We’ve Spent More Than 20 Years Inside the Hiring Process
We built Next Wave after spending more than 20 combined years inside corporate recruiting, reviewing thousands of candidates, advising hiring managers, leading recruiting teams, and seeing firsthand how hiring decisions are made.
Today, we bring that insider perspective to career coaching, helping accomplished professionals understand what hiring teams are looking for, communicate their value with confidence, and stand out in a competitive job market.
Mike Toole
Co-Founder & Lead Career Coach
Mike leads Next Wave’s one-on-one coaching, bringing more than a decade of senior recruiting experience from organizations including Microsoft, Redfin, and Pacific Life.
Throughout his career, he has partnered with hiring managers, and seen firsthand why highly qualified candidates move forward or get passed over.
His coaching is structured, strategic, and direct. Clients leave with more than encouragement. They leave knowing what needs to change, how to communicate their value, and what to do next.
Kristen Toole
Co-Founder & Head of Client Strategy
Kristen brings nearly 15 years of corporate recruiting leadership experience across industries ranging from real estate and technology to luxury hospitality.
Most recently, she led nationwide brokerage recruiting at Redfin at the director level, overseeing recruiting leaders and teams responsible for hiring across multiple markets. Her experience spans candidate strategy, hiring operations, team leadership, and advising senior business partners on complex talent decisions.
At Next Wave, Kristen leads client acquisition, strategy, and operations. She helps shape the frameworks, resources, and overall experience that support clients throughout their search.
We Know What Happens on the Other Side of the Hiring Table
Most career advice is built from the candidate’s perspective. Our approach is shaped by years spent inside recruiting organizations, working directly with the people making hiring decisions. We look beyond whether your resume sounds polished or your interview answer feels rehearsed. We help you understand:
- What your experience is signaling to hiring teams
- Where your search is losing momentum
- What recruiters are trying to validate
- What hiring managers need to hear
- How to make your value easier to recognize and trust
- How to approach your next move with a clear strategy
Let’s Talk About What’s Keeping Your Search Stuck
No pressure. No obligation. Just a focused conversation to determine whether there’s a fit to work together.
Book a Career Strategy Call