Influential Woman · Consulting

Toni Catterton

Senior Consultant, PNG Consultants - Division of Pro Network Group, Inc.

North Port, FL 34288

Her Story

About Toni

I had been an executive recruiter for 36 years before transitioning into my current role as an interview coach about 6 months ago. I started in the recruiting field early on in my career because I wanted to get to work, make money, and do well. I'm very much a practical learner as opposed to a theoretical learner, and I've learned quite a bit dealing with executives, presidents of companies, and CEOs. Now I'm specializing in conducting consultations for people in the job market wanting to improve their professional lives. Being a headhunter for so long, I've learned a tremendous amount during that time and learned what people should say on an interview and what they shouldn't say, so I'm focusing my strategy on that direction now. The key role is to conduct interviews and speak with individuals who are seeking employment, looking for new jobs, just starting out in the field, or somebody who's been in the working world for many years. I let them know the do's and don'ts as far as interviews are concerned. I work for myself and am self-motivated and business-oriented. The advancement in my field comes from steadfastness, and providing great service to my clients year after year. I've had repeat business and repeat clients over the years working with the same people, which shows that I'm very good at my job.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Toni

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to all of the qualities I hold dear: having a good, strong work ethic, high morals, and strong values. I believe certain things are taught and certain things are just kind of built within us, and I just happen to have those qualities. Being diligent and giving the best that I can, doing it the best that I possibly can, has been crucial. I'm also risk-averse when it comes to business. I'm not afraid to take a chance and give it my all professionally. With business, I'm willing to take risks, try different things, which has led me to beginning stages of bringing to market a fun product for children and adolescents. I like the mental stimulation that comes with diversification and love learning new things. Working for myself and being self-motivated and business-oriented is where my growth comes from. The steadfastness and dealing with the same clients, providing great service year after year, has been key to my success.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I knew from the start, having a strong work ethic and treat clients the way you would like to be treated is key. So many people these days do not have it, and it really can make or break your career. That's probably the best advice I could give someone if I had to. Having a good, strong work ethic, strong morals, strong values, and diligence are things that I believe are essential. Being the best that you can be and giving the best that you can, doing it the best that you possibly can, is very important both personally as well as professionally.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The most challenging thing as an executive recruiter is facing the challenges that come with trying to find the best possible candidate for your client. When you're trying to find good quality people for your clients, it's never easy. When you're dealing with people, because anything and everything can happen, and it does. That's the reality of working with an intangible product. As for opportunities, in my field it's a little bit different because the opportunity is what you make of it. Working for myself and being self-motivated and business-oriented, that's where my growth came from. The advancement is in the steadfastness, dealing with the same customers, and providing a great service year after year.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

High morals and high values are most important to me. Being the best that you can be and giving the best that you can, doing it the best that you possibly can, is very important both personally as well as professionally. I believe in having a strong work ethic, strong morals, and strong values. These qualities, along with diligence, are essential to who I am and how I approach everything I do.

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