeed in landing your dream job. Before starting my coaching practice, I worked as a corporate recruiter in top tech companies and have learned the entire hiring cycle, from sourcing potential talents to offering jobs. This enabled me to transfer insightful knowledge to help current job seekers position themselves as the best candidates for their dream companies. As a Career Consultant, I have successfully coached 100+ clients with diverse backgrounds to navigate their job search and provide customized solutions to solve their problems. I have experience working with professionals in a wide range of roles at various seniority levels, including marketing, sales, data analysis, operation, engineering, project management, etc. Through my 1:1 coaching program, I’m proud to make a more positive impact in the talent world, and seeing my clients shine in their current positions propels me to continue the journey. Here are some successful stories: 💎 I helped a middle-aged professional exit a toxic environment and secured a high-paying job at Oracle. 💎 I helped multiple immigrants restart their careers in the United States and secured employment at enterprise companies like LinkedIn and Microsoft. 💎 I helped a former mayor in Australia pivot into a brand-new career and rebuild her confidence in the corporate world. Now, are you ready to be awakened in your job search? Let's work together to make it happen!

With over 8 years of professional experience across financial services and strategy consulting in both the US and UK, I’ve successfully navigated some of the most competitive job markets, including New York City and London. I’ve served as an interviewer at a leading consulting firm and have helped countless MBA peers and professionals secure offers from top consulting, financial services, and tech companies. Because I’ve been on both sides of the hiring table, I know exactly what recruiters and interviewers look for. My coaching combines insider perspective with practical strategies — helping you translate your career journey into clear, compelling stories that make an impact.

With nearly 20 years of experience in career development and executive coaching, I am passionate about helping professionals achieve their career goals. As the former Assistant Dean for Career Development at Darden School of Business and Director of Career Services at UNC Kenan-Flagler, I have led teams dedicated to enhancing career management skills and fostering relationships with top recruiting companies. I founded Acorn Associates to continue empowering business executives seeking impactful career changes. Having coached thousands of individuals, I am here to guide you through your career journey with personalized strategies and insights. Let's connect and take your career to the next level!

With over a decade of experience in leading technology innovations and managing high-impact projects, I am well-equipped to guide professionals seeking to explore and excel in diverse roles within tech companies. My background includes a PhD in Computer Science and an MBA, combining deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen. I've successfully led initiatives as engineers and PMs in cutting-edge technologies like Blockchain and Generative AI, and my work spans industries including healthcare, automotive, and supply chain. My experience also includes teaching and mentoring as an adjunct professor, speaking engagements, and industry judging, which have further refined my ability to coach and guide individuals in their career paths. Whether you are fresh graduate entering job market, looking to transition into tech, advance within your current role, or explore new opportunities, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to help you achieve your career goals.

Career Coaching with Radical Candor: Clarity, Confidence, and Action I believe that honest, direct feedback can be a powerful tool for growth. My coaching style is rooted in Radical Candor—challenging you to think differently while offering support and encouragement at every step. Together, we’ll create a space where you can feel safe to explore your career path, identify areas for growth, and take confident steps toward your goals. Clients appreciate that I offer straightforward advice while always keeping their best interests in mind. I’m here to help you uncover your strengths, gain clarity on your next steps, and give you the confidence to take action—whether you’re transitioning into a new role, preparing for interviews, or moving into leadership. What Clients Are Saying: "Sara’s coaching helped me understand what I needed to do next, and I walked away with a clear plan and renewed confidence." "Her practical, actionable advice made the process of career growth feel less overwhelming." "I feel so much more prepared and confident after working with Sara. Her insights helped me see my potential in a new light." I’m here to help you get unstuck and take the next step in your career with a clear strategy, confidence, and a sense of direction. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and make the process feel empowering and achievable.

Welcome to my profile! With over 15 years of experience in Corporate America, I have held leadership roles at top companies like Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and Southwest Airlines where I spearheaded initiatives that drove billions in revenue. My expertise lies in empowering professionals to make personalized decisions and optimize their career trajectories. I have successfully managed cross-functional teams and developed scalable business models that have impacted thousands of partners globally. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, navigate complex career paths, or determine your personal career desires, I'm here to provide tailored guidance and support. Let's connect and chart a course for your career success!

I’ve spent the last several years helping people navigate high-impact career decisions while building and leading teams at fast-growing startups. As CTO & co-founder at Leland, I’ve worked closely with hiring, interviewing, mentorship, leadership development, and team building across engineering and cross-functional roles. My experience includes: CTO & Co-founder at Leland Former Head of Engineering leading and scaling engineering teams Hiring and mentoring engineers across internship, entry-level, senior, and leadership roles Conducting technical and behavioral interviews for candidates from a wide range of backgrounds Advising people on career direction, compensation, promotions, leadership growth, and startup vs. big tech decisions I work best with ambitious people who want clear, practical, and honest guidance on questions like: What should I optimize for in my career right now? How do I position myself for better opportunities? Should I pursue startups, big tech, management, or entrepreneurship? How do I become a stronger communicator, leader, or operator? How do I stand out in competitive hiring processes? My coaching style is direct, strategic, and highly actionable. I focus less on generic advice and more on helping people make thoughtful decisions that compound over time.

Fiona Taft is an exceptional career development coach with a proven history of guiding graduate students and executives toward meaningful and high-impact career outcomes. At UC Berkeley’s Master of Financial Engineering Program, she has successfully coached hundreds of students in career discovery, networking, interview preparation, and offer negotiation, contributing to industry-leading placement rates year after year. Her strategic use of data analytics to inform coaching practices, coupled with her ability to align career services with evolving industry demands, has consistently produced measurable results. At Stanford University, she coached executive education participants in enhancing their professional trajectories, helping them leverage business acumen and leadership skills for advancement. Fiona’s holistic and personalized coaching approach, grounded in deep institutional knowledge and employer engagement, makes her a standout leader in career development.

With over a decade of experience in leadership development and executive coaching, I am passionate about helping professionals unlock their full potential. As the Director of Global Leadership Development at Visa, I have honed my skills in performance consulting and leadership training across a global enterprise. My background includes serving as a Principal Consultant and Executive Leadership Coach at mFluence, where I provided individual coaching and facilitated workshops for leaders at all levels. I hold an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and am a certified executive coach with the International Coach Federation. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills or navigate career transitions, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's connect and create a tailored plan for your career development journey!

I provide strategic career coaching for students, early-career, and mid-career professionals seeking to reach the next level in the career, with a specialized focus on candidates from advanced degree backgrounds. Having successfully transitioned from a PhD in Biomedical Engineering to an Associate role at Goldman Sachs, and Corporate Development at a startup, I offer first-hand, tactical insights into how to can effectively translate your skills for the next step. My professional background spans over four years across institutional finance and corporate strategy. This includes SMID Biotech coverage at Goldman Sachs and corporate development at a venture-backed startup with over $650M in funding. Based on these experiences, I provide guidance that is deeply grounded in how various companies evaluate talent and personal experience. To date, my clients have successfully leveraged my coaching to secure competitive roles at leading companies. Whether you are navigating a mid-career transition or launching your professional path after graduation, I am committed to serving as a dedicated partner and strategic resource throughout your career development.