Hi, I’m Sam.
I work with creative, curious, and driven humans navigating career transitions to create a personalized map to get to what’s next.
As a former recruiter and now a creative career coach, here’s what I know:
It’s not a lack of effort.
It’s not a lack of experience or talent.
It’s that no one taught you how to navigate the in-between.
That's my job, not yours.
Together, we’ll get clear on what you want, write you personal brief and make the strategic moves needed to land the role that’s right for you—guided by insights from two decades of hiring and placing top talent.
Before founding Your Career Compass, I spent 20+ years as a recruiter helping creative talent land roles at top agencies and brands. Here’s what clients and candidates had to say.
“If you work in advertising and aren’t talking to Sam, you’re missing out. She’s not just an incredible recruiter, she’s more like an ad world Yoda. Over the years, Sam has helped me land gigs, but more than that, she’s been a sounding board, a trusted advisor, a source of sharp insight, and someone I’ve leaned on for honest advice when I’ve needed it most. She just gets it—the industry, the people, the nuance. Whether you’re job hunting, navigating a tricky professional moment, or just need a smart take on something, Sam is your career’s secret weapon.”
Steve Fogel
Group Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy
"I love Sam because I trust Sam. She has always picked up the phone when I call, and she always tells me the truth but in a way that we both end up laughing together.
At every pivotal moment, transition, move, promotion in my career I've had Sam in my ear, brain and heart.”
Tim Roan
Chief Creative Officer, McGarrah Jessee
"For going on 20 years, Sam has helped me gain clarity, navigate big decisions, and shape the direction of my career. If you're looking for some of the same, I've got three words for you: go see Sam."
Jon Wagner
ECD TBWA/Chiat-Day
"Sam and I met back when I was recruiting for an agency and she was an external headhunter. I instantly connected with her because she was genuine, a great listener, had great taste and always supplied candidates that were a great fit. Sam was never trying to "make the placement", she was genuinely interested in the needs of the agency and also the career trajectory of the candidate. That was her sweet spot and what makes her so good at her job - truly helping the candidate figure out what their best career move is and then helping them land it. Sam is incredibly connected and has excellent judgment in helping people determine their superpower and position their skills to land their dream job. I trust Sam's taste, advice and heart.” implicitly.
—Amy Starkman
Global Talent Operations Director at Wieden + Kennedy
“Sam found my book in the most unorthodox of ways. She recognized potential and talent in me as a junior creative coming from a smaller shop with not a ton of produced work that really felt representative of my capabilities as a creative copywriter. Not only did Sam help me land two job offers in a tough industry to break into, but she became my go-to when I needed career advice over the years. Though it wasn't her official job at the time, Sam was a personal career coach to me as I received other offers and worked out how to navigate the advertising industry as a whole. Unlike many recruiters I'd worked with, I never felt that Sam's advice was self-serving. She nudged me in the direction that she knew would be best for me, not the one that would land her a bigger bonus check. We'd all be lucky to have someone looking out for us as much as Sam looks out for her creatives.”
Hallie Cain
Associate Creative Director / Copy at BBDO New York
"I’ve been a huge fan of yours since our first chat back when you first started recruiting. Even when I was toting around a student book of cut and tape headlines, you were so cool and kind to me. I would always listen with rapt envy when my friends who you represented raved about you. :) I couldn’t be more supportive of your new chapter and I think it’s sorely needed. I can only imagine how many people you’ll help."
—Sean Vij
Freelance Creative Director /Copywriter
"Sam's career coaching has been incredibly helpful and insightful as I've been navigating the next chapter in my career. But most importantly, her expertise and genuine interest in helping her students really shines through. You become a part of a community, as well, where there's a real sense of a collective support system. I'd highly recommend YourCareerCompass for anyone wanting to either take the next step in their career or pivot into another profession.
Nick Choremi
Freelance Associate Creative Director (Art) | Ex. R/GA, BBDO, TBWA
"I have known Sam for almost all of my advertising career. I learned of Sam’s recruiting connections when I wanted to leave what was my first agency job. At the time I was too junior and I remember her telling me to reach out in a few more years when I had more experience. Well, it was Sam who would check in on me from time to time. Even though some of the opportunities weren’t the best fit, I always appreciated her consideration. I credit Sam for always putting me in front of career changing opportunities and for helping me land one of the best agency jobs I have had to date. Over the years I have come to consider her a trusted mentor and friend."
Calvin Lyte
Creative Director /Art Director Episode Four
"After struggling to find answers to justify career choices, I started working with Sam. Thanks to her attentive listening skills, I heard through my noise and began to listen to myself — not an easy task. This is a discovery and in my opinion, is a worthwhile process for clarity. The insights earned have enabled me to make intentional choices that align with my creative vision, even if that means staying the course.
Flavio Arnizant de Zorzi
AD | Former Droga5 and Mother Creative
Let’s create your personalized MAP.
— You are a recent grad or parent feeling overwhelmed by the job search process and unsure what to do next.
– You are a career pivoter ready to align your next move with who you are now.
– You are a senior-level creative or leader who feels overqualified, undervalued, or invisible in today’s market—and needs support repositioning, networking, and negotiating your worth.
– You are someone who doesn’t fit in any categories with a non-linear path—you’ve changed industries, taken time off, freelanced, or followed multiple callings—and you're ready to tell a more cohesive, powerful story.
How we’ll get there — Your MAPS
No two career paths are the same. Each roadmap is different and starts from a different place.
Mindset
This is your foundation and your inner game. What is important to you, what defines who you are, and removing whatever is in the way.
The Goal: To learn about your values, your compass, build your confidence.
Align
This is where the bulk of the work happens. Now that you have insight into what’s important to you. Discover your skills, interests, strengths.
The Goal: To write the brief for the job you want and begin to position yourself for that role.
Progress
You have aligned who you are with what you want. Now we need to find it.
Build your network, learn how to research strategically.
The Goal: To uncover the opportunities.
Support
For some the work is done when you have your MAP. For others they want continued strategic support through interviews, salary negotiations and job offers.
The Goal: To have the tools to and the job.