COMPASS GUIDES

Careers are built through people.

Sometimes one conversation with the right person changes what comes next. But not everyone knows who to ask—or has someone they feel comfortable asking.

Compass Guides connects you one-to-one with experienced professionals who can share perspective on what you’re exploring.

A focused conversation, informed by your goals and questions.

1

Find the right Guide:

2

Book and purchase your session:

3

Prepare with intention:

4

Leave with clarity and next steps:

Before your meeting, you’ll share a little about your background, what you’re exploring, and the kind of support you’re looking for. Your Guide will receive that information in advance so they can arrive with context and focus on what matters most to you.

A Guide conversation can help you:

✓ Untangle a difficult career decision

✓ Explore a new industry

✓ Prepare for an important transition

✓ Gain perspective from someone who's been there

✓ Leave with greater clarity and confidence

Meet the Compass Guides.

Compass Guides brings together experienced professionals across industries, roles, and career paths.

Each Guide offers a distinct perspective and has chosen to make time for focused conversations with people navigating what comes next.

Click on a Guide's photo to learn more about their background, areas of expertise, session offerings, and rates.

Meg Douglass: Award-Winning Brand Builder Ex VP Tonal

Meet Tom Sebanc - Creative Director / Copywriter

Rachel Frederick: Executive Creative Director/Art Director

Tom Scharpf - ECD Art Director & Chair Art Direction VCU Brand Center

Laura Patterson - Executive Producer PS260

Serena Connelly - ECD/CW

Rachel Walsh - Advertising & Marketing Recruiter EA, Apple, Google, BBDO

Jonathan Cude - CCO Ex Mckinney/W+K

Andy Chang - Account Director

Leslie Ali- AI Fluent Creative Director

Matt Fischvogt - ECD Agency & Brand Exp.

Patrick Burke - CD Copywriter ex TBWA, Arnold

Andréa Demirjian - Strategic Career Brander | Career Transition Advisor

Jill Applebaum - CCO North America

Jason Holzman - Creative and Strategy Leader

Jen Pao - Head of Brand and Creative Operations

Hunter Leigh Hall - Group Creative Director, Writer, TV Show Creator

Michele Daly - Creative Recruiter

Mary Cheney - Executive Producer

Jeff Gilette: Co-Director, CU Brand Studios, Ex WK, Google, Goodby

Choose the option that fits where you are

Start here.

Get perspective on the question you're facing now.

A focused, one-on-one conversation with an experienced professional can help you think through a decision, explore an opportunity, or see your situation from a new angle.

Come with a specific question or challenge. Leave with fresh perspective, greater clarity, and ideas for your next step.

Each Guide sets their own rate, shown on their profile. Sessions typically range from $75–$225 per hour. Compass Members receive a preferred rate on every Guide conversation.

Keep the momentum going.

Membership is for people who want more than one conversation — ongoing opportunities to learn, connect, ask questions, and take meaningful action on what you discover.

It's also built on the belief that everyone has something to teach and something to learn. Through Community Sessions, members share skills, experiences, and perspectives with one another. Sometimes you'll come to learn. Sometimes you'll come to share. Often, you'll do both.

Your Membership Includes

✔ Preferred pricing on every Guide conversation

✔ Monthly Connection Labs

✔ Recorded Compass Guide interviews

✔ Live workshops and Office Hours

✔ A supportive career community

✔ Prep tools, resources, and ongoing support

Quarterly Membership

$250

Annual Membership

$700

Become a Compass Member

The Compass Bridge Fund

The Compass Bridge Fund helps provide Guide conversations and Compass Memberships to people who need support but cannot currently afford them.

This matters deeply to me because access to meaningful career support should not depend entirely on who you know or what you can afford right now.

The Fund is supported by optional contributions at checkout, contributions from individuals and organizations, Compass Guides who choose to donate some or all of their session earnings, and Your Career Compass.

If cost is a barrier, complete this short application. fill out this short application.

“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.”

— Steve Fogel Group Executive Creative Director HighDive

Answers to some FAQs

Can I book a Guide without joining Compass? Yes. Standalone conversations are open to everyone at each Guide's standard rate. Compass members receive a lower, member rate on every session.

How do I know which Guide to pick? Start with what you're actually trying to figure out — the industry, the role, or the decision in front of you. Each Guide's profile covers their background, the topics they can help with, and the career stages they support, so you can match on relevance, not just title. If you're a member, I can help you decide during Office Hours.

Can I talk to more than one Guide? Yes. There's no limit. Many people meet several Guides for different questions and perspectives.

Why are Guide conversations paid? Many career conversations begin as favors — a former manager makes time, a friend offers an introduction. But favors can be hard to ask for, and harder to keep asking for. Compass Guides creates a different kind of arrangement: dedicated time, clear expectations, and a conversation both people have chosen to have.

How does membership change the price? Members receive $25 off every Guide session, plus recorded Guide interviews, live Office Hours, workshops, and tools to help you prepare for and follow up after each conversation. If you plan on booking more than one Guide session, membership is usually the better value.