Finding the Right Seat on the Bus for $250-400k+ Executives: an Interview with David Schmidt
Bill Storm
Bill advises and consults with Fortune 500 companies, executives, managers, and team leaders in the areas of peak performance, leadership, organizational systems, psychology of achievement, and sales.
Hey everyone, Bill Storm here! I recently had an inspiring conversation with David Schmidt, a certified executive career coach and managing partner of Madison Partners, on my Lessons in Leadership podcast. We explored two fundamental leadership questions:
David’s insights were both practical and thought-provoking, offering valuable lessons for leaders and professionals at every level.
[Click here to watch/listen to the full podcast interview]
Finding Your Zone of Genius
David has spent over 13 years connecting executives with roles that fit not just their skills but also their aspirations and the culture of the organizations they join. He emphasized the importance of understanding your own strengths, values, and goals when seeking a new role.
He put it this way: “It’s not just about finding a job—it’s about finding the right job. You can have the skills, but if the culture isn’t a match, it’s not going to work long-term.”
This reminded me of my own journey joining Tony Robbins’ speaking team. The process was thorough and challenging, but it was designed to ensure alignment. From being asked if I was an athlete to submitting a video to show how I "show up on video," it wasn’t just about qualifications—it was about fit.
Key Takeaway: Knowing yourself is step one. Take the time to reflect on what truly energizes you and look for roles that align with your strengths and values.
Leaders as Matchmakers
David likened his role as an executive recruiter to being a matchmaker. His job? Understanding the DNA of both the company and the candidate.
“It’s not just about resumes,” he said. “It’s about digging deep to understand the culture of the organization and finding someone who not only has the technical skills but also the right mindset and personality to thrive there.”
David’s process includes written and video responses from candidates. Why? Because how someone articulates their thoughts in writing and speaks on camera offers insight into their fit beyond the resume.
One story stood out: David shared how he turned down an otherwise qualified candidate because he knew they wouldn’t mesh with the client’s laid-back culture. The candidate was initially upset, but David stood firm, knowing the match wouldn’t last. His gut instinct was validated later—both the client and the candidate ended up thriving in different environments.
Key Takeaway: Hiring isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about making the right decision for the organization and the individual.
The CEO's Role: Empathy and Outcomes
During our conversation, David touched on an important point: “The CEO’s job isn’t to please everyone—it’s to lead.”
This doesn’t mean being harsh or indifferent. Great leaders, David explained, take the time to understand their team members’ strengths and perspectives. They collaborate, gather input, and build alignment. But ultimately, they make the tough decisions that move the organization forward.
He shared a critical distinction: empathy versus sympathy. While leaders must understand and consider their team’s needs, they can’t let personal dynamics cloud the organization’s mission.
Key Takeaway: True leadership is about balancing empathy with decisiveness. Focus on outcomes while supporting your team to do their best work.
Action Steps for 2025
As we kick off 2025, here are three practical steps inspired by my conversation with David:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
David serves two audiences: leaders seeking top talent and professionals ready for their next challenge. If you’re looking to build stronger teams or find a role that truly fits, David’s process might be exactly what you need.
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To start a conversation with David, reach out to him directly. Whether you’re a leader or a high-level professional, 2025 is your year to thrive.
Contact David Schmidt
Phone: 678-777-7877
Email: [email protected]
Let’s make this the year of alignment—where leaders and teams come together in a way that elevates everyone.
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Bill Storm
PS. If you like today's message, here are five ways I can help you grow faster…
1.????? Join me for our next Peak Performers study group session. Click here to learn more and register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-5qKIdmASOGhcSGu91w7rQ
2.????? Join the team:? https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html
3.????? 1:1 executive-level coaching to help you overcome the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits keeping you from achieving the outcomes you seek in your personal and professional life.
4.????? Speak at your next event.
5.????? Conduct a mindset, sales, or leadership training workshop for your team.
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David Schmidt
I have a passion for helping people get clarity on “what’s next”.
? My focus is working with up-and-coming executives in their 30s, accomplished leaders in their 40s, and established executives 50+ who are looking for a trusted advisor to help them make the right career move.
? My clients are highly intelligent, accomplished leaders who are making an impact on the companies they have worked for. But, when a private equity deal is done, a merger, or a new management team comes in, my clients turn to me for direction, accountability, and knowledge to guide them through the career search process.
? Since 2012, I've worked with over 1000 executives providing executive-level recruiting, career coaching, resume advice, interviewing techniques, writing business plans, and salary negotiations.
? Since 2007, I’ve been a life coach working with men who are struggling in life and providing one-on-one coaching to help them get unstuck.
? As a career coach, business owner, executive recruiter, real estate investor, entrepreneur, franchise owner, husband, father, and son I have had my fair share of life, business and career experiences. My passion is to help my clients find that perfect new job that will give them purpose.
? Making a career change is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Let’s do it together.
David
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Bill Storm is a seasoned advisor and consultant renowned for his expertise in driving peak performance and fostering effective leadership within Fortune 500 companies. With a multifaceted skill set spanning organizational systems, the psychology of achievement, team building, and sales, Bill is a trusted resource for executives, managers, and team leaders seeking to maximize their potential. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Peak Performance Strategist with the Tony Robbins organization and Team-Building Specialist with the John Maxwell Leadership Team, Bill has developed a unique set of frameworks tailored to the needs of industry leaders. These frameworks provide a foundation for building winning teams and achieving sustainable success in today's competitive landscape. Driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a deep understanding of human behavior, Bill Storm empowers organizations to reach new heights of performance and effectiveness. His strategic guidance and hands-on approach have earned him a reputation as a go-to advisor for companies seeking transformative solutions. With Bill's guidance, businesses can unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success in the ever-evolving marketplace. In his personal life, Bill has been married for 29 years to the love of his life, has two adult children, and recently welcomed his first grandchild into the world! Bill spends much of his time with his Golden Retriever, Charlie. The two are attached at the hip!