From crossroads to clarity

Career coaching can feel abstract until you see what it actually produces: not just a better resume, but a talented person who finally trusts and embodies their own story enough to sell it with full confidence.

I’ve had the privilege of working with two remarkable people this year — Karen-Happuch Henneh and Kyle Samonte — and their words say more about what this work looks like than I ever could.

Karen entered my class at a career crossroads, carrying a background and perspective that felt, to her, like something to explain away rather than lead with. In my learning environment, she found the words for exactly what she wanted. And the thing she articulated in that room, she manifested.

“Josh’s guidance gave me clarity on exactly what I wanted and helped me position myself strategically for my next career move. He helped me own my story, communicate it with confidence, and see that my different background and perspective were not disadvantages, but strengths I could lead with. His advice was thoughtful, practical, and empowering, and it played a meaningful role in helping me land my dream job.”

Kyle gave an extremely compassionate speech when he graduated a few weeks ago. He hasn’t stopped developing an app idea he first piloted in my Form class last fall. Like Karen, he brought real entrepreneurial instinct into that room, and it’s now central to his thinking and his portfolio.

”Josh is exceptionally skilled at helping others find clarity and confidence throughout their professional lives. I came to Josh at a career crossroads, not truly knowing where to go or how to get there. His refreshingly optimistic and thoughtfully empathetic approach to framing my experiences made it easy for me to focus on what I wanted from my next role and, more importantly, why I wanted it.

His vast knowledge added several tools to my job-seeking toolbox, from frameworks for constructing and presenting case studies to resources for discovering roles I didn’t even know I wanted. He made space for me to connect with my own purpose by considering my beliefs, motivations, and broader goals throughout my job search.

I admire his genuine care for understanding his clients and how he meets them where they are. I would not be the designer, the professional, or the person I am today without his guidance, and I highly recommend working with him if you get the chance. Thanks, Josh!”

Since officially launching my recruiting practice under the name PeopleWork in January 2023, I’m proud that every standout candidate I’ve placed or supported has come from a background historically underrepresented in tech and design — women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ professionals among them. As a queer man myself, this isn’t incidental to how I work; it’s central to it.

If you’re at a crossroads like Karen was, or newly out in the job market like Kyle — I’m here to help you.