Empathy. Authenticity. Service.
We started Career Happy because we saw a need in the industry for the right support and education to empower talent to get their next gig, client, business launch, promotion or leadership role.
Kay & Partners has always been the kind of recruiting team that goes that extra mile for our candidates — navigating you through salary negotiations, challenging team situations or portfolio reviews. We started Career Happy to be able to serve you in a way that adds real value.
Especially during this time of transition in the industry, we believe in giving you all the tools you need to succeed and thrive — not only in your career, but also in your personal fulfillment.
Meet Our Team
Leslie Kay Bach, IIN (CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH)
JOINT CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Her first job was at the global ad agency Lowe & Partners, where she learned how to evaluate portfolios and recognize top talent. From there, she earned a reputation for putting the best people and processes in place at Kirshenbaum & Bond, Greenberg & Associates and TBWA/Chiat Day before starting her own business in 1998 and teaming up with Hillary in 2007.
A lifetime spent around top talent and creatives, including her family of artists, writers and designers. Creative insights, problem-solving skills and hands-on mentorship, providing advice and counsel to advertising students and professionals at all stages of their careers. Leslie has experience speaking at advertising schools, industry events, workshops and panel discussions, including: One Club, The 4As, Marist, and more.
Hillary Black, MSW
JOINT CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Her first job was managing incoming portfolios at Kirshenbaum & Bond, and she has been working with talent ever since. Hillary had found her way into advertising with a desire to make ads the way Charles Bukowski and E.E. Cummings wrote poems, but taking classes at the School of Visual Arts helped her realize that her true mission was helping talent identify and showcase their core strengths to find their perfect creative home. She started recruiting in 1995 and became partners at Kay & Black in 2007.
A keen understanding of creative talent, organizational culture and team dynamics. A Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) and CTI Co-Active coursework combined with a unique nurturing style has given her an educated understanding in aiding those who need assistance in achieving their goals. A deep commitment to mentorship and helping people realize their true potential. Hillary has experience speaking at One Club, General Assembly, SheRunsIt, Dentsu, The 4As, Ladies Get Paid, Hustle Fest, WeWork, Marist, School of Visual Arts, FIT, Ladies Wine Design and more.
Kathryn Freund, CPCC/PCC
LEAD INSTRUCTOR & COACH
Kathryn is an agency designer and creative turned recruiter and coach, who has been with the Kay & Black team since 2015. In her first full-time advertising gig, Kathryn helped build We Are Social’s New York office. Over a few years, she grew the creative team from one to six designers, wearing many hats — from art director to designer, project manager to recruiter. Through empowering others to succeed, she realized her true passion was paving the way for others’ talents and goals.
A genuine eye for seeing others’ fullest potential and talents. ICF Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC). A strong intuition and deep empathic sense, which helps her empower clients reach their career and life goals. Kathryn has led workshops at General Assembly, WeWork, SheRunsIt, Marist, Fordham University, School of Visual Arts, FIT, Ladies Wine Design and more.