The Purple Squirrel Approach: Escape the Rat Race With Carrie Schochet

Carrie Schochet is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level placements for private equity and family businesses. Purple Squirrel Advisors is renowned for its personalized, "white glove" recruitment process, emphasizing cultural fit and long-term success in placements. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carrie founded CFO Next in 2013 to support transitioning senior financial executives through networking and resources. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Career Services Committee for Financial Executives International (FEI), advancing professional development for finance leaders.

In this episode…

Leaving behind a stable corporate career can be terrifying, especially when you're the primary breadwinner with a young family. Many professionals stay in roles that drain them because they fear the unknown or lack a clear path forward. What does it take to pivot from a high-pressure corporate role into a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey?

Carrie Schochet, an experienced executive recruiter, faced this exact dilemma and chose to take control of her future. After an unsupportive return from maternity leave, Carrie left her job and moved her family to a new city, where she rebuilt her career from the ground up. She focused on serving small to midsize businesses, built strategic relationships within the private equity space, and launched CFO support groups to add value to her network. Carrie emphasizes the importance of authentic connection, value-driven leadership, and building a resilient team that can thrive through personal and economic challenges.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Carrie Schochet, Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, about the nuances of executive search. Carrie delves into the significance of cultural alignment in hiring, the evolving dynamics of the talent market, and her firm's unique "white glove" approach to recruitment. The conversation also touches on remote work trends, building long-term client relationships, and Carrie's philanthropic efforts.