By Anne Anderson, NRWA Staff Writer
Cathy Lanzalaco came to resume writing after enjoying two successful careers, first as a registered nurse, and then as an HR leader for 18 years. When the company she worked for closed, she helped employees transition into other jobs and was herself the recipient of outplacement services.
She realized this was the work she wanted to be doing and started her business in 2017. She offers resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, career development, executive coaching, public speaking, and brand consulting. She has also developed a program to help new college graduates launch their careers.
She began doing contract work for Beth Stefani, whose business was Inspire Careers (Beth is familiar to many NRWA members). Cathy was selected as Beth’s successor to carry on the legacy of the business before Beth passed away. Cathy is proud of its evolution during her tenure, crediting her time working with Beth as key to her success now.
Cathy reminds us that you never know where the opportunities will come from. She has found that buying an existing business was a great way to boost visibility and credibility. She’s been able to make it her own, applying her individual style to put her personal stamp on the business.
The NRWA is the first organization Cathy joined when she started her business – and she quickly became a ROAR winner!
She says, “The NRWA made a massive difference in my career and my business. The NRWA is such a crucial organization for our industry that really helps support new writers, coaches, and business owners, as well as more experienced ones. There’s something for everyone.” Cathy recently led a webinar on writing C-suite resumes (July 15). She has found many resume writers are skittish about writing for these clients and she has expertise to share, hoping to open this niche for her colleagues.
Cathy is interested in the Experienced Business Owners board position as a way of giving back to the organization that has given her so much. She enjoys being part of the community and appreciates its collegial nature. A frequent speaker, she loves to deliver webinars and participate in Ask the Experts.
She hopes to be able to support the newer folks coming into the NRWA. Cathy has made her business very successful, is eager to help others master the business side of things, and is a frequent coach for NRWA new business owners.
When she is not traveling or enjoying time with her three adult children, Cathy is home in beautiful Buffalo, NY. Contact her at cathy@inspirecareers.com or LinkedIn.com/in/cathylanzalaco.
Anne Anderson is an HR Manager at Charter Spectrum and a professional resume writer. She has been a member of NRWA since 2013. Find Anne online at LinkedIn.com.
