Testimonials
What our clients say about us
“Mary has been invaluable during my career change, a true thought partner and cheerleader with creative ideas and meaningful connections. Her years of experience and wisdom make every interaction rewarding. I’m so grateful to be in her orbit!”
Cara D.
COO, Chief of Staff | Luxury Goods industry
Mary and Mel have been coaching me for several years, they have been a listening ear, advisor, and cheer squad. Their ability to tap into my strengths and help me see myself more clearly is a remarkable superpower. This perfect magical duo goes above and beyond to make meaningful connections and support my growth as a leader. I’m grateful for the space they create to elevate my self-awareness and celebrate my successes.”
Anita G.
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago
“After many years of working with mentors and coaches, I can say without reservation that Mary and Mel are the BEST professional coaches I’ve ever had. Over the past 10 months, they have consistently listened, combined the right tools, and designed a truly unique path for me. Their process is built on relationships, hard truths, and creative solutions. It takes real skill to know how to use the right tools at the right time, and that’s exactly what Mary and Mel deliver, hands down every day.”
Steve S.
CMO | Adtech Industry
“Mary and Mel work together strategically, building connection and respect across teams. They found me at a time when I was going through the motions, performing at a high level but with leadership as an afterthought. They helped me grow into the leader that I am today, and I quickly saw the value in bringing others into their circle. After a few years, our teams are more synergistic than ever. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and more importantly, how to handle ourselves under pressure. I could not recommend them enough.”
Jason B.
EVP of Marketing and Comms | Paycom
“Mary is an incredible partner who possesses a set of diverse tools and techniques. Her ability to deftly work across various training and coaching requirements is superbly complimented by her passion to get the best out of her clients. I wholeheartedly recommended Mary to anyone looking for first class executive support or professional coaching.”
Andrew B.
Global Head of Business Operations & Analytics | Financial Services Industry
“I have worked with Mary for over 8 years. She has been an incredible asset in navigating daily challenges managing a team of 50, while also pushing me to think long-term about my company, my people, and my own development. Based on my amazing experience with Mary, I have brought several direct reports into her work to help advance their own professional aspirations with much success.”
David F.
VP Risk & Insurance Programs | Justworks
“I have had the pleasure of partnering with Mary on two fronts. She and her partner, Mel provide executive coaching to our Communications Leadership Council at Ragan, and the member feedback has been outstanding! Mary’s intelligence, warmth, and attention to detail are highly valued by me and my team. I highly recommend her for executive coaching, speaking and workshops.”
Diane S.
CEO | Ragan Communications
“Mary and Mel facilitate Executive Resource Professionals events, retreats and offsites with enthusiasm and purpose driven techniques that engage our group, a group of 25 Westchester County business owners meeting monthly for nearly 15 years. They do an outstanding job creating workshops that helped our members navigate challenging business decisions during the pandemic. Their positive, solution-based energy and experience with top-level executives was evident throughout our work together, as was their ability to adapt to the changing needs of the group during a unique time.”
James G.
Partner | Altium Wealth Management
“I had the honor of working with the MVP team and their work was outstanding. Mary and the team were professional, highly knowledgeable, and had great insight into the company’s culture and needs while quickly aligning around my career goals. They were diligent in their follow-up and kept me informed every step of the way.”
Chris M.
VP International Market Development | The College of American Pathologists
“Mary works tirelessly to <strong>get beneath the surface</strong> and really understands the needs of an organization and the company’s culture.”
Leigh R.
Managing Partner | Topspin Partners
“MVP Executive Development provided the reassurance and expertise we needed to succeed. They took time to understand our culture and dynamics, helping us identify the right leader to take us to the next level. Mary and her team were always available and guided us every step of the way. I highly recommend MVP for their quality, personalized approach.”
Verlon J.
Senior Vice President | CNSI
“Mary and her team are among the most talented and insightful professionals you will ever work with. Whether in executive recruiting or professional coaching, they truly understand your business and have a terrific sense of candidates’ strengths and cultural fit. If you’re looking for a true partner, you owe it to yourself to work with them.”
Ted C.
EVP Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer | Prodigy Works and LMCA
“Mary is one of the brightest people I know. Her ability to quickly connect the right people to the right company is almost unmatched, and she has been a tremendous sounding board for a host of human resource related issues. I highly recommend Mary and her team.”
Todd H.
CEO | Liquidus
“Mary is a driven professional who immerses herself in your business objectives. She is experienced and results-oriented across all aspects of Talent Management, with an entrepreneurial spirit and vast resources.”
John F.
National Account Manager | The Dial Corporation
“You will never go wrong by working with MVP. A professional team in every aspect of the process with great personalities to match, they deliver results. I recommend that you spend some time speaking with them, and you’ll see what I mean.”
Bill A.
Director Advertising Sales | Bulletin Media LLC
“I have worked with Mary and her team on several occasions, first in corporate HR recruitment and most recently as a client of MVP Executive Search. Mary’s strength is her belief in true partnership. She takes the time to learn an organization’s business and culture, and understands how her work fits into broader business imperatives. Her candor, honesty, and integrity are significant assets that reflect the values she brings to every engagement. I recommend Mary and her team without hesitation.”
Stephen B.
Human Resources Professional
“I was at a crossroad in my career when I was introduced to Mary and her team. Having not looked for a job in over 25 years they provided me with the necessary tools to compete in today’s market place. I highly recommend them for both job search perpetration and coaching.”
Terry O’B.
Divisional Vice President – Central | Spectrum Reach
“Mary is a superb professional with deep insight, impeccable integrity, and a pragmatic view of all business situations. I worked with her at the Tribune Company and she was the first person I called when I needed help finding and cultivating talent for a client. She is completely trustworthy, and I highly recommend her. If a result satisfies Mary, it will more than satisfy you.”
Nancy P.
Managing Member | Picard LLC
“I have worked with MVP Executive Development on two engagements this past year. In the first, I retained them to help a team member step into a new leadership role and unite her team of 20+ around confidence and cohesion. The team found it validating and motivating. So much so that other teams want to sign up.
On a personal level, I am working with MVP to develop my own aptitudes, values, and work style. Their approach combines in-depth testing with real-world expertise, and Mary and Mel were speaking my language from the start.
I wish I had done this work years ago and highly recommend MVP to individuals and teams looking to be their best.”
Scott M.
CFO | Healthcare and Private Equity
“As a senior executive in healthcare technology, I’ve encountered numerous coaches throughout my career, and Mary stands out for her unique blend of intellect and heartfelt empathy. Her MVP coaching program combines an analytical mind with genuine compassion, helping you implement strategic insights with practical tools. What distinguishes her most is her ability to tailor coaching to your unique needs, helping you see opportunities you might otherwise miss. I cannot recommend Mary highly enough. Engaging with her is a decision you’ll look back on as a pivotal moment in your career.”
Chris C.
COO | Healthcare
“MVP Executive Development offered far more than I ever expected. Having had mixed results with other coaches, I was wary, but I needed a perspective shift and help packaging my skills effectively. MVP takes a truly holistic approach, guiding me to take a fresh look at my history, successes, and habits in a way that was genuinely eye-opening. I believe their process was key to my very successful job search. Through an enjoyable 10-session process with Mary Olson-Menzel, we refined my materials, expanded my vision, and ultimately landed 2 amazing job offers. I highly recommend their services!”
Randy F.
SVP Business Development | Endeavor Analytics
“Mary is an exceptional career coach who brings years of HR experience, great listening skills, and a holistic approach to her work. She worked with me weekly for several months, helping me frame my priorities and make key decisions about my career journey. Her process is solid and well-vetted, and she will challenge you to do the work. She also leverages her extensive network on your behalf. I highly recommend her and have since referred two clients to her!”
Tania S.
Global CFO Reprise Digital | Interpublic Group
“I absolutely recommend MVP for anyone seeking support in finding a new position. Being new to Chicago with a limited network, I wanted extra help finding opportunities, but received so much more than expected. MVP’s process helped me look deeper into my skills and experiences, prepare for interviews, and connect with contacts at various companies. My coach was fantastic. She was excellent with follow-up, made sure I was thoroughly prepared, and is simply a wonderful person. I’m happy to have gotten to know her!”
Kim M.
VP Human Resources | Sterigenics
“When you hire MVP, you’re in good hands. Their executive search team helped us fill a critical management role during a time of transition, fully understanding and executing on our requirements in a way that truly set them apart. They were with us every step of the way, ensuring we hired the right person for our culture and needs. We are delighted with the outcome and strongly recommend MVP for high-level staffing needs.”
Brian M.
CFO & Abbie Cooper | Talent and Culture | Altrum
“Mary helped me see the best aspects of my experiences and together, we crafted my personal brand accordingly in a holistic way. In addition, Mary also provided me with networking and job search strategy plus the gentle push for me to be accountable to my career goals. Net net, I would recommend MVP for anyone who wants to make a career and life pivot journey successfully!”
Kathleen R.
CFO | Global Advertising Agency
“I’ve experienced working with MVP as a candidate, hiring manager, and a coaching client. They understand my needs and are very thorough. I trust their work and always get to the outcome desired. Their advice has always been spot on.”
Mary Katherine K.
VP Communications | The College of American Pathologists
“MVP delivers on their promise, sourcing a large and diverse slate of highly qualified candidates and expertly managing them through a lengthy interview process. Having been placed by MVP myself, I understood firsthand how well they care for both clients and candidates. We will certainly call on them again for executive recruiting and coaching needs.”
Mary D.
Senior VP Sales & Marketing | The College of American Pathologists
“Mary Olson-Menzel and MVP not only take into consideration a client’s experience and talents, but factor in the psychological and emotional aspects — the aspirations and anxieties — that drive them, providing a holistic approach to career transition that goes beyond the traditional executive search firm.”
Michael V.
Publisher | Stanford Social Innovation Review
“MVP is truly top notch. They brought us consistently outstanding talent, and had a keen understanding of our needs. Mary and her team are a pleasure to work with.”
Steve L.
Founding and Managing Partner | Brand Velocity Partners
“Mary has been an industry leader in Executive Search for over 20 years, with deep expertise in recruiting and developing talent. She and her team build genuine connections with both clients and candidates, ensuring the best skill set and cultural fit. MVP’s recruiters and coaches are dedicated, honest, and insightful, adept at building relationships that create high-performing teams. Their consistent communication throughout the process will give you confidence that you are in the right hands.”
Alison G.
CEO/President | Jelmar
“Mary and I encountered each other in a recruiting situation. I found her to be engaging, open about opportunities and clear as to expectations. She was direct in her information and was extremely helpful in navigating an onboarding process.”
Susan D.
Marketing Strategy | Revenue Development | Data Sales | Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing | Data-Dynamx Inc.
“Mary is an expert in her field and generously shares her knowledge. On several occasions during my career transitions, she helped me move forward when I felt stuck, often fitting me into her busy schedule with little notice. I recommend Mary to anyone seeking a warm, knowledgeable, and expert guide.”
Kath L.
RN Case Manager | Community Health Solutions of America
“The MVP team are top-notch professionals and people. They really dive deep to understand the issues and people involved and they connect well with people at all levels.”
Timothy F.
Vice President, Labor Relations | Tegna
“I had the pleasure of working with Mary and her team and they are one of the most professional and talented group of individuals I know. They are excellent at talent acquisition and are extremely skilled at building relationships. I enjoyed working with and partnering with Mary and her team during my time with Tribune and recommend them if you have a need for a talented executive search team.”
Meres (Mary) F.
Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer | Wheels Inc.