Testimonials

“I’ve known Barry for many years. His coaching in my life has had profound effects and I can honestly say that I owe a great deal of my current business success to his involvement. Aligning with Barry Kleiman is a recommendation I can make wholeheartedly.”
Donna Orender – Founder Generation “W” Former President – WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) 2005 – 2010.


“Like the many people who have been helped by Barry, I feel fortunate to know him and recommend his services without reservations.”
Robert D. Haas – Chairman of the Board, Emeritus – Levi Strauss & Co.


“Barry is supportive, professional, engaging, inspiring, dedicated, fearless, insightful and relentless in providing unique strategies to help you achieve your career objectives. He has been the “tipping point” in helping me to define, achieve and navigate the “MORE” that I want in my career. I am thankful to Barry for helping me continue to thrive as I transform in my career! 

Barry is passionate about helping others reach their career & life goals. Because he is passionate about his life mission, he has established an exclusive business model that allows him to have a special one-on-one relationship with all of his clients. 

Barry is not a hired gun, he is a partner, friend and coach committed to helping you reach your dreams and making the changes that you want to make.” 

Raquel Daniels – Marketing & Customer Strategist | Storyteller | Multicultural Marketer | Integrator | Marathon Runner 


“I have known Barry for a number of years and have worked with him on numerous projects from recruiting to professional development. In the end, there is no one I trust more than Barry in these two fields. Barry is very insightful and has regularly added value to my organizations. I highly recommend Barry for your professional development and professional recruiting needs.”
Ron LaVelle Partner, Family Office Practice at Seiler LLP


“I’ve had the sincere pleasure of knowing Barry for almost 20 years and have always been impressed by his integrity, wisdom and real gift for connecting with people. He’s given me sage advice that has helped me both personally and professionally. He also single-handedly fixed my backhand in a matter of minutes. Barry just has a knack for honing in on the root cause of an issue and offering up solid resolutions that work.”
Michele Drohan – Senior Partner Manager, Sling TV



“Barry is amazing on so many different levels! He motivates others to aim for their dreams by providing the right framework and steps to realistically get there. As a mentor and career coach, he truly listens, spends a lot of time asking the right questions, and tries to find careers that match what truly is in the best interests of his clients. He has an incredible heart and passion for mentoring young adults especially in his work with AmeriCorps. He is a great tennis player and student of many sports who applies lessons learned there to life in general and to career planning. For someone who is so gifted in so many areas, he is so humble and approachable. I am so fortunate to know Barry and have worked with him”
Michael Wong – Sector Director, Technology – The Career Management Center – Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.


“Barry’s extensive knowledge in the areas of professional coaching enables him to be highly effective in facilitating change and improvement for individuals as well as organizations. . I’ve found Barry to be easy to work with, and his engaging teaching style is results driven. His integrity is of the highest order and one of his finest qualities.”
Kevin Lee – CEO Stat Revenue.


“Passion, honesty, education, and respect are qualities that Barry brings to his coaching, his career and his personal life. If you are looking to change directions or feel there is something better out there for you, contacting Barry is the first place I would start. 

Shaw Kobre – Director of Marketing Charter & Company.


“Barry Kleiman is an incredible person, nothing less. I believe he has the know how to take on any problem and solve it. He has a very special gift to motivate people around him and his work is a demonstration of his intelligence, compassion, and love to help others succeed. He is one of the most positive people I know and positive spreads positive… Thank you for all the great suggestions and assistance.” 

Heidi Merriman – Quality Control, Guest Relations, Accounting and Human Resources Professional.


“Through our many conversations, Barry has proven to be a very honest, motivational, and knowledgeable advisor to work with. He is able to draw on his own experiences, both good and bad, as well as those of others to help you really think about what is important to you when it comes to your career and personal life. Very many people will unintentionally make career choices that are not ideal for them, primarily because they do not realize the importance of making a long term plan that considers all aspects of your life. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for the choices he or she makes, but with Barry’s guidance you will be in a much better position to make the choices that are right for you” 

Glenn E. Hafstad – Director, Financial Planning & Analysis 


” It was my good fortune to be recommended to Barry in 1998 when I was making the transition from public accounting to the corporate accounting world. During a time of dramatic change and “irrational exuberance”, Barry was a voice of wisdom and calm. He helped me understand what was most important to me – both personally and professionally and has continued in that regard ever since. As a result of working with Barry, I found my career passion, realized the power of following your own personal calling, and came to understand the great joy of simply surrounding yourself with good people who share your passion for whatever undertaking you may be following. Barry is first and foremost a tremendous person, who has great perspective about life and a passion for living it. I assure you that getting to know Barry, in whatever capacity that might be – coach, mentor, friend, client – will enrich your life in many, many ways. “

Mike Byron – Chief Accounting Officer 


“I have known Barry for almost 30 years but it wasn’t until my 20th year of knowing Barry that we clicked and he found me an excellent position with a medical device company. However, it wasn’t the job find that I attribute to Barry but the counseling, honesty, decency, trustworthiness and most importantly, a life-long friendship that I will always cherish most about Barry. If you would like to do business with Barry immediately or sometime in the future you will get more advice, inspiration, insight, dedication and overall professional demeanor than you could ever hope to imagine. I say this honestly and without hesitation, that I consider Barry one of my best contacts on LinkedIn” 

Joe Drinkwater – Field Associate 


“I have relied on Barry’s advice as a business coach and mentor for many years. Barry knows how to discover what is Unique about each person and how to help them Capitalize on that strength. Barry is optimistic, but also practical and realistic about helping you clarify your goals and objectives. Most importantly, Barry will help to keep you preoccupied and focused on a better future. I trust Barry because of his Integrity (He tells the truth and keep his word) his maturity (He respects the emotions of others) and his ability to energize people. Anyone will benefit from knowing and working with Barry” 

Dana Shertz – COO/Sales Strategist 


“Yes, Barry is great but equally important is that you will enjoy working with him. Very quickly, Barry ends up knowing who you are and is generous enough to share his tremendous insight about what you bring to the party as well as opportunity options. Most value-add recruiter, ever. Emotionally intelligent and a wonderful human being.” 

Teresa Conville – Finance Manager 


“I worked with Barry when he offered his services for free for the AmeriCorps Alums Professional Development Series. Barry is an excellent coach! He is personable, knowledgeable and motivating. While he was volunteering his expertise to the AmeriCorps Alums, you could tell he truly cared for our future and wanted to help each of us produce results. Having experienced Barry’s methods and techniques, I would definitely recommend hiring Barry” 

Angelina Moya – Manager, Strategy and Support, Chicago Public Schools 


“Barry took me on as a client in 1985, when I was looking for a job in tax. I had been out of the tax field for 6 years, pursuing a restaurant business. He showed confidence in my abilities to get back into the technical area of taxation. And he ultimately placed me in a perfect position. It accelerated my career in the tax field and I will always be thankful for his assistance.” 

Denise Banachowski – Competent Authority APMA Project Leader 


I’ve worked with Barry on a number of fronts, including recruiter and advisor. He has unparalleled integrity and insight. These attributes are invaluable, particularly in these times. I highly recommend Barry to anyone who needs help in finding people and who need career advice. He is straightforward, honest, and helpful. He will make the time for you. And, you can trust him. 

Philip P. Moody – Chief Financial Officer at PaxVax, Inc. 


“Out of love for his family, his community, and the game of basketball, Barry founded a youth basketball team that I played for. He not only created the team from nothing but was able to make it wildly successful. In Mighty Ducks-like fashion, he transformed a group of disorganized students who at first couldn’t win a game into division champions in just two years. His mentorship allowed each individual to improve to their fullest talents, but he was also very successful at ingraining the idea that the success of the pack mattered most (we were, after all, the Timberwolves). 

His leadership skills were acute. Every individual understood their role on the team. Every individual understood that hard work would be required to succeed, and every individual trusted that he knew how to get us there. He was honest always, and encouraging without fail. It was a pleasure knowing him then and it has been a pleasure over the past 15 years getting to know him better” 

Raphael Rosen – President at Carbon Lighthouse 


 “Communication is the key to all relationships. Barry Kleiman is a true communicator who has the ability to teach, lead, and direct groups or individuals towards a common goal, all in a very professional and pleasing manner. His experience as a coach and a mentor to young athletes is a gift for all to share. I consider Barry a friend and colleague and have the highest regard for his abilities. His “love of the game” is not just about basketball. I believe the game for Barry is life.” 

Bob Trapp – President at American Health & Safety Training, Inc. 


“Recently, I was fortunate enough to be coached by Barry in an arena in which I had no familiarity. While applying for my first job, Barry provided me with invaluable insight to help guide me through the process. His knowledge of the interview process proved to be instrumental in my efforts. While working with Barry I felt best prepared to showcase all that I have to offer while highlighting the needs of the organization for which I was applying. Learning from Barry gave me the comfort and confidence that I needed to put my best foot forward.”

Theo Robertson – Assistant Basketball Coach at University California, Berkeley 


Barry has had a tremendous impact on my work ethic, way of thinking and motivation. The time I have had the privilege to spend with him had,, by far, the most efficient and positive influence of discussions with other mentors. If the pounds were the time spent, time spent with Barry is pound for pound the most fruitful and powerful motivation session in the world! 

Henri Landes – Lecturer, Author and Consultant on Sustainability 


” Barry is an inspiration. He has the ability to motivate through conversation and has the ability to provide guidance based on individual needs. Barry is direct, honest and energetic. He has a passion for each individual he comes into contact with and truly wants each person to be successful and happy. He has the unique ability to provide just the right amount of advice and he is a living example of everything he teaches. A true inspiration! “

Edward Willett – Vice President, Sponsorship and Topgolf Media 


” Barry has been an invaluable resource in my career development. He has helped me first to assess what it is I truly want in my career, then to determine my personal value proposition and how to best position myself to achieve results. Barry draws upon a deep well of experience and his interpersonal style is highly engaging. I unreservedly recommend him to anyone who finds themselves at a career crossroads or wants to get more out of their professional life.  “

Andrew Braswell 


Barry was one of my basketball coaches during high school. Healways stressed the importance of hard work, being a good teammate, and attention to detail. Even though we have not been in the gym together for years, I still look to him as a trusted advisor. I would recommend Barry as a leader for any team. 

Ryan Peterson – Student, Cal Poly University 


Probably like most who seek the guidance of a coach, I wasn’t satisfied with my own level of performance. Sometimes I haven’t been able to think clearly about which of many paths to take. Barry Kleiman has helped me to figure out which steps to take, in which order. He’s been supportive and encouraging while helping me to unload another pile of head trash. And it’s a work in progress. 

Barry is not only a teacher of self-leadership, he continues to study, learn and synthesize it into his work. He’s brought his analytical skills from his days as an executive recruiter and combined it with easy to understand communication style to help individuals and small businesses get from where they are to where they want to be. 

(I for one am at least equally as impressed knowing that he brings those same skills to his volunteer leadership work as a coach of championship teenage teams.) 

How would I describe Barry? Sincere. Honest. Inspiring. Street smart. Crusty. Unpretentious.  

Danny Stusser – Local marketing expert / President at Pareto-Curve Marketing / Publisher of Coffee News / UpRight Cards 


Barry has been a great mentor to me over the last 5 years. I always take a call with Barry because I always learn something new. I wish I could drop some wisdom on him but he’s seen it all and done it all.  

He’s smart, honest, ethical, direct, caring, innovative, and street smart. To name a few. He’s taught me a ton with how to run a recruiting company, how to coach youth basketball and how to live a better, positive life. He brought me into coaching AAU hoops in Walnut Creek about 5 years ago with SportsStrong, and it’s been a ton of fun. I’ve seen him say things to 16 yr olds and say things to 6 year olds, and they all respond the same way. They slow themselves down which is impossible for a 6 yr old or a teenager. They listen because they know he cares. They learn because they respect Barry. And they win because they overachieve for him. 

KYP…Know your Personnel. Barry taught me that one. One of hundreds. When I’m down by 5 or 10 points, he’ll walk by, shake a few parent hands and casually drop KYP one on me without anyone knowing. I usually call a timeout a minute later and realize I had only one ball handler in the game. Make sure you know who’s in the game and play to their strengths…not their weaknesses. I use it in business all the time now. People will run through doors for you if you mention 5 positives for every 1 negative. People will leave in a Silicon Valley minute if it’s the inverse. Can’t thank Barry enough for all he’s said and done for me!  

Mark Stevenson – Founder, Champion Recruiting 


I have only known Barry for a relatively short period of time, we met in London a few years back when he brought a USA Maccabi select team to Europe. We met socially but he soon became something of a distant mentor to me in my career. Right from the outset I found Barry to be genuine, a quality unfortunately lacking far too often. Barry was honest, open and questioned my thought processes which allowed me to think differently and develop new perspectives in the way I viewed how I should develop my career. I found his perspective refreshing, insightful and most importantly challenging. He did not shy away from difficult questions which gave me that different perspective I was needing. Many 000s of miles have not dampened my respect, time or energy for Barry and I would recommend him to anyone who is at a crossroads with their career and is looking for an expert, professional & even possibly a friend to help them 

Marc Dinner – Programme Manager at Kaplan


I have been fortunate to know Barry for more than 15 yrs now. In the beginning of our relationship, Barry provided a wealth of talent to myself and several other Senior Finance folks in our organization. At that time, we had one of the strongest team’s I have ever worked with and Barry was a key asset for any and all of our recruiting needs. 

When you work with Barry for any length of time, you become more than just business partners. Sure enough, as so many others, I found myself calling Barry for advice on a range of topics. He is such a natural coach and is always available to listen and to share his wisdom often with great stories that make his points clear and lasting. 

Just recently, I found myself out of work for the first time in almost 20 years. Completely new to the job search process, I reached out to Barry and discovered he was just finishing writing a book on the very subject and offered services to help those new to the search process like myself. After reading the book I decided to engage Barry formally and it was the best decision I ever made.  

From beginning to end, Barry provided me with a framework to identify the truths about myself and to align those truths to how and where I ultimately wanted to be. He was always available and provided me long lasting value that I continue using in my everyday life.  

Whether you are looking for talent that will fit your team or in need of a professional career coach I cannot recommend anyone more impactful than Barry. 

David Peters – Vice President of Finance, Global Verticals Business – Oracle 


When I first talked with Barry it felt like I had known him for years. His ability to engage with other people is one of a kind. Not only is he experienced, but he has the ability to illustrate the art of making connections with other professionals. He is a great mentor who is more concerned with making you better, rather than telling what you want to hear. In the short time I have known Barry, he has provided me with great insight which will benefit me throughout my career. 

Ryan Palsha – Banking – Private Equity/Venture Capital