Career Coaching, Events, and Resources

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.

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!

Welcome to my profile! With a robust background in corporate strategy and development at Monotype and a dynamic tenure as a Senior Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company, I bring a wealth of experience in driving innovation and strategic growth. My journey from co-founding a successful startup to leading AI strategy initiatives has equipped me with unique insights into the tech and business landscapes. I am passionate about helping professionals navigate their career paths, leveraging my expertise in pricing, growth strategy, and digital transformations. Whether you're looking to break into a new industry or accelerate your career growth, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's connect and chart a course for your success!

I started my career in corporate America and spent the next decade climbing the ranks at Starbucks, Amazon, and Google. With a strong foundation in both personal development and hands-on experience, I am uniquely qualified to guide others as a coach. As a coach, I leverage a blend of proven strategies and personalized support to help individuals navigate their challenges, discover their strengths, and achieve meaningful growth. My approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and practical tools that empower clients to make lasting changes. Having worked with diverse individuals, I understand the importance of tailoring coaching to each person’s unique goals, ensuring that they feel heard, understood, and inspired to take action. My commitment is to create a supportive, results-driven environment where clients can thrive.

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!

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!

Who I work with: Ambitious professionals (typically 2–7 years in) at top firms, consultancies, or post-MBA who are navigating one of these moments: - You're successful by every external measure and quietly wondering if this is actually what you want - You know you need to make a move but keep rationalizing staying - You're in a career transition and the options feel overwhelming, so you're stalling - You want to create an unconventional opportunity inside a large organization but don't know how to position it - You've been "thinking about it" for months and need someone to hold you accountable to actually doing something What makes this different: I combine strategic consulting rigor with actual psychology. That means I'm not just helping you update your resume or prep for interviews (though I can). I'm helping you understand why you keep getting stuck in the first place — so the pattern doesn't follow you to the next role. What a session looks like: We don't do vague "how are you feeling about your career" conversations. Every session has a focus, and you leave with something concrete - a reframed understanding of what's driving your decision, a specific action plan, or an honest answer to a question you've been avoiding. Format: 1:1 sessions, virtual

Welcome to my profile! With over 15 years of experience in leadership and career development, I specialize in helping professionals unlock their full potential and achieve their career goals. My expertise in executive coaching and talent assessment has empowered clients to advance in their careers, whether they're looking to excel in their current roles or pivot to new opportunities. Let's work together to create a personalized strategy for your career success—reach out to start your journey today!

Welcome to my profile! With a rich background in product marketing and management consulting at top firms like Adobe, VMware, and Accenture, I bring a wealth of experience to my career coaching practice. My journey has been defined by transformative pivots, from engineering to consulting, and from B2B tech to founding my creative arts platform. This diverse experience allows me to help clients identify and leverage their transferable skills to achieve their career goals. As the author of "The Prize and Price of Getting Uncomfortable," I emphasize clarity, action, and belief in my coaching approach. I've successfully guided 8 individuals to find their "why" and land their dream roles. Let's connect and chart a path to your career success together!