People who are willing to wear the colours and show they are supporters are of great comfort and reassurance for people who might be entering a period of career uncertainty or who are looking to make a change. Clements United has many supporters who have been willing to share their thoughts and feelings and some of these may resonate with you.
Lou has had the privilege of working with executives with varied backgrounds, functional expertise and industry experience. His clients have worked in Canada, the US and in other parts of the world. A sample of quotes found on his LinkedIn profile provides insight into how he is viewed and more can be found at http://ca.linkedin.com/in/louclements.
“On a couple of occasions I have found myself in transition and, fortunately, on both occasions I have been able to be the benefactor of the steady hand and thoughtful perspective of Lou Clements. In Lou, a client has at one an experienced, skilled professional and a genuine caring friend and he provides for an effective balance of challenge and support. For me Lou was perceptive, knowing when to press me for elevated networking effort and, in contrast, knowing when to encourage me to take a time-out. He has travelled this path with a large number and variety of people and this becomes evident as you, yourself, move through the process and become part of his substantial network that is Clements United. Lou has a substantial bag of tools and tricks. I trust and respect Lou a great deal and I highly recommend him to anyone that finds themselves in transition.”
Greg Ellis, President + COO, Sterimax Inc.
“While in transition from Loblaw Companies, I insisted on having Lou as my counselor as I knew, better than anyone that his style and experience would work well with my own. While in transition, the one on one coaching and support is as critical as the number of interviews or networking meetings you have scheduled
each week. Lou quickly knew what approach to take in order to motivate, challenge and support me in each situation I encountered. He was a master at bringing me back to focus on my life goals when I was tempted to just ‘grab an opportunity’. Thanks to Lou, I learned so much about myself during my time in transition and all the while, he quietly facilitated this self discovery. From a personal perspective, I would look to Lou should I need his assistance in the future. From a Company perspective, I would be proud to know I provided people with the highest service level and transition experience possible.”Kamy Scarlett, SVP Store Operations & Corporate Human Resources, Grafton-Fraser Inc.
“If you are ever trying to make conversation with someone, ask them if they know Lou Clements. The answer will inevitably be an enthusiastic ‘Yes’ followed by a string of superlatives like creative, smart, personable, attentive, and a professional with deep subject matter expertise. Lou is one of a kind, he has helped me and many others find creative and meaningful solutions when at a career crossroads. He has had a significant influence of my career. I don’t take these LinkedIn recos lightly and wholeheartedly endorse Lou Clements.”
Michael Beckerman, President, Ariad Custom Communications
“It was a great working with Lou. He’s a good man and is very effective as a coach and counselor. Lou is very well connected and really works to understand your particular situation and goals. I’d recommend him to anyone looking to make the right transition at any point in their career.”
Glen Grunwald, Executive Vice President and General Manager, New York Knicks
“As there is no growth in life without some discomfort, Lou and the team pushed me out of my comfort zone, increased my self-awareness and encouraged me to use my resourcefulness to strive for results. Lou was not only interested in my success, but was thoroughly engaged, supportive and his enthusiastic encouragement provided the fuel that helped motivate and propel me to a successful journey.”
Paul Roach, President, Baxters Canada Inc.
“Lou is a guy who asks the right questions. Lou was able to guide me through an interesting transition from
thinking Canadian to thinking globally and forced me to look at the tough questions and provide specific and actionable answers. I find this skill, this ability to push another to seek insights by thinking along different axis through thoughtful inquisition, a valuable coaching and management capability.”Brian Lang, Head of Market Development, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard
“There are no real professional credentials in the world of “executive career transition”, nor is there any real training for it. Anyone can basically hang out their shingle. So when my first “transition” happened some 10 years ago I approached the whole area with a bit of trepidation. And then I met Lou Clements. Lou is a
unique combination of psychologist, marketer, project manager and editor. He has defined a clear process for working through “transition”, a step-by-step approach to bridge an area with which most of us have little
experience. With Lou, I could count on some instruction, some help with “packaging”, a motivational push from time-to-time and unfailing honesty. Working with him actually made a difficult period an enjoyable time of discovery. Three years ago, I went through my second “transition”. This time around, I approached it with a sense of confidence and anticipation. And, of course, I again worked with Lou. I don’t know if the future will bring a third “transition”. If it does, I know who my partner will be.”Hans Thunem, CEO, Harlan Laboratories
“Go team go!! It has been a real pleasure to meet and work with Lou (Clements United) during the past 18 months. Lou is a very personable and skilled gentleman who is genuinely passionate about connecting with people and helping them make great career transitions into, through and beyond formal professional roles. Inquisitive by nature, open and transparent by character and encouraging by style, Lou really helps his clients hold up the mirror to reflect and find their true paths forward. Thanks for all your help Lou…you are that bright light of the Pyrenees.”
Rob Noxon, Operating Advisor, OMERS Private Equity
“Lou is an outstanding business partner. By combining his business acumen with his strong coaching skills, Lou ensures his clients transition successfully to their next great opportunity.”
Laura Dunne, SVP Human Resources, Indigo Books and Music Inc.
“Lou has terrific instincts and knows how to be and when to be a consultant or a coach. As a consultant he can quickly assess, develop a mutually agreeable process and draw from a score of experience that will chart a course for success. As a coach he is a wonderful motivator and knows how to constructively critique
which is what created the most value for me. In every executives career there will be a time when the path forward will be unclear, fogged in if you will. Lou, like a compass can point you in the right direction and bring clarity to your path forward. He is one of the finest consultants and coaches I have the pleasure to engage. I would recommend him to my friends.”Chris Thatcher, President, NeuroSciences Division at Integra LifeSciences
“Lou is not only an excellent career coach, but he has also become a good friend. I found Lou’s advice invaluable throughout the entire career coaching program. The tools and methods that he uses are created by him and are leading edge. I found myself discussing all aspects of my career and how it interrelated to my personal goals and what I wanted and needed for the future. I fully recommend Lou as a career advisor and I am proud to be a graduate of Clements United.”
Renzo DiCarlo, CEO, BioPharma Services Inc.
“I would highly recommend Lou as a sincere, authentic career coach. He goes “above and beyond the call” by staying connected with his “career students” long after they have moved on to their new employer. I am six years from my career transition, and Lou still stays in touch offering superb counsel and great onversation!”
Tom Gunter, President, ConAgra Foods Canada
“Lou came highly recommended to me and I began working with him at the end of 2009 while he was at Miller Dallas. As a professional consultant myself, it was the relationship that mattered the most, and Lou is a master. His easy going manner immediately sets you at ease, while his deep experience and mentoring skills prepare you for the challenges he knows you are going to face. He becomes personally interested, and guides you through the pain and frustration while celebrating your successes along the way. Lou’s integrity was highlighted when he chose to continue working with me through his own career transition. He never let up and saw me through to my new career even while his own career was on hold and uncertain. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Lou. Oh, and his great sense of humour helps too!”
Craig Siddall, VP and Consultant Relations Manager, T Rowe Price (Canada) Inc.
“Lou was an extremely valuable coach. He offered extraordinary insights during my transition process. Lou was supportive and very well connected. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
Tim Condon, President and CEO, British Columbia Automobile Association
“Lou was a great guide and terrific coach. He helped me better understand my motivations, goals and areas for focus. He was very supportive and highly engaged throughout my transition. It was great to work with him.”
Ron McKerlie, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Government Services, Ontario
“Lou has lovely way of guiding executives through times of professional transition bringing them to a place of self discovery and new confidence. His tools and methods are rigorous but not intimidating. The benefits of his services are best appreciated at the end of the engagement when you find your way to new oportunities and happier goals. Working with Lou was a gift.”
Delaine Hampton, Executive in Residence, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
“Lou was instrumental in guiding my transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. Like any great coach he anticipated the challenges, and provided strategic input to insure that I was best prepared to win. He possesses acute listening skills (often hearing what you’re not saying) and is always there to support (out of genuine interest in your success). I attribute a large portion of my success to the preparation and coaching received from Lou initially and ongoing.”
Rob Mazzariol, President, Fourem Consultants Inc.
“Notwithstanding my high expectations and aggressive time frame for transition, Lou was very skilled at peeling back the obvious objectives on the surface and formulated a strategy that was very effective. Through a combination of tough questions and penetrating observations, I was able to specifically target my search and process. I would highly recommend Lou to others – as I have done so already, and encourage others to get to know him.”
Tony DiEmanuele, President and CEO, Mohawk Shared Services Inc.
