Wisdom Unlocked: Career Lessons from Leading Women

1. Please introduce yourself and your current role.

I’m Renee Hauch, a Principal in the Media, Entertainment & Communications Practice at JM Search. I specialize in developing business and leading executive searches for C-Suite and senior leadership roles in the media and entertainment sectors, as well as with private equity-backed tech companies.

2. How did your career begin, and what path led you to your current position?

I began my career in communications and marketing after earning my undergraduate degree in communications and a master’s in marketing. Early roles in public relations and marketing at associations and agencies laid a strong foundation, but a major turning point came when I relocated from Maryland to New Jersey after getting engaged to my husband, Paul — we’ll be celebrating 30 years together this July! In what now feels like fate, I answered a newspaper ad that simply read, “If you like working with people, this job is for you.” I didn’t even know what a retained search firm was at the time — but that response led me to what has become my dream career: helping clients build exceptional leadership teams and guiding candidates toward their dream roles.

3. What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in the workplace since you started your career?

A lot has changed since I started my career. I remember working on a word processor and using a cell phone so large the receiver looked like a landline. Technology has transformed everything, and the pandemic accelerated even more change — especially around flexibility. I never thought we’d see such widespread acceptance of remote and hybrid work models. There’s also been a shift in what employers value. Where once hiring was often limited to candidates with direct industry experience, today there’s much more openness to transferable skills and diverse backgrounds, which is exciting and long overdue.

4. What aspects of the workplace have remained consistent throughout your experience?

Despite all the evolution in tech, flexibility, and workforce dynamics, some workplace fundamentals have remained pretty constant. Relationships are key. Who you work with — and how well you work together — still has a huge impact on job satisfaction and outcomes. Great leadership matters. Employees still value transparency, authenticity, and a sense of direction from their managers. Culture creates connection. Whether in an office or on Zoom, people want to feel like they belong — to something greater than just a job. The best organizations still build cultures that connect people to purpose. Performance, outcomes, and delivering value continue to be key drivers for advancement, bonuses, and credibility — regardless of where or how you work. Human skills remain power skills. Kindness. Curiosity. Resilience. These aren’t “nice to haves”; they’re the traits that elevate teams, shape leaders, and define meaningful careers.

5. Could you share a pivotal moment or decision that significantly shaped your career? This could be a success, a challenge, or anything that stands out to you. How did this experience impact you?

Two defining moments helped shape my career in executive search. The first was when I sold my very first search. It was a breakthrough moment — one that gave me the confidence to know I could not only execute, but also develop business. That single experience laid the foundation for a whole new chapter in my career. And how did it happen? Not through a cold pitch, but through connection. I immersed myself in the entertainment industry — attending events, taking calls from leaders, and listening. My mentors, Susan, Laura and Ann, instilled a customer-first mindset early on: answer the phone, help people when they need guidance, and always treat relationships as two-way streets.

You don’t just show up when you need something — you show up consistently, with generosity. That philosophy became my North Star. In fact, in 25+ years in the business, I’ve only ever sold one search through a cold call — and it ended up being one of the worst experiences of my career. Safe to say, I’ve stuck with what works: building authentic, trusted relationships over time. The second moment was more of a wake-up call than a win. At one point, I said “yes” to too many projects. I was juggling so much that I couldn’t give each client or candidate the attention they deserved. It showed — and both my clients and my boss noticed. I’ve always been a people pleaser, so saying “no” never came easy. But I realized that overcommitting was ultimately a disservice to everyone, including myself. With the help of my mentors, I learned how to create boundaries, delegate more effectively, and work with clients to stagger project timelines when possible. And most importantly, I learned that sometimes saying “no” is not only acceptable — it’s essential.

6. How have you managed work-life balance throughout your career, particularly given the unique challenges that women often face?

Work/life balance wasn’t something I had in the early years — I worked long hours for little pay. But I was fortunate to work with two incredible female entrepreneurs: Susan Bishop, founder of Bishop Partners, and Ann Carlsen, founder of Carlsen Resources. Susan gave me my first taste of flexibility, letting me split my time between home and NYC. After I had my children, I negotiated a four-day workweek. My husband, who works for the State of New Jersey, also had a four-day schedule, so we each had a weekday with our kids. At Carlsen Resources, I continued to enjoy flexibility that allowed me to be fully present both at work and at home. Of course, that trust was earned — I had to prove myself first — but those years were some of the most rewarding of my life.

7. Who has been a mentor or guide for you, and how have they influenced your career journey?

I’ve been lucky to have strong mentors along the way. Susan, Ann, and Laura Timoney (also from Bishop Partners) all played a pivotal role in building my confidence and encouraging me to take on more. Although I’m naturally outgoing, I used to prefer staying behind the scenes. They pushed me to step forward, develop business, and trust in my ability to lead — which changed the trajectory of my career.

8. What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?

If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, I’d say: be more patient and more present. I changed jobs frequently early on — every 18 to 24 months — mostly out of boredom or a desire to earn more. In hindsight, I wish I’d had the confidence to ask for more responsibility or explore new roles within the same organization. Growth doesn’t always mean moving on; sometimes, it’s about leaning in where you are.