A woman with curly gray hair, wearing a beige sweater, sitting on a sofa with a laptop, in a cozy room with a white brick fireplace, holiday decorations, and a mug that reads 'Life is good' in front of her.

Career Coaching with Sam Glatzer, ACC

You can't find what you're looking for if you don't know what you're looking for.

Start with you.

Identity-first career coaching for early-career and professionals ready for what's next.

My clients land where their strengths are valued, their ideas matter, and creative problem-solving can flourish.

Text graphic with the words "72 and sunny" in large font, featuring a snowflake icon replacing the word "and."
A stylized logo with a half apple shape and the word 'Apple' written alongside it.
Brooks logo with stylized swoosh
Widen Kennedy logo with large text saying 'Widen Kennedy' and a plus sign
The logo of WQED, a fingerprint design with the letters 'WQED' integrated into the fingerprint pattern.
The Adam & Eve logo in black text on a transparent background.
Rockstar Games logo featuring a stylized 'R' with a star and a heartbeat line

The MAP Framework

We start with who you are.

Whether you're exploring possibilities or already have a clear destination in mind, every journey starts with understanding yourself.

MAP is the framework that guides everything I do:

Mindset— Understand who you are. Adventure — Explore what's possible. Pathfinding — Move forward with confidence.

Already know what you want?

Launch Lab is a focused version of the MAP process designed for people who have a clear direction and need a strategy to get there.

Identity first. Direction follows.

M— Mindset
Start with you.

Before we talk about jobs, industries, résumés, or networking, we start with the foundation.

What matters to you? What energizes you? What are your strengths? What kind of life are you trying to build?

Together we'll explore:

Values, Strengths, Motivators, Interests, Beliefs and mindset, Personal definition of success

The goal isn't to find the perfect answer.

The goal is to understand yourself well enough to make better decisions.

A — Adventure
Explore before you commit.

Most people feel pressure to figure everything out before they've explored enough.

Adventure is about curiosity. It's about learning through conversations, research, experimentation, and real-world exploration.

Together we'll explore:

Career possibilities, Industries and roles, informational interview, Networking conversations
Personal brand themes, New perspectives and opportunities

This is often where people discover possibilities they never knew existed.

Direction begins to emerge through exploration.

P — Pathfinding

Turn clarity into momentum.

Once you know who you are and where you want to go, we build a practical strategy.

This is where clarity becomes action.

Together we'll focus on:

Résumé and LinkedIn strategy, Networking outreach, Interview preparation, Job search strategy, Salary conversations, Accountability and momentum

The goal isn't simply to get a job.

It's to build a career that feels aligned with who you are.

The MAP Framework is woven through my 1:1 coaching and programs offering different levels of support depending on where you are.

Who is MAP for?

MAP was designed for people navigating transitions.

Students exploring majors and careers.

Recent graduates launching their first professional chapter.

Professionals considering a career pivot.

Leaders seeking more meaningful work.

Anyone who feels stuck, uncertain, or ready for something new.

The Difference

Most career advice starts with:

"What jobs should I apply for?"

MAP starts with:

"Who are you becoming?"

Because when you understand yourself, the right opportunities become easier to recognize, pursue, and create.

Identity first.

Direction follows.

Ready to find your direction?

Explore the programs, schedule a conversation, or start wherever feels right.

You don't have to have all the answers.

You just need a place to begin.

Three pathways

Where do you want to start?

Three ways to work with YourCareerCompass — depending on what level of support you want and how you learn best.

Work with Sam

1:1 private coaching

Your MAP customized to you. The most personalized path. Just you and Sam — working through what you actually want, how to position yourself, and what to do next. Built around the MAP framework. Grounded in 25 years of recruiter knowledge.

For anyone who wants dedicated, personalized support.

Learn more →

The Compass Programs

Self-paced + community

Two self-paced programs — M.A.P. and Launch Lab — built around where you are in the process. Identity-first or execution-first. Both include 3 months of Community support, workshops, and office hours with Sam.

For anyone ready to do the work at their own pace.

Learn more →

Universities

Institutional partnerships

Career programming designed to integrate into existing university support — not replace it. Two curricula, a live coaching add-on, and a structure built to produce measurable outcomes.

For university partners and program directors.

Learn more →

Real people. Real directions found.

✓ Music major → Strategist

✓ Psychology major → Copywriter

✓ Film Major Graduate → Social Media

✓ Burned-out executive → AI Director

✓ Cultural anthropology major → Documentary Film

✓ Senior leader → Operations

Different stories. Different paths. Same Starting Point. Clarity before action.


Let’s write your story.

Book a Free Clarity Call

"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

Meet Your Coach

Hi, I’m Sam!

I'm an ICF-certified coach (ACC), trained through Brown University's ACT program, and a former recruiter who spent 25 years placing talent at the best agencies and companies in the world — Wieden+Kennedy, Droga5, Apple, Google, and more.

I wear two hats in my work with clients.

One as coach, one as career strategist.

Let’s find what lights you up. Then let’s go get it.

Samantha Glatzer smiling outdoors in winter, standing in front of tall, dried grasses and snow-covered trees.

Why Start With Identity?

If you don't know what you're looking for, how can you know where to apply?

Many people spend months applying for jobs, only to realize they're pursuing opportunities that don't align with who they are or what they truly want.

Taking the time to understand yourself first can save countless hours of uncertainty, frustration, and misalignment later.

Because the goal isn't just to find a job.

It's to build a career that fits.

Identity first. Direction follows.

What they are saying

  • "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

  • “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 HighDive

  • "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'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

  • 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 Award-Winning AD | Former Droga5 and Mother Creative

  • I was struggling to find any work in my field and my dad helped me find Samantha and I could not be more grateful for how much she has helped me and boost my way into getting work. Her process and how to navigate the film industry and make the connections was incredible and not at all how I was doing it before. Because of her I was able to find a mentor who is helping me get on sets and I just got my union paperwork. If anybody was to need someone to help boost their way into the industry, Samantha has got you!—

    Brendan Mades Freelance Production Assistant

  • "Working with Sam through Your Career Compass has been one of the most transformative coaching experiences I’ve had. Sam is not just a coach, she is deeply intentional in her practice, creating a space where you feel truly seen and heard. What I appreciate most is her ability to ask questions that act like a mirror, reflecting back the integrity of your intentions and helping you confront the burdens you carry. She has an incredible gift for guiding you to recognize whether those burdens are quietly harmful or, in fact, allies to your growth as a professional, leader, and human being. Her coaching has helped me untangle complex emotions and ambitions, allowing me to move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and self-trust. I am deeply grateful for Sam’s insight, wisdom, and compassionate challenge, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking authentic, meaningful transformation in their career and life.

    Doris Komla Educator | Strategist | Creative Leader | Reimagining Learning and Community Healing Through Equity-Driven Innovation

  • Working with Sam during my career pivot is truly a game-changer. She’s incredibly personable and has a real talent for helping you dig deep to figure out what matters most in your next move. Her program not only helps you connect the dots between your skills and your goals but also creates amazing opportunities for networking and learning through carefully curated events and sessions. Thanks to her support, I feel more confident, clear, and excited about where I’m headed. I’m so grateful to have had her in my corner!

    Bethany Day Creative Project & Operations Coordinator | People-First Problem Solver

  • I had the privilege of working with Sam through a time of big cross roads in my life. Personal and professional were colliding in a way I had never experienced before. Her kindness coupled with the engaging and thoughtful work we did together really helped me to through. Discovering how interictal my core values and balance would be in this next chapter has been a game changer. I highly recommend working with Sam if you're looking to unlock and grow in your journey.

    — Samantha Yeager Director of Retail Supply Chain at SoulCycle Inc.

  • Sam tactfully identified areas of improvement to help optimize my job search and increase visibility. I was told I was not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the transition from education to work.”

    — Jillian, Ithaca College

  • "I spent the summer doing coaching with Sam who was thoughtful, empathetic, and helped me understand myself and my values better. She truly has a talent for coaching and created a safe space for me to work through so many things I was struggling with. I’ll be forever greatful for the experience – Thank you Sam!

    — Tori Ashton Psychology and Sociology @ Brown University

  • "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

  • “The turnaround I have seen professionally since working with Sam has been remarkable. I went from constantly second guessing myself and expending energy on work that drained me to gaining clarity and direction. Through defining my values and learning how to live them out at work, Sam helped me create meaningful change. My confidence is stronger than it has ever been and for the first time in my career, I feel on solid ground. If you have the opportunity to work with Sam, take it and don’t look back!”

    Jenn B. Media Manager

  • “Sam's strategic insight during a pivotal career transition helped me align my extensive marketing experience with clear professional objectives and core personal values. Through her proven process, she guided me to clarity on the right organizational fit, industry focus, and leadership opportunity that would maximize my impact. Sam's deep knowledge of creative industries makes her particularly valuable for professionals who want to make their next career move with intention and precision.

    Kaylie Stansfield

    B2B Growth Marketing & Brand Strategy Leader

  • “Working with Sam over the past few months has been a grounding and transformative experience during my creative job search. As both a career coach and a friend, she provided the structure, insight, and encouragement I needed to navigate the often uncertain process of pursuing creative work. Her thoughtful guidance helped me refine my materials, reconnect with my strengths, and stay centered in my values throughout this continued journey. Thanks to her support, I feel grounded, focused, and ready to move forward with confidence and clarity.”

    Bridget Adams

    Graphic Design

Not sure where to start?
Let’s meet and see if what I do is a match for your goals

A 30-minute call is free. We'll talk about where you are, what you're feeling pulled toward, and whether working together makes sense. No pitch. No pressure.