Land a Creative Career You Love.
Hi, I’m Sam.
I coach professionals in creative fields to find what’s next. I am equal parts coach, career strategist, and former recruiter. Together we will design your MAP.
Our Partnership.
You’ll bring curiosity, commitment, and reflection. I’ll bring clarity, strategy, coaching and support. Together, we’ll turn exploration into action — and action into your next opportunity.
My Insights Into Hiring.
Guided by 20 years of experience hiring and placing top creative talent, I know what it takes to get noticed and what truly makes you stand out.
My background includes recruiting and coaching professionals hired by leading agencies and brands.
Land Where You’re Meant to Be.
Before founding Your Career Compass, I helped creative professionals grow, transition, and thrive in their careers — connecting hundreds of talented people with opportunities that matched their skills and purpose.
Here’s what clients and candidates have shared about their experience working with me.
“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
Here’s how we can work together
It all begins with your Your MAP
The MAP framework (Mindset, Align, Progress) is designed to help you uncover what’s next and take intentional steps toward the career that fits you best. Whether you’re pivoting, just starting out, or redefining success, we’ll build a strategy that’s entirely yours.