Jacki Gaytan
My career journey has been quite diverse. I spent 15 to 20 years working with nonprofits in journalism, public relations, and marketing before transitioning to my current role. That nonprofit background is really where my passion for empowering women comes from. I've been in the executive search field for about six years now, and I've been in my current role as Executive Search Administrator for two years. In this position, I work for an executive search firm in the financial services industry, and my job is essentially to be a matchmaker. I interact daily with clients and team members, keeping communication flowing and making sure everyone is happy and moving things forward. The outcome I'm working toward is to find the client their unicorn candidate, and on the other side, for the candidate to find their dream job. I dig into what the client needs are and what the candidate needs are, making sure those align for that perfect match. Beyond my day job, I serve as a board member for Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine, continuing my commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and girls.
• Social Media Award from Girl Scouts USA
• Key Presenter and Speaker at National Scholarship Foundation Conference
• Employee of the Quarter
• Board Member
• Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine
• Board Member
• Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to really listening, because if you truly, deeply listen to people, you start to understand who they are. Communication is key - clear communication. It really comes down to those two things. Being detail-oriented also helps in my line of work, juggling calendars and interview schedules and interview details. But it's not just about the details - it's also about being able to see the big picture to fit in those details. That combination of listening deeply, communicating clearly, managing the details while keeping sight of the bigger vision - that's what has made me successful.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You know, I kind of just fell into this industry honestly - it found me! So I don't know about advice specific to this industry in particular, but I think just life advice that I've seen and what I tell girls and young women, even my own daughter, and when I'm speaking to girls as a board member at Girl Scouts: You can do anything you put your mind to. Don't let anyone stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. It's out there. The world is waiting, and it's waiting for you to make that difference and have that impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge and opportunity is watching the job market. As recruiters and executive consultants in the field, especially in the financial services industry, what we're seeing is that the biggest piece is leadership succession. It's not only about helping clients make that perfect match for their dream person and dream job, but then, what does it take to build success in that organization for succession planning and help them have a successful team? Leadership development is really key in the industry right now.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What aligns with my values and my passion is uplifting everyday women - that's what drew me to Influential Women in the first place. I'm at a stage in my life where I want to continue to make a difference in my current role and also continue my work with Girl Scouts and move that mission forward. I'm about to be an empty nester, so it's a different phase of life. I'm not really climbing the career ladder anymore - it's about how best can I enjoy life at the moment. I think it's just making the most out of life. Life is short, and you have to enjoy what you're doing and the people you surround yourself with.
Locations
DDJ Myers, an ALM First Company
Phoenix, AZ