The Job Opportunity That Didn't Exist

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."   ~ Thomas Edison

February 3, 2026

Hi Audie!

I hope your year is off to a strong start. As the job market continues to be competitive and feel uncertain for many leaders, I’ve been thinking a lot about strategies that truly make a difference.

This month’s newsletter is based on a real experience from my own career and highlights an approach I still recommend to mid- to senior-level corporate leaders today.

Enjoy the article!

 
The Job Opportunity That Didn't Exist
(And What It Still Teaches Us Today)

About 20 years ago, I was mid-career and working as an independent sales agent for a well-respected Fortune 50 company.  I enjoyed the industry and the work, and took pride in representing proven, leading-edge solutions that truly helped clients.

At the same time, after 8 years, I was ready for something more. I wanted a new challenge and a role that included salary, commissions, benefits and perks. So, while still working, I began quietly exploring what might come next.

What happened next came from an unexpected place.

I was flipping through a trade publication, The Disaster Recovery Journal, which featured photos from their annual industry conference. One thing caught my eye. In several photos, people were carrying the same bright red bag around the exhibition floor.

I remember thinking, Who is that company?

Once I could read the name on the bag, I looked them up. The more I learned about their products, solutions and market focus, the more excited I became. This was a company I could genuinely see myself working for.

Here is where I took a different path.

They were not actively looking as far as I could tell, so I went straight to their website and LinkedIn (new to the market) to see if who led their sales organization was an early adopter (they were!). I sent the head of sales a thoughtful, personalized email explaining what caught my attention, why I was impressed by their business and how my background aligned with the direction they were heading, and asked if they would be open to an initial conversation.

It was intentional and professional. Because I was in B2B technology sales at the time and had years of relevant experience, reaching out directly to a decision maker felt appropriate. I truly felt I had nothing to lose.

I heard back within hours.

That initial call led to several more conversations. The company flew me out to meet their leadership team in person. Less than a month later, they extended an offer, even though no role had been posted.

It turned out to be one of my most favorite and successful roles, at a company with exceptional people.

That experience permanently shaped how I think about effective job search strategies and standing out.

As an executive job search/career transition coach since 2015, this is one of the more advanced strategies I recommend to mid- to senior-level corporate leaders, and those with deep experience and a strong track record. It doesn't always result in a role being created, but when done well, it's a powerful way to uncover hidden opportunities in a competitive market.

The key is not just reaching out. It's how you position the outreach and how you show up in the conversations that follow.

While print trade publications are far less common today, curiosity and observation still matter. Inspiration now comes from LinkedIn posts, podcasts, industry news, virtual events and conversations in your network. The tools have changed. The strategy has not.

Roles are still created.

Corporate executives are still influenced by thoughtful, well-positioned conversations.

And some of the best opportunities are still discovered, not posted.

If there is one takeaway, it's this: Be curious. Be observant. You never know where you'll find your next employer.

P.S. When I joined the company, they handed me a stack of those same red bags! I came across them the other day, and it made me smile. 😊 A small reminder that sometimes opportunity starts with simply noticing what others overlook.

All the best,

Audie

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After personally working 1:1 with 1000+ mid- to senior-level corporate leaders through job and career transitions, I've seen firsthand how clarity and strategy change everything.

If you're struggling with your search or you want to launch your search on the right foot (and eliminate wasting time on old strategies that are no longer effective) and you're open to a private, confidential conversation, feel free to reach out to me. I'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you.