Darrell and I originally connected for a resume review via LinkedIn. He responded right away and we booked a call. His initial 15 minute discovery call was very supportive and I ended up booking a career strategy session instead of the resume review. The call was extremely supportive and enlightening. The 90 minutes with Darrell created clarity, and next steps. Wherever you are in your career journey, I highly recommend booking a session with Darrell. He's kind, compassionate, deeply listens and will gently guide you to your next breakthrough. Thank you Career Guy Darrell!! read more

I needed help "seeing the tree" from the forest. After several years as a Software Developer and Architect, Darrell after spending time with Darrell he was able to help me identify strengths that I had long since taken for granted and likewise had overlooked from my professional career. I was glad to find Darrell does career counseling in the LA area. His input helped me to get a much clearer message and the beginning of my Personal Brand that will be the message I communicate both in person and online. Thank You Darrel! read more

Thank you, Darrell, for the productive and amazing career counseling. Your insights on helping me rebrand myself after 25 years in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles are invaluable. You have a true gift for finding and articulating what makes a person unique and how their specific skills can be universally applied in other fields. read more

In search of a Career Counselor to help me transform my career path, the #careerguy was just what I needed! Darrell helped me do SO much more than update my resume/LinkedIn and focus my career exploration. He challenged me to search myself, through a detailed and proprietary process, that uncovered the intersection of what I am uniquely good at, what I truly enjoy, and what the market demands. His unique "backdoor" approach ​had me connecting with old friends and ex-colleagues, expanding my professional network organically, and learning about new and exciting career possibilities! Darrell's guidance helped clarify my goals, refine my approach, and boost my confidence. 9 months after engaging with Darrell, I find myself working in a new role at the same financial services firm, feeling much better utilized for my unique experience, aligned with my interests, and more excited about my future career path! Beyond helping me in this way, working with Darrell also gave a new career management perspective and strategy that will continue to pay dividends for decades to come! read more

I am looking for a new direction in my career and was referred to Darrell. I was told he was the best at his job in helping people find a new career path and find what they are born to do. Darrell did a through interview delving into my past, finding my strengths and what make me tick. He sent me a complete summary of my strengths, weaknesses, and what could come next. I would highly recommend him for anyone that needs focus and direction in finding a new job or career path. read more

I move out to the Los Angeles area less than 2 yrs ago and was admittedly skeptical of the career counseling field. I found it to be a very crowded and homogeneous field, however, after speaking with a handful of providers I was VERY GRATEFUL to have found Darrell ! He has the innate ability to recognize your core strengths and talents and draw from them. He then guides you through a collaborative process of self discovery that allows you to leverage "what's working", address what "needs attention "and ultimately take you step by step through a differentiated "back door" approach to networking your way to the ideal position for you. Regardless of your current situation, give Darrell a hard look - you won't regret it ! I have been in the investment industry for 20 yrs and expect this to be my best ROI by far !!! read more

It is with the highest recommendation that I recommend Darrell - The Career Guy! If you are fortunate to have found him, he will not disappoint! After 20 years in staffing and recruitment, I am now in a position of having do a job search for the first time. Up until then, I have always been recruited or referred into my roles. Now at a crossroads in my career, I needed help re-packaging myself. From initial call, Darrell has been able to quickly zero in on my strengths and keep me focused. He is sharp, intuitive, insightful and motivating. After each call, we have set specific objectives and action items to keep moving in the right direction. His books have also been a huge help. See below: "Never Apply for a Job Again" on Amazon (http://amzn.to/2oYBZhr) and also "Finding the S Spot"(http://bit.ly/FindTheSSpot), and considering the online course to support you in creating a "backdoor campaign" approach to building relationships (http://bit.ly/CareerGuyDreamJobLifeline) read more

I just hit 40 and want to ensure I am using my gifts and talents to server others. Darrell's career counseling helped to unpack what I value, what is working and what to do next. He is in the Los Angeles area and that was helpful to schedule a time to meet and walk me through his approach. His insights have helped me visualize my potential. read more

Darrell will guide you through a holistically introspective conversation. Like many of the other reviews have mentioned, he was able to get an accurate sense of who I was and the factors that have lead to the person I am today. With that level of understanding, he identified a few avenues to pursue in order to keep my career on an upward trajectory. I'm intrigued and will be continuing consultations. read more

His empathy and complete understanding of the terrain helped make the most efficient use of my limited time and attention. Darrell's strategies are on point. His novel approach opened me up to a more approachable and successful way of communicating with my cohorts. When you are able to approach people with genuine curiosity and empathy, it is amazing what you learn and what kinds of lasting relationships you can build. Finally, his materials made the process deliberate and logical. These materials proved invaluable tools for reflection and self assessment. He truly offers a holistic package!! read more

Being a part of Darrell Gurney's Mastermind program has opened up my thoughts to the progression of my business. What I would put off to tomorrow, I find myself tackling today...The play game aspect and holding yourself accountable while also helping others keep themselves accountable really ties together nicely. Knowing that you've set a goal to keep you playing at your edge to grow is something I don't think many business owners practice much...I've grown in more ways than just a business growth sense. I feel reinvigorated to accomplish anything no matter what stands in my way as though I'm starting my company all over again and, in a way, I kind of am. -- Austin Ballard, Owner of Coastline Stitches read more

READ! READ! READ! Beware before you give this man a single $1, know that his policy is NO refunds regardless of your situation, regardless if his program doesn't work for you "It's his policy" and he will not change it. Darrell will write things as follows to you "This is an integrity issue on your part and, as I said, unfortunately the victim mindset has people do unethical things" Not out of context, simply accusing a paying ($4000) client of writing a bad review when no review had been written, until now of course. Yep, you read it correctly, I was just accused of being unethical, having a victim mindset and my integrity being questioned all in one sentence. WOW! Darrell will not deviate one iota from his program no matter how many times you try to explain that your stuck and incapable of completing one of the sessions, he completely inflexible and intransigent. You've been informed! BTW- Darrell is a chronic self promotor, I think we all know where that comes from. Yes, a well deserved, fact based, bad review. read more

Job search and career have undergone a radical shift over the last 20 years. The market, tools, and norms are completely unrecognizable to anyone who hasn't looked for a job for the last 5 years. Enter Darrell Gurney, a coach who has adapted, adjusted, reinvented what it means to have a career during this period. I came to Darrell so that I could find another job. I found something completely different. I found my passion. And Darrell had me use that passion to find a career that would be an expression of my passion. So, I'm no longer going "to work". I get paid to do something that I'm completely passionate about. Too many people settle for something that's convenient or because they can get a job 'they know'. If you're done settling, speak with Darrell. You'll be glad you did. read more

I am at a crossroads in my career and was looking for someone that could help evaluate where I am, as well as give me an outside perspective on how to start planning my future. A search of Yelp brought me to Darrell. After I read his reviews, I was sold and signed up for his "Career Strategy Session". After we talked for about an hour, he sent me his assessment, which we discussed. His insights were right on point and very helpful. They started me thinking in other ways about my future, my career, and long term "second career" goals. I am the biggest skeptic when it comes to life and/or career coaches but Darrell is the real deal. If you need some advice and direction he is definitely worth talking to. read more

Darrell's unique ability to immediately grasp your situation and quickly apply his extensive experience was impressive. It was a pleasure working together, certainly learned numerous unique approaches which will continuously be applied throughout my career. I accomplish much more than anticipated and grateful for his guidance! read more

Trying to make a career transition/transformation can be a stressful experience. Darrell is an excellent guide in this process. I found him to be insightful and intuitive in my very first phone call with him, so I decided to sign up for a coaching program with him. With his excellent communication and presentation skills, he guided me through his method, starting with getting a 'mile high' view of myself and then developing a 'backdoor' search campaign. I am still in the early stages of my campaign, but I can already see the benefit of Darrell's guidance. Also, he has been very flexible and considerate of my time and schedule. As ad-hoc opportunities pop up and I need guidance, he has always been there to help. I highly recommend him as a coach!! read more

I can't thank you enough for introducing me to your program, sharing your wealth of knowledge and getting me back on track!!! I have had an extremely successful month and credit it to you. Without the winning, positive attitude you helped me restore in myself, none of this would have happened. I now have choices in what to do next and control over where my life is going. I hope this note finds you and yours safe, healthy and happy!! I remain THANKFUL and BLESSED for meeting you. read more

I just spent 90 minutes with Darrell for the Career Review Strategy Session and it was definitely time well-spent! It was very interesting and illuminating to speak with someone who is completely objective and to hear his professional opinion on what some of my strengths and weaknesses are as well as offering some suggestions for what could be next steps moving forward. Darrell is a great listener and obviously someone who is highly trained and insightful. read more

I am an HR executive with over 20 years of experience in the Los Angeles area. Darrell started to career coach me when I was in an extremely stressful and unrewarding VP position and wanted to leave the company I was working for. First, Darrell's coaching supported me to stay empowered and continue working before I was ready to make my move. Leaving by coming out the top of any current role is better than throwing in the towel or coming out the bottom. I was able to play a different kind of game in my current role and had a context, beyond the job itself, that made it a winnable game. Then, he supported me in presenting myself powerfully and negotiating on role that a company who had heard about me wanted to discuss. It ended up in my being offered an even higher position at that new company with an over 50% increase in compensation over my current job (being sorely underpaid based on prior earning). I am always interested in massive professional growth, and I've found Darrell as my coach a great asset to support that. Alexandra Levin, Executive VP, HR read more

After experiencing the initial call with Darrell, I decided to sign up for Darrell's Gold Option Package. This is a 7 week (or go at your own pace) training, with follow ups afterwards to help you improve your performance in your interviews and successes. Darrell will challenge you and get you to think differently. This was important to me, because I was looking for a career change. Through the process I was able to make that determination. Darrell said that I would be amazed at how things would progress and my results. He proved himself correct. Darrell's coaching strategies will still be useful and I will apply them in my current position. The three nuggets that stand out were his communication strategies(written and verbal), getting in front of the right people consistently, and building and maintaining my career tribe. Thank you Darrell!! read more

Currently at Session 6! My biggest recommendation is to trust the process. I'm not going to lie, the first 3 sessions were hard, didn't really make a lot of sense at times, and required a lot of homework! Then we started piecing it all together and the awareness and lightbulbs started firing! It's really starting to generate some pretty amazing opportunities. Law of attraction is a real thing - I know, I know. I'm not into the fuzzy self-help stuff but Darrell has a unique method, it's almost like Mckinsey level self-reflection & research + therapist level sessions, and a topping of with no-bullshit level accountability! I've got 3 opportunities, two of which are internal in my own org and one of which is very entrepreneurial at heart and I haven't even started the networking campaign. I'm really excited at momentum and if you're considering a coach, or on the fence with Darrell, just do it! And trust the process! read more

I hired Darrell as my career coach in 2010. At the time, I was going from self-employment back to the W-2 world, and the transition wasn't going smoothly -- I was just applying to jobs, with predictable results. Part of the problem was I hadn't nailed down what I had to offer and what roles were the best match. Under Darrell's guidance, I narrowed my focus, overhauled my resume, and switched to building connections through informational interviews, trade association volunteering, and blogging (to include doing interviews with industry leaders). Taking his advice to heart, I did informational interviews with 75 different people over nine months. I got the job I wanted (a position the company created for me), but more importantly, Darrell helped me change my approach to career management. The network I started building then made it easier to find my next job (instead of taking nine months, it took one month), and helped as I went on to start a new business -- I've kept in touch with many of those 75 people, and several of them became my first clients, mentors, and referrers. Four years later, I'm still using Darrell's career coaching lessons -- it wasn't just a one-time thing. When you hire a career coach, you want to get feedback and accountability. Darrell provided both. His approach to remote coaching works well -- he was in LA and I was in North Carolina -- and I use a version of his accountability and goal-setting approach with my own business coaching clients today. Darrell helped me invest my time and effort the right way. read more

So I didn't think I need coaching initially. I figured why not? Nothing else has worked except my ego stopping me from anything that challenges my little comfort bubble of mediocrity. So I decided to give Darrell a try.... Just explaining my story and answering his questions gave me insight that I had never realized before. When Darrell gave me the analysis of what he saw I was startled at some things that Im good at that I never truly embraced before. It was amazing working with him..I highly suggest it. thank you! read more

Darrell's approach to coaching is inventive, insightful and actionable. I had preconceived notions about what we would discuss, but he very quickly turned my expectations inside out and helped me see what I wasn't seeing. His questions are not the same-old, same-old and really made me think about my direction and priorities in a new way. Darrell is super-easy to talk to and if you are in the Los Angeles area, meet with him in person if you can. Such a rewarding experience. read more

I can't recommend Darrell enough. From the very first session, he delivered true, valuable, foundational insights and offered an approach that has applications not just professionally but personally as well. There's a lot of people out there who throw around buzz words, dangle quick fix, short term solutions. There's resume writers and recruiters and enough job boards to make your head swim. But Darrell offers so much more - an approach to identifying your unique differentiators to help you build and communicate your personal brand. And then to identify and build your network and tribe. If you're looking for some great career counseling in Los Angeles, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone better than Darrell. read more

It's hard to explain exactly how he does what he does. The best way I could describe it is he helps you understand things you already know. He helped me see things in a different light and it made my life make so much more sense. Darrell you really have a gift. I'd recommend you to anyone. read more

Darrell is a Los Angeles career coach who put me through insightful counseling and exercises - the Profile experience was immediately eye-opening and explained at a granular level - definitely start out with this. He put me in touch with what makes me tick (it can be surprising) and my resume now reflects this. He really knows how to examine patterns and fire you up in the right direction. A solid foundation to springboard from, I feel Darrell's program was a timeless, classic perspective on the career front. read more

I feel there's a point in life where some extra encouragement and the right push down a proven road is needed. I've always known that having a sports coach is valuable and having a mentor or coach in my business life was just as important. The only obstacle was that I didn't know how to go about acquiring one or know how to best leverage one. I needed an objective view of my career and business life, but I knew I couldn't do it myself - I was too busy trying to live it. I needed someone to enable me to look at a new perspective, to help me determine who I really am, and not merely figure out where I'm going but WHERE I want to go. Several years ago, I met Darrell Gurney through a Meetup group in Los Angeles - the meetup group was formed for natives who wanted to explore their city as if they were tourists. During this meetup, Darrell gave me his card and I kept it and never did anything with it until recently - I called him up and said I was ready to take action and begin one of his Career Guy programs. Darrell Gurney's Career Guy program is definitely designed as a battle plan that you can take with you as you proceed into unknown territory. The program has revealed what I'm passionate about, what functions I'm happiest performing, and what role I would be glad to fill. With this in hand, I'm not locked into only pursing the industry I've done business with for so long, but has given me the confidence to pursue other unknown industries. As a result of the program, I've come away with a new approach to introduce myself and an effective way to network with people. It is absolutely true that people want to do business with people they know and to help your business or your career grow, this is the most effective idea to leverage and following this program is the best manner in which to do so. Since finishing Darrell's program, I've connected with people from 10 different industries and immediately understood the benefit and have started to reap the rewards. Darrell Gurney has change the course of my professional life and he will continue to be a part of it. read more

Darrell is a special and rare career coach who takes you on a journey to a higher level where you can objectively step back and evaluate your life to understand how your accomplishments and passions can be effectively melded to bring you energy, enthusiasm, and financial satisfaction. We were all meant to do work that fires us up. Darrell has a special gift of helping you find what that is and how to make sure you do it. If you're looking for the best career coach in Los Angeles, look no further. Do his 90 minute career review strategy session and you will be on your way to a journey that will change your life. read more

My session with Darrell was profoundly helpful. He asked unique questions to arrive at a mapping of my past, present and potential future that gave me a new spring in my step and thoughtful action plan going forward. I could not recommend spending time with him enough. read more

When transitioning a company I've operated for nearly a decade to a corporation with an expanded vision, Darrell helped me get really clear first on the internal shifts I was making within myself (and needed to make) so that I could be in full alignment with this phase of my life. It became apparent that I needed to share a more powerful story and create a new mission. Being an entrepreneur for over two decades -- and also a coach supporting others in business -- I realized I was the one who could use a tune up! I'm grateful for the genuine heart and sharp mind with right-on instincts Darrell so generously offers and highly recommend his work. Like a great dancer who guides, supports, and knows how to keep the dance interesting, Darrel will glide you to where you want to be - and you'll have fun in the process! Spryte Loriano, CEO, Legacy Life Productions, Inc read more

If you want to make strides in your professional goals then I highly recommend your work with Darrell the Career Guy! I own a small design firm and am nearing the end of his 12 week Master Mind program and have been able to tackle issues and tasks that I have placed on the back burner over the last year in a quick amount of time! This is not by some miracle, you still must do the work; what is different is that you are held accountable to your own ambitions and the goals that you set. The way Darrell has skillfully designed the program for the participants is what empowers us to achieve our goals without excuses and without regrets. Some of my goals were to pursuit a hotel project, streamline the processes within my office, outsource services for my business, design a brochure, write a business plan and establish and develop the culture in my office. I am proud to say that all of the above has been achieved, some of course is ongoing but the tasks with a finite beginning and end are also near completion. It seems like a great deal to do in only 9 weeks (I still have 3 weeks left), much of which I was fearful to even begin and constantly made excuses, but this program is responsible for the success I have achieved with these goals as well as my new crystallized vision for my business and where it's headed in 2020!! Thank you Darrell, the Career Guy, for making it all possible through your valuable business coaching!! read more

Nice guy but more of a general abstract assessment of your work personality. I paid about $247 I can't say it was worth the moneys he records you and is a nice person, takes notes etc but it's not something that will help you move forward in your career in my opinion. read more

Very helpful career coach! Helps you figure out your strengths and areas for improvement.

Darrell is a terrific interviewer and listener with a knack for drilling down and helping you understand what defines you, what motivates you. In one phone call, he helped me connect some dots and create a much clearer picture of where I am in my career and how to figure out where I want to go next. Having someone with his insight provide me with an objective, bird's-eye view of myself was invigorating. I hung up the phone, reviewed his notes, re-listened to the audio file of our conversation and came away with a renewed sense of confidence and enthusiasm. I definitely recommend speaking with Darrell if you're considering career counseling or a career coach in Los Angeles. He provided me with a valuable, fresh perspective. read more

I had such amazing results with Darrell helping me develop and excel at my personal game. I decided to use him as a business consultant for my company and employees. Our office is located in Los Angeles county, so we get the honor of face-to-face coaching with Darrell. His understanding of different personality types and his experience in business culture has helped my company overcome challenges and focus on transformation through playing a BIG game! read more

I just moved to Los Angeles a year ago and have been struggling to land a job at a place where I think I can build a rewarding career. I decided to search for a career counselor to help me pursue a fulfilling environment and I found Darrell. We've only had an initial review session but the knowledge Darrell shared was very insightful and revealing. Career counseling is not something I considered could be helpful before but getting to know him and what drives his passion for helping people is inspiring me to work harder and focus my efforts in pursuing my dreams. He has the background replete with the critical tools I feel will help me succeed. read more

After years of being a corporate employee and successful Entrepreneur I decided to transition to the Los Angeles non-profit sector. I was unsure how to approach my search and position my previous experience. I was feeling a little overwhelmed and despondent even though I had just begun my search. I found career counseling expert Darrell Gurney through Yelp and quickly made an appointment. He was kind in sending over a ton of free materials and a few excerpts from his books. Before my 90 min call he stepped me through the process and set expectations. During the call we discussed my professional history in detail as well as aspects of my personal life all the way back to childhood. The session was almost like seeing a "work therapist" because he assisted in uncovering my true passions by discussing parts of my childhood, work, and volunteer experience, reviewing my skill set, and connecting it all into a future strategy. He's a great listener that asks the perfect probing questions to help you gain clarity and focus. He recorded the session and furnished the audio, a summary of whats working, what needs attention, and next steps. I don't want to give away his secret sauce, but I walked away confident and excited to try his unique strategy of job searching. I'm sure you know the job search and especially career transitioning can be stressful. I recommend Darrell if you want a fresh perspective and motivation to push forward and make it happen. read more

After leaving a career that I had worked towards for over 3/4 of my life, I entered, what I am referring to as, my quarter life crisis. I had zero sense of direction and absolutely no idea on how to establish any direction. I began searching for career coaches and came across Darrell. I read through the reviews and website and felt like I should definitely give it a try. During our phone conversation he asked me questions about my lifestyle, career, education, goals, childhood, EVERYTHING. I don't know how we covered so much in such a short period of time. We took a short break and he phoned back with on outline of my strengths and areas that need improvement. They could not have been more accurate. He then went over ways to utilize all of these tools that I already owned and how to reach out to gain more tools. I hung up the phone feeling the most motivated I had in months. I can't say enough good things about this one phone call and I would recommend Darrell to anyone that is in a similar position (I'm sure there are a lot of us). I look forward to working with Darrell in the future. read more

I was just looking for an expert opinion to make sure I am approaching things the right way with my career, and so I did the 90 min call with Darrell. In that very short amount of time, he sussed out quite a few key points about myself and my career. The session helped me take a step back and get a bigger picture of my career. I couldn't have done this myself since I am in the weeds of daily routine, and secondly, I am pretty sure it takes someone of Darrell's skill and expertise to extract that bigger picture so quickly, and explain it well. So overall, I am very glad I sought Darrell's help with career counseling and found the session very valuable. -RM, Los Angeles. read more