Get to Know Your Career Coach
Hi, I’m Leigh!
I know this journey may feel daunting, and the unknown is scary, but we’re in this together. I started 5th Quarter Coaching as an alternative to career centers that may miss the mark. Here, you have support and guidance as you navigate what life after college looks like.
The Journey That Led Me Here
It all started when I helped my friend’s son find a job. She wanted to find a guidance counselor and executive coach combination—someone who understood the ins and outs of what it takes to get hired as a young person in the corporate world. Turns out, I was the person she needed!
Outsourcing this part of the job search process for her son became a win/win for everyone. Just like you'd hire someone to help your child navigate the college process, it's also great when you can find someone to help your child navigate life after graduation. As a parent myself, I know my kids don't want to take advice from their parents; they want to talk to a professional!
If I’ve learned anything along this journey, personally and professionally, it’s that life will always be filled with ups and downs, even after college. The good news? You don’t have to have it all figured out or do it alone. There are tools, resources, and support that you can tap into, which will help you go from feeling unsure to feeling secure in your job search and so much more.
Why I Call Myself a Career Coach:
What makes me uniquely qualified to be a career coach? For starters, I’ve seen it all, having worked in professional recruiting for more than 20 years, successfully placing executives, managers, and early professionals in careers of their choice. I’ve worked in Big Tech and financial services, and I’m now the Head of Talent for a software company in the Bay Area. I really see myself as a mentor, and 5th Quarter Coaching gives me the ability to do more than I can on a professional recruiting level—help young adults believe in what’s possible and build their confidence so they can feel competent, capable, and clear about their careers.
The Professional Details:
Leigh's journey in talent acquisition and executive recruiting spans a diverse career. Beginning her career in 2005 at Charles Schwab, Leigh initially served as a Senior Recruiting Manager and later advanced to the role of Executive Recruiter. In 2010, Leigh transitioned to BlackRock, taking on the position of Vice President of Talent Acquisition for the Investment functions across the US. From 2017 to 2020, Leigh contributed her expertise as an Executive Recruiter at Spencer Stuart. In her most recent role before 2023, Leigh served as an Executive Recruiter at Meta, showcasing her commitment to talent acquisition in a leading tech company. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Talent at a Software company in the Bay Area and is also the founder of 5th Quarter Coaching.
Fun Facts About Me:
Believe it or not, I didn’t always want to be a recruiter. I went to college on a dance scholarship! While I didn’t pursue classical ballet professionally, I did go on to apply the skills I learned in my recruiting career—being disciplined, open-minded, and knowing how to work within a group. Today, I live in San Francisco, and I’m a proud mom of a tween girl and a teenage boy who inspire me to be the best coach I can be every day. When I’m not working, coaching, or being a mom, you can find me reading a good book, listening to my favorite podcast, "urban" hiking in San Francisco, real hiking in nearby Marin, or riding away on my Peloton. And even though I don’t dance professionally, I’m passionate about the San Francisco Ballet! I’m also an active member of the Service Corps SF, National Charity League, and the St. Francis Yacht Club.
My Core Values
Long-lasting relationships, accountability, integrity, and communication.
