Networking / Seeking Mentors

Kelly Brown (Sanchez), '06

Whether you’re switching careers, trying to find greater balance in your current career, or not sure what you’d like to do next, I specialize in helping people move forward with clarity and confidence. Clients describe our sessions as effective, warm, and inspiring and our conversations often lead to immediate and meaningful change. 

I’ve been coaching for over ten years and hold certifications from the University of California Berkeley, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. In addition to my private practice, I’m currently a Faculty Coach at UC Berkeley and a Career Coach at Parentaly.

Prior to becoming a coach, I worked at Google and Duke Corporate Education. My knowledge of the corporate world helps me understand the nuances and rewards of building a career while juggling a personal and family life. 

On a personal note, I’m a mother of three, a lover of RV camping trips with my family, and a frequenter of coffee shops. I’ve called many places home including Chicago, Durham, and currently, San Rafael, California.

David Cheong '01

David is a Partner at Antler Capital, a US$800M global venture capital firm with 27 offices across six continents. Previously, he looked after Partner executive recruitment at McKinsey & Company. Based in New York, David brings deep experience and expertise coaching executives on how to effectively navigate career transitions. David has served a broad range of prominent corporate clients around the world and has helped hundreds of executives prepare for and secure aspirational job opportunities. He has cultivated a deep global network and leverages the full breadth of his relationships across the US, Europe, and Asia helping candidates - and Duke alumni - navigate their careers.

Patricia Elias, '95

Patricia Elias is Chief People and Places Officer at CSG Systems, responsible for all aspects of human resources and workplace management, attracting and retaining top talent, and building a safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment for CSG employees worldwide.  Prior to CSG, Patricia served as Chief People and Legal Officer for ServiceSource International, overseeing global human resources and all legal and compliance matters for the company.  She also served as corporate counsel for ViaWest and Flextronics, and as a full-time lecturer of law and public policy at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business. Patricia began her career practicing corporate and securities law at the firms Hogan Lovells; Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison; and Holland & Hart. She holds a J.D. from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking and in-line skating, and supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. 

Caitlin Ariens, '09

Caitlin Thaeler is an experienced recruiter, having worked at Spencer Stuart, one of the nation's top executive search firms. Her more recent work experience includes strategy and project management at Walmart, the world's largest retailer. She loves helping companies find creative solutions to complex problems, whether that's a specific hire or streamlining processes.

Muunie Beard, '12

Morgan "Muunie" Beard is a creative life coach, artist and embodied healer. She got her BA in Visual and Media Studies from Duke in 2012, earned an MPS in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts in 2017 and is a certified Reiki practitioner. In her 5+ years coaching, she's helped clients change careers, discover their passions, move to new cities, navigate depression and anxiety, dissolve creative blocks, be better leaders, and improve their relationships. She brings her personal and clinical experience, full-body presence, self-expression toolkit and radical insight into every session to create holistic transformation.

Julia Faye Wuench (Korn), MBA'17

I am a life-long learner, omnivert and empath. I have been through many career and life transitions, but no matter my function, I have always been a coach and teacher first. An adopted North Carolinian, I have loved what this region has to offer, professionally and personally. I currently do leadership and executive coaching for emerging female leaders.

Susan Gurnik - MBA'90

Susan specializes in clients that are looking for a change but not sure which direction to go, or don't know how to do the job search because they have no clarity surrounding the perfect job. She helps clients gain clarity, discover and define their personal brand, and network to that next job.

Heidi Giusto - PHD'12

Heidi Scott Giusto, PhD, is a writer, editor, and communications consultant. She owns Career Path Writing Solutions, a consulting firm dedicated to helping people communicate when it matters most. Heidi delights in helping job seekers navigate career change and guiding business owners to present their value proposition persuasively. She holds certifications in resume writing, interview preparation, and empowerment coaching and previously sat on the Certification Committee of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. She collaborates with clients from diverse professional backgrounds and, for book editing, specializes in working on business, leadership, and self-help books. Heidi recently published her first co-authored book, The Third Paradigm: A Radical Shift to Greater Success (Entrepreneur Press). She lives in Apex, North Carolina with her husband and children.

Rachel Sanford '07

Rachel believes that people are at their best, when they are motivated, engaged and excited about their endless possibilities. She helps clients get what they want, whatever it is.

Chris Coward, '87

Chris works with Executives and Leaders to create a fulfilling career and life. She is trained to help her clients discover their strengths, challenges and what truly lights them up so they can excel in their career. The industries that she most works with are non-profit, government, academia and financial. Her clients say that through their work with Chris they increase their confidence, productivity and life satisfaction.

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