Our Team

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Julia Povlak is a Strategic Talent Advisor concentrating on Executive Search, C-Suite placements, and Digital Transformation.

Julia's mission is to connect top talent with visionary organizations that are shaping the future of technology and business. With over 15 years of executive search experience, Julia has successfully recruited senior leaders for some of the most prominent and innovative tech startups, as well as the most respected F500 companies.

Julia specializes in Digital Transformation engagements, Product Management and  Engineering searches, and GTM roles for both consumer and enterprise tech. Julia lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two sons. She is a community organizer, enjoying wine tastings, dinner party hosting, adventure-seeking, and is a fierce advocate for growth and transformation in every aspect, from concrete innovation to personal milestones.

 Michael McDermott is an operator, advisor, and founder with deep experience supporting senior leaders in people-driven organizations.

He is the founder of NextBestMove, a platform designed to help independent operators and senior professionals stay focused on the relationships and actions that matter most, without the overhead of traditional CRM systems.

Michael’s background spans strategy, operations, and organizational transformation. He has worked with global organizations, including Boston Consulting Group, where his experience included large-scale transformation efforts as well as recruiting and talent operations. He has also held senior roles at Amazon and Oracle/PeopleSoft, and served as an Executive in Residence at Mach49, advising growth-stage companies on execution and operating discipline.

He is SHRM-CP certified and has worked closely with leadership teams navigating growth, role clarity, and execution in high-expectation environments. His perspective is shaped by firsthand experience with how leaders actually operate once placed, including how they prioritize, collaborate, and sustain momentum over time.

Based in New York City, Michael works with founders, executives, and recruiting partners who value thoughtful judgment, clarity, and durable leadership impact.