
FORMER HEADHUNTER
WITH A GIFT
FOR MARKETING TALENT
Looking to amplify your personal branding to advance your career, but feeling overwhelmed and struggling to articulate your unique value proposition?
I can help.
As an award-winning résumé writer and branding strategist and the founder and principal of TCA Branding Solutions, a division of Piper Strategy LLC, I provide personalized, 1:1 strategic branding consultation and the development of targeted branded deliverables that crystalize your value proposition, and have enabled my clients ...accomplished executives, technologists, consultants, and aspiring leaders ...to make substantial advancements and transitions in their careers.
As a former headhunter/recruiter, I've seen what goes on behind the scenes in the recruitment process, and look from that lens when working with my clients to work through the stigmas, the nuances, and the pigeon-holing that goes on behind the scenes, that they are often not aware of.
Over the years, I've gained a reputation for asking the tough questions that challenge clients to think on a deeper level about their brand/value proposition, and compel them to rethink their go-to-market and branding strategy so that we can get them the results they seek.
I've been blessed to work with dynamic individuals across many industries and functions, but one thing that is always consistent about the clients I work with is this:
They are are driven to become the best version of themselves and capitalize on their gifts and talents fully.
Leveraging a longstanding passion for marketing, branding, and empowering clients to reach their true potential —I launched this consultancy in 2010.
The company was built on very specific principles:
➤ Empowering My Clients to Succeed
➤ Integrity
➤ Authenticity
➤ Dedication to Quality —vs. Quantity
➤ Commitment to Excellence
➤ Fierce Focus on Strategy, Outcomes, & Client ROI
I work 1:1 directly with my clients, and do not outsource any of my engagements at this time. This decision was deliberately made to maintain the highest-level of quality and personalized attention needed to ensure each client's success.
If this sounds to you like we might be a good fit, schedule a Discovery Call and let's get the conversation started. I look forward to working with you!
-Shelly Piper

WHY WORK WITH ME?
SEASONED STRATEGIST
I am a seasoned strategist who has worked 1:1 with 3,000+ professionals to date, primarily in the executive-suite, across diverse sectors of the market including software, private equity, VC, pharmaceutical, CPG, media & entertainment, and more.
CREDENTIAL SNAPSHOT
I provide a well-rounded background in business (Fortune 500 and start-up), personal branding and job search strategy, and coaching for breakthroughs.
HEADHUNTER MINDSET
As a former headhunter and recruiter, I know the process behind the scenes and where the caveats are that can impede your search, and guide you on the job search strategies that will work best for your particular search, so that you are not spinning your wheels.
NOT INTO "CHECKING THE BOXES"
I am a relentless advocate for a more holistic branding approach that entails 5 key stages to ensure that your branding and job search strategy are built on a solid foundation. A "check the box" process to branding, just doesn't cut it.
INTEGRITY & TOUGH LOVE
I'm known as a straight-shooter who doesn't sugar coat. It is my commitment to ensure that you do not spin your wheels. In our work together, I will guide you to the strategies that will yield the best results for your search.
DEEP INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
The world of business is very complex today. I always believe it is best to work with someone who has experience in your industry and functional area. This way, you get results that are laser-focused to your search.
To learn more about some of the industries and verticals I specialize in, check out the Portfolio (of Samples).

SNAPSHOT OVERVIEW:
3,000+ CLIENTS TO DATE
That's a significant number. It is also an honest number.
To date, I have worked 1:1 with >3,000 individuals across the U.S. and Canada in developing powerful branding strategies and marketing deliverables.
In other words, I am very seasoned.
I know how to facilitate powerful Intake Sessions that unearth your unique value proposition and drive clarity in a way that a traditional questionnaire-only process can't touch.
I provide comprehensive experience in the following industries:
Technology, IT, Analytics
Private Equity & Venture Capital
Consulting & Advisory Services
Financial Services & Insurance
Media & Entertainment
Health Care, HCIT, and Pharmaceutical (Non-Clinical)
CPG, Retail, & Apparel
Hospitality
Non-Profit and Social Enterprises

CREDENTIAL SNAPSHOT
EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND IN BRANDING, MARKETING & BUSINESS:
Certified Résumé Writer
Toast of the Résumé Industry (TORI) Award Winner
Former Headhunter & Corporate Recruiter
Fortune 500 Corporate and Start-up Business Experience
BS degree in Business Administration, Northeastern University, cum laude
Completed Graduate Studies in Public Relations at Emerson College in Boston
Direct Marketing and Copywriting studied at Bentley College
Fervent Commitment to Staying Current on Today's Best Practices in Personal Branding and LinkedIn
RECOGNIZED THOUGHT LEADER IN THE INDUSTRY:
Featured Speaker for JobFox's "Get Back to Work" Series, Presented to >2,500 Job Seekers across the U.S.
Featured Speaker for the Alliance for Women in Media, Boston Herald's Diversity Career Fair, JobFox, and Fox 25 News, where delivered insights on today's best job search strategies
RECOGNIZED FOR ABILITY TO DELIVER ON CHALLENGING BRANDING PROJECTS:
Longstanding member (8+ years) of a multiple award-winning, next-gen outplacement company's Elite and Pilot program teams. Chosen for these teams based on the ability to deliver on some of the most challenging executive branding projects.

HEADHUNTER MINDSET
As a former headhunter and recruiter, I have seen first-hand what transpires behind the scenes when identifying talent for the interview and hiring decision-making process.
I've scoured LinkedIn and other online platforms in the hunt for the right candidate, and know how recruiters source talent and make decisions on which candidates they call for the opportunity.
I bring this insider perspective to the table every single time when working with my clients.

NOT INTO "CHECKING THE BOXES"
Conducting a "check the box" exercise when working with clients —is not in my DNA. Nor is solely relying on an antiquated questionnaire process.
After working closely 1:1 with 3,000+ professionals to date, I know that this doesn't work.
In our work together, you will be working directly with me (not a subcontractor), and led through a dynamic and insightful consultation that entails 1-2 phone calls, coupled with a proprietary process I developed that will enable us to laser-focus your brand, bring your career story to life, and speak powerfully to your target audience to position you as the candidate of choice.

INTEGRITY & TOUGH LOVE
Integrity, is at the foundation of my business, and one of the core founding principles.
I might not always tell you what you want to hear, but I would only be doing you a disservice if I was not honest with you about how the market works, and where you will get your best traction.
Having actually been in the trenches as a recruiter and headhunter, I bring a completely different lens to your search and branding than a traditionally trained résumé writer.
This is a huge differentiation.
Integrity also means that if I feel I am not the best fit for you, I will tell you, and guide you to someone who may be a better fit for your project.
I only work in disciplines where I have experience, as I respect how complex our world is today.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE ACROSS THE LIFE SCIENCES (NON-CLINICAL) ECOSYSTEM:
Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of clients across the Life Sciences spectrum, including: Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, OTC, and various Health Systems throughout the U.S. (not listed here).
I am very familiar with the changing landscape that has disrupted healthcare and pharma in recent years, and as a result, am able to help my clients better articulate their value as it relates to these immense changes.

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE ACROSS TECHNOLOGY, DATA, ANALYTICS, PAYMENTS & ADDITIONAL TECH ECOSYSTEMS
I have also worked extensively with clients at the forefront of disruptive change across high-technology and big data, spanning digital transformation, AI/ML, predictive analytics, market research, consulting, and payment solutions.

MY PROCESS
FREE 20-MINUTE CONSULTATION
Includes an in-depth assessment of your goals and current career marketing tools and a confirmed quote for proposed solutions. Request a consultation here.
PAYMENT
You will secure your spot on my production schedule by completing payment online (via an emailed link) and by signing a service agreement.
My production calendar is usually booked 1 to 2 weeks out, so it is advisable to plan accordingly and not wait until the last minute for best results.
INTAKE PREP & INTERVIEW
Once payment is received, prep materials will be forwarded to you.
These completed materials must be emailed to me 24 hours prior to the first scheduled Intake Interview.
Plan for about 1.5 hours to complete the prep work. For some individuals, prep might take 2 hours to complete.
DOCUMENT REVIEW & REVISION PROCESS
The résumé draft is delivered to you via email within 10-14 business days (for executive-level projects) following completion of the Intake Interviews.
Other document drafts in your package will be delivered to you via email within 5 business days following receipt of your initial résumé feedback.
Feedback is provided via a combination of email and phone.
FINAL DOCUMENTS
Upon your approval, deliverables pass through final proofreading and then will be sent to you via email, with delivery of the résumé in 3 formats (Word, PDF, ATS-Friendly) so that you can begin executing your job search on all fronts.