Helping hand

 

 

Matt Gill
Title: Senior Vice President
Company: Pile and Company
Education: B.A. St. Michael’s College

Matt oversees the executive search function at Pile and Company, specializing in the recruitment of senior-level marketing executives. He also serves as president of the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. A New Hampshire native, Matt lives in Charlestown with his wife, Jayne.

 

Four years ago, amid reports of a ‘Brain Drain’ that was sapping the business community’s most talented workers, the Greater Boston Chamber created the Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program to identify the leaders of tomorrow and engage them in the business and civic life of our community. Every Monday, Chamber president & CEO Paul Guzzi has a conversation with one of the more than 200 alumni of the BFL program to introduce the region’s next generation of business leaders to Metro readers.

What is the coolest part of your job?
Constantly meeting extremely smart people who understand “the business of business”.
 
What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?
It’s a place that is big enough to attract global talent and interest, but small enough to get to know who’s who.
 
Favorite place to take a client for lunch?
Brasserie Joe
 
If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be and why?
Captain and first line for the Bruins — it was a childhood dream.
 
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Playing an integral role in identifying marketing talent for my client partners and continuing to add value to the nonprofit sector at a board-of-directors level.
 
Favorite place to relax after a long day or week?
On a boat or at a ski resort.
 
What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Build your network by helping your network.

Best place for an after-work drink?
Abe & Louie’s

Who do you admire in the business world?
I admire a category — the successful business leader who has also been able to improve the community at large. Boston has a number of them.

How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?
Get out there and get involved.  Whatever your interests are, make time to contribute and volunteer. Then, go back to the best career advice answer I gave: help your network and it will grow.
 
What reading material is on your nightstand?
“The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” by Al Ries and Jack Trout — a classic worth reading once a year. “How to Train a Hunting Dog” by William Brown — something I will do when I retire. “The Long Tail” by Chris Anderson; it’s always good to read the newer releases

Tell us something we should know about you.
My wife grew up in England and I love going to London to visit friends and family.