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NPR Interview Transcript: Neal Lenarsky

Bob Edwards, Host
May 27, 1999
National Public Radio

Now with today's business report, here's NPR business correspondent Jack Speer.

JACK SPEER reporting:

SPEER: It might sound strange to hear about a CEO or an MBA having somebody direct their career, but for NealLenarsky it was a natural evolution. Rather than a traditional employment model where companies pay much of the cost of finding workers, Lenarsky's Strategic Transitions Incorporated represents clients.

Mr. NEAL LENARSKY (Strategic Transitions Incorporated): We will actually help the person identify sort of what their dreams are career-wise, then also look at what sorts of projects they've worked on through their lives that are sort of the wow projects, essentially looking at a person as a product and as a brand, identifying the key aspects of them as a product, and then going to market with them.

SPEER: Let me ask you this. At a time unemployment is so low, why do people need you?

Mr. LENARSKY: There's a huge dearth of talent out there, and essentially people can find jobs. There's a tremendous number of opportunities out there for individuals. The question is whether they're finding the right opportunities and whether they're finding the opportunities that are truly the best matches for who and what they're really all about.

SPEER: One of the things that we're seeing now is it's a little tougher job market for the older worker. Despite their high experience levels, they can have a tougher time finding a job, right?

Mr. LENARSKY: I've worked with older workers, and by older–you know, I'd say above 50. Essentially, if a person has a deep understanding of who and what they're all about and is motivated by things that they're really great at and that they believe in, the world doesn't close down to them just because they're old. I think what happens is a lot of people are pulled in a million different directions by companies throughout their career to the point that they're not doing what they want anymore, and when they find themselves at 52 years old sort of in that position, they've sort of forgotten what they're all about. They've forgotten what their dreams are. They've forgotten what they're great at. And that's when they have problems.

SPEER: Neal Lenarsky of Strategic Transitions Incorporated. Jack Speer, NPR News, Washington.