The Compass Career Guide Network
Sometimes the best way to explore a new path is to learn from someone who has already traveled it.
Explore roles, industries, and career possibilities by hearing career stories through live conversations. For when you need more personalized perspective, advice and guidance.
I’ve built my career helping people find the right conversations, this is how I bringing that access to you.
Why this exists
Networking, and finding people to learn about careers from, is hard. Knowing who to contact, getting a response, and knowing what to ask them once they say yes, that's even harder.
The Compass Guides network gives you a more intentional starting point.
A curated group of professionals who share their stories about work, careers, and industries, plus the coaching to turn those conversations into real progress.
Real conversations, real answers, from real people.
Meet the Compass Career Guides
Our Compass Career Guides are professionals who have built meaningful careers, hired and developed talent, led teams, and experienced career changes of their own.
They understand that figuring out what comes next can feel exciting, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. They are here to share what they have learned, offer honest perspective, and help you feel more confident about your path forward.
New professionals, perspectives, and areas of expertise are being added regularly. These Guides share are available for one-on-one conversations.
However you connect with them, you will find real people offering practical guidance, encouragement, and the kind of insight that can help you take your next step.
Meg Douglass: Head of Brand & Creative | Award-Winning Brand Builder Ex: Tonal, Huge
Rachel Lee Walsh: Creative, Advertising, Marketing Recruiter - Electronic Arts,
Jonathan Cude: CCO TBC Ex Mckinney, W+K
Rachel Frederick: Executive Creative Director/Art Director, 22 years leading creative full-time at Johannes Leonardo, Droga5, BBDO, adam&Eve, and Ogilvy. Now freelancing at agencies like Opinionated/Tombras West, Le Truc, Said Differently, and Crispin.
Daniela Vojta: Founder, CCO. House of Rabbits! | Mentor & Advisor | Leading Innovation & Creativity | Championing Women
Leslie Ali: Global Creative Director | AI-fluent Brand & Product Builder
Amber Justis: Head of Social Creative, VaynerX LA & VaynerMedia LATAM
Jill Applebaum: Chief Creative Officer | Executive Creative Leader | ex Meta,
Tom Scharpf: Freelance Quality Meats, Preacher, 72andSunny, The Martin Agency, Arts & Letters, Venables Bell, etc. VCU Professor Strategy
Tom Sebanc: Creative Director & Writer ➤ Former W+K, Apple, Fallon, McKinney, Carmichael Lynch
Jen Pao: Head of Brand and Creative Ops Chime
Jason Holzman Creative & Brand Strategy Leader Former NBCUniversal / Macy’s
Andy Chang: Brand Marketing + Account Management
Laura Patterson : Executive Producer PS 260
Serena Connelly: Executive Creative Director | Experiential Events & Brand Strategy | AI-Integrated Creative Practice
Make it stand out.
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Meet Meg Douglass: Award-Winning Brand Builder Ex VP Tonal
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The Echo Project
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The Brightline Project
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The Northgrid Project
Two Ways to Learn from Career Guides
Included with membership: Growing guide interviews library, hear the guides candid career stories.
Attend live guide group sessions and Q&A events.
When you want something more personal: active members can book a private session — to understand a role, prep for an interview, get perspective on a pivot, or just get an honest read from someone who's been there.
Private sessions are paid separately; each Guide sets their own rate and availability.
Don't Just Get the Meeting. Make the Meeting Matter.
Access alone doesn't create a useful professional relationship. Preparation does. Compass membership office hours and workshops help you get clear on what you want to learn, walk in ready, and follow up in a way that builds a real relationship — not just a meeting.
Build Your Career Through Better Conversations
Compass gives you the clarity, tools, and real-world perspective to navigate the whole journey.
Join to learn from the Career Guide Network, prepare for conversations that actually matter, and get ongoing support turning what you discover into action through coaching.
Built on Paying It Forward
Paying it forward is at the heart of who I am and how I work. I've built my career making introductions, opening doors, and connecting people who need help with people who can help. I've seen what can happen when someone has the right conversation at the right time, clarity, confidence, momentum, sometimes an entirely new sense of possibility.
The Bridge Fund
Private Guide Sessions are paid separately. As membership and the Inner Circle grow, the Bridge Fund helps make Compass memberships and Guide Sessions available to people who need them. It's one more way of keeping that same spirit of paying it forward alive — for anyone trying to break in.
“If you work in advertising and aren’t talking to Sam, you’re missing out. She’s like an ad world Yoda. Over the years, Sam has 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 HighDive
FAQs
Are Career Guide interviews and group conversations included in membership?
Yes — interviews, stories, and live group conversations are part of Compass membership. Private 1:1 sessions are optional and paid separately.
Can I book a private Guide session without joining Compass?
Each Guide sets their own rate and format. Most run $100–$250 for a 60-minute session. Rates and availability are visible to active members inside Compass.
How much do private sessions cost?
No — private sessions are available exclusively to active Compass members. You can browse the network here first, then book once you join.