Meet Cailean Bailey of GET Phoenix Young Professionals in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cailean Bailey.

Cailean, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have a non-traditional path to get to the Valley! After finishing my collegiate playing career (and quickly realizing I wasn’t good enough to be a professional soccer player), I found myself pursuing coaching college soccer as my career path. I was very fortunate to have coached at a few amazing universities: Valparaiso, Yale and Pacific. For nearly eight years, I had the pleasure of coaching many tremendous young men and women. I made the tough decision to leave coaching full-time and settle down, get married and relocate to the Valley.

I struggled to find a company that would take a chance on me, and I feared that my sports/coaching background would not be viewed as relevant. Through a series of connections, I found myself at Renaissance Personnel Group in Scottsdale working in the recruiting industry with companies Valley-wide. Coaching and recruiting student-athletes is surprisingly relevant to corporate recruiting as it requires good communication, relationship building and listening.

As a transplant to the Valley, I also began to explore networking opportunities. There are so many great groups to join, however, I was struck by GET Phoenix Young Professionals’ mission, membership and leadership. After attending several events, I eventually joined the board and have since been elected as the President for 2019. The events, speakers and partnerships are amazing, but it is the people that I’ve met that keep me energized and motivated to lead this group. 2019 saw unprecedented growth in our membership numbers, marketing and social presence, and I must give credit to our board for passionately committing to our cause! One of my previous mentors, Brian Tompkins (Yale), said, “it’s usually the best coaches who have the best players”, and I am so fortunate to have led an amazing board this past year.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no – like many people, I struggled to find my path. I thought that I was going to be a soccer coach my entire life, but the reality is that things change…I wasn’t great at adapting initially to corporate life, however, the more I am around others in my industry, the more I realize that what I went through was more normal than I thought.

Networking has changed my life, not only have I made incredible business connections, but I’ve also forged amazing friendships. I am now prepared for any future life pivots that may come my way!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
GET Phoenix are networkers who truly network. At GET Phoenix Young Professionals, we facilitate personal development and building business relationships with a focus on community. Through networking events, educational workshops and activities benefiting local nonprofit organizations, you will get to know other like-minded young professionals invested in all aspects of their future.

My motto has always been to get as many smart people in the same room, and good things will happen. I think you will feel that once you come to a GET Phoenix event.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people come to mind, so it is hard to narrow down, however, I will itemize a few who have helped guide me in more ways than I can ever imagine.

1) Laura Piel – President of Renaissance Personnel Group. I owe a lot of my success in the Valley to her. She is an incredible leader who has built a company on the highest ethical and moral standards. Her commitment to the individuals she works for, and with, is unprecedented. Laura took a chance on me, and I will never be able to thank her enough for the opportunity she gave me.

2) GET Phoenix Board – amazing people who are committed to improving themselves and others.

3) My late father, John Bailey, was my biggest cheerleader. He and my Mom would travel a thousand miles to watch me play or coach games. They supported my passion for coaching from day one. My father approached every opportunity and situation through an educational lens, and it has taught me that even during the toughest of times, there is a learning opportunity or teachable moment in every outcome.

Additionally, local entrepreneurs like Michael Seaver and Lindsay Moellenberndt inspire me with their passion and commitment to their respective organizations and businesses.

Contact Info:

• Address: 10446 N 74th St, Suite 230, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
• Website: www.getphoenix.org
• Phone: 480-287-0909
• Email: cailean@jobsinarizona.com

Image Credit:
Tim Chow

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