Executive Team
James Whittaker
CEO
Before founding The Ambitious Exec, James served as an economic consulting Director at Deloitte in NYC, playing a crucial role in the Global Hiring Team. He was responsible for hiring top talent across various sectors, including professional services, IT, marketing, government, sales, tax, and accounting. James is also the author of the Amazon bestselling book The Reverse Job Search Method, which has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. His vision is to ensure everyone works in careers they love, with fulfilling work and fair compensation, addressing and fixing the recruiting industry's challenges for mid-career professionals.
Amanda Whittaker
Co Founder
As Co Founder of The Ambitious Exec, Amanda focuses on building and nurturing professional communities. She brings extensive experience in strategy and management. Prior to this, Amanda played a key role in the global expansion of TED Conferences, connecting over 50,000 members and organizing impactful events worldwide. Her expertise supports her current role in empowering professionals to achieve career aspirations and facilitating seamless career transitions. Amanda is dedicated to addressing gaps in executive recruiting and helping clients realize their full potential, leveraging innovative approaches and guidance to ensure transformative career journeys and lasting success.
Chris Musano
VP of Operations
With 20 years of experience as a consulting executive, Chris has hired and led over 500 people across more than 20 companies. An exceptional business leader and internationally certified executive coach, Chris aligns the program with the broader market and career landscape. His expertise ensures that clients receive guidance tailored to current industry trends and professional development needs.
Brady Salcido
Sales Director
Jonathan Hawkins
Marketing Director
Jonathan brings extensive experience in strategic marketing and brand development. With a proven track record in driving growth through data-driven strategies, Jonathan is dedicated to amplifying The Ambitious Exec's mission and building connections. An Army Veteran and recipient of the Presidential Service Award, he is recognized for his impactful volunteer work and unwavering commitment to service.
Client Services Team
Chris Atkie
Client Services Director
With 13+ years in sales, marketing, and client fulfillment, Chris has scaled multi-million dollar programs, helping businesses and training executives to land dream roles. As Client Success Director, he ensures top-tier client experiences and drives positive growth, earning recognition as a top LinkedIn Voice in the executive career coaching space.
Mackenzie Lyons
Program Administrator
Marcela Ashley
Program Advisor
Marcela has lived around the world, mainly in the US and Europe, working across industries as a Project Manager, leading executives through program stages. Her global experience enables her to interact with diverse people and cultures. As Program Advisor, she guides clients through the program to ensure a successful journey.
Sacha Mohan-Boodoo
Program Advisor
Sacha brings 15 years of client service leadership across industries, offering deep insights into business executive perspectives. As Program Advisor, she guides clients to ensure they receive the best value from the program tailored to their individual needs and goals, maximizing their experience and outcomes with personalized advice and strategic support.
Natalia Panzardi
Program Advisor
Natalia brings nearly a decade of experience providing strategic support to executives. Passionate about uncovering the "why" behind each individual's goals, she guides them to success. As a Program Advisor, Natalia excels at building connections and crafting solutions, empowering leaders to achieve their aspirations.
Executive Career Coaching Team
Jill Wilk
Head of Executive Coaching
As a certified executive and career coach, Jill brings over 25 years of corporate senior HR leadership and recruitment expertise across industries, helping clients achieve clarity, focus, and solution strategies. With a lens towards navigating the human resources and recruitment process landscape, Jill focuses on client professional growth, job advancement, and career transition while inspiring confidence, awareness, and motivation.
Javier Vargas
Sr. Business & HR Executive
As a certified coach with 1,500+ hours of experience, Javier helps clients navigate change and seek clarity. With over 30 years of senior leadership at Apple and Adobe, and as Global HR leader at ManpowerGroup, he offers a unique perspective on talent acquisition. Javier’s extensive expertise empowers clients to achieve their goals with confidence, insight, and strategic guidance, fostering growth, resilience, and success in their professional journeys.
Osmary Torres
Change & Transformation Leader
With nearly two decades of hands-on change leadership, Osmary has guided companies of all sizes through transformation. As an executive coach, Osmary supports leaders in personal development, aligning values with career goals, and fostering a growth mindset that drives individual and organizational success. Her approach integrates strategic insight with personal coaching to create impactful, lasting change.
Marissa Colville
HR & Leadership Executive
Marissa is a highly skilled career coach dedicated to empowering executives for over 20 years. She has coached executives in a variety of industries and disciplines and has human resources expertise in multiple areas such as business partnering, employee engagement, compliance, talent management and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her coaching helps executives tap into their authentic self to achieve motivation, transformation, and attain a variety of career goals.
Joe Bohringer
Leadership & Operations Expert
An executive coach and advisor, Joe served as a senior leader during a Major League Baseball career spanning 31 seasons. His achievements include helping build foundations for multiple postseason appearances including a historic Chicago Cubs World Series win. This experience lends unique insight into leadership, strategy, and operations in fast-paced business environments. He now shares that experience with others at all stages of their executive journey.
Holly Chen
HR Executive Leader
Holly is a certified executive coach with experience in marketing, finance, and HR across three continents. With roles including SVP, HR Business Partner in Fortune 500 companies, and Head of People for startups, she specializes in guiding senior leaders through transitions and transformations. Her deep understanding of organizational dynamics empowers individuals to unlock their potential and drive enduring success while eliminating past and future road blocks.
Scott Egbert
Leadership & Career Transition Coach
Scott has over 20 years of leadership experience in high-tech corporate finance, paired with formal coach training and ICF certification. His coaching blends mindset and motivation with practical, action-oriented strategies. Scott sees coaching as a truly transformative journey focused on holistic development, not just skill-building. His unique approach empowers leaders to achieve personal growth and lasting success through meaningful career transitions.
Referral Engine Coaching Team
Jay Guyton
Referral Engine Coach
Jay brings over ten years of expertise in marketing, sales, automation, and client relations to The Ambitious Exec team. For the past four years, she has focused on helping startups and SMBs streamline their operations through automation. At TAE, Jay works closely with clients to leverage automation and social media to expand their job search and connect with decision makers, aiding them in landing their next career opportunity.
Josh Williams
Referral Engine Coach
Josh has 14+ years of marketing experience working with businesses from solopreneurs to Fortune 500 companies. Starting at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, he contributed to a 15% sales increase for the FedACH suite. As the Social Media and SEO Lead for Insight Consulting Group, he developed effective strategies. At TAE, Josh coaches on leveraging social media and automation tools for career advancement.
Resume & LinkedIn Profile Optimization Team
Stefanie Sher
Head of Resume Team
Douglas Landers
Executive Resume Specialist
Doug has over 20 years of experience writing resumes for executives across a broad spectrum of industries. He has assisted clients in landing prominent roles at VC-funded startups, targeted enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies. Having written thousands of resumes, he has a passion for articulating value, creating compelling narratives, and giving voice to personal brands.
Toni Aston
Executive Resume Specialist
A dedicated resume writer with 5 years of experience, she crafts compelling resumes across various industries. Her passion is empowering individuals to succeed through tailored career narratives that highlight each client’s unique strengths and achievements, helping them stand out in competitive job markets and achieve their professional goals.
Marissa Lessman
Executive Resume Specialist
Marissa Lessman is a professional writer dedicated to helping others achieve their career goals. With nearly a decade in writing and degrees from Roosevelt University and DePaul University, she has certifications from PARW/CC and LinkedIn. Her 15-year career spans journalism and narrative writing, crafting targeted resumes for various industries.
Vanessa Renshaw
Executive Resume Specialist
With 4 years of experience designing resumes for high-performing executives, Vanessa excels in helping clients narrate their career stories. Formerly a licensed clinical therapist, she builds authentic connections, uncovers strengths, and supports clients in achieving their ultimate career goals. Her background enhances her ability to guide and inspire effectively.
Christopher J. Fritz
LinkedIn Profile Specialist
Christopher is a copywriter and marketing strategist with a deep background in education, communication theory, and psychology. He draws on over 5 years of experience growing B2B and B2C brands to help clients optimize their LinkedIn profiles and direct outreach strategies so they can catch more attention, drive more conversations, and land their dream roles.
Kayle MacDowell
LinkedIn Profile Specialist
Kayle is an expert in professional communication, LinkedIn strategy, and personalized messaging, helping executives stand out effectively. With a background in customer success, she builds meaningful connections and drives engagement. At The Ambitious Exec, Kayle empowers leaders to navigate their job search confidently, providing tailored, results-focused support to help them achieve their ambitious career goals.
Cassandra Robinson
LinkedIn Profile Specialist
Cassandra Robinson is a personal branding expert and storyteller passionate about helping mission-driven leaders share their unique stories. She specializes in crafting authentic resumes and LinkedIn profiles that connect with hiring professionals. With expertise in brand-building and strategic storytelling, Cassandra empowers executives to align career goals with core values and transform stories into impactful opportunities.
Career Advisory Team
Scott Laney
Career Advisor
Scott spent over a decade in healthcare, specializing in surgical and laboratory roles. After working closely with recruiters, he discovered they could find roles but not always the best fit. He spent extensive time with hospital Executives and leadership teams in clinical reference labs, focusing on genetics and infectious disease testing. Now, he leverages this experience to guide clients through The Ambitious Exec intake process, helping them secure roles that truly match their expertise.
Chris Salcido
Career Advisor
A seasoned executive coach and search consultant with over 30 years of experience, he specializes in delivering top-notch C-level career coaching. He guides professionals toward salaries up to $1.5 million, excelling in this niche field. Nationally recognized as a trusted advisor, advocate, and industry expert, he provides unparalleled insights and support to executives seeking to advance their careers and achieve their highest potential and professional aspirations, driving lasting success.
Andrew Compean
Career Advisor
With over a decade of expertise, Andrew has helped thousands of clients achieve their personal and professional goals. His entrepreneurial journey has equipped him with valuable insights and skills, enabling him to navigate challenges adeptly and inspire teams as a leader. Andrew is passionate about driving growth, fostering strong relationships, and delivering exceptional results through innovative strategies, dedicated support, and a commitment to excellence in all endeavors.
Michael Mota
Career Advisor
Michael is a seasoned financial professional with a distinguished career in banking and options trading. At JP Morgan, he excelled as a Private Client Banker, earning recognition from Jamie Dimon for exceptional performance. Currently pursuing a master’s in banking and finance, Michael brings his expertise to The Ambitious Exec, helping clients discover roles aligned with their strengths, goals, aspirations, and long-term career success, making meaningful contributions to organizations.
What Clients Say About Us
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The Ambitious Exec is a career consulting and training company that helps people learn the optimal approach to securing a new role. We do not sell a business opportunity. We do not make specific earnings claims, efforts claims, or claims that our training will make you any money or provide any specific result. All material is intellectual property and protected by copyright. Any duplication, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
Testimonials appearing on this site are collected or recorded via survey text submission, email text, video, or interview. They are individual experiences, reflecting real life experiences of those that have chosen to work with The Ambitious Exec. However, they are individual results and results may vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that clients will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will be a client at The Ambitious Exec.
The training provided is general in nature, and some strategies may not be appropriate for all individuals or all situations. Guarantee disclaimer: if you become a client, we will work with you for a period of up to 12 months to secure your next role. In our experience, this exceeds the time required to complete a successful high-level job search. Salary increase statistic disclaimer: by reading or using this website or purchasing any product from us, we in now way claim or guarantee that your salary will be improved or that you will earn any money.
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