Name: Meredith Sandland

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-sandland/

Executive Network Member Since (Year): 2017

Newly-Landed Position & Company: Chief Operating Officer, Kitchen United

Prior to landing your new position, were you currently working or in-transition?  In transition.  I left Taco Bell because I wanted full P&L ownership and the path to that at Yum did not work for my family at the time.

How did you get connected to the company where you landed your new role?  I was helping a friend network.  She was looking for a healthcare startup.  I reached out to several investor friends I have in the space.  One I had not talked to in many years.  We ended up reconnecting.  He introduced me to one of his friends who founded a restaurant-related startup.  The CEO of that startup introduced me to one of his advisory board members.  That advisory board member turned out to be Employee #2 at Kitchen United, a good friend of another good friend, and an instant friend to me.  As I learned more about the company, it was obvious that it was a perfect fit.

In your estimation, what allowed you to stand-out during the interview process?  I agree with all the folks who say to be yourself.  If you pretend to be someone you are not, you will find yourself doing a job that is perfect for the person you were pretending to be, but not great for the person you actually are.  Bring your talents, experience and personality to each situation.

If you could give an in-transition executive any piece of advice, what would it be? Be open-minded.   Listen to the feedback you are receiving from the universe.  Meet as many people as possible.  What you think you need might not be what you actually want.  The only way to find out is open-ness.

Bonus Question: What events and/or resources offered by the Executive Network have helped enhance your career?  I love the networking events.  I have met so many wonderful people through the Executive Network that I never would have otherwise met.