Testimonials and Recommendations

for Dr. Larry L Cornett

A few of the testimonials and recommendations from the past 2 decades of my career

Ari Akerstein

Ari Akerstein
Product Manager, Facebook

"I found Larry through several recommendations from folks I trust. I was looking not only for an executive coach, but someone that had the domain knowledge to help me navigate my career within technology. We've worked together for over 6 months. In that time I've thought of him as my co-pilot, helping navigate major career decisions. I credit Larry with supporting me on multiple levels: from big strategic questions to day-to-day tactics, to emotional support (more important than it sounds). My time with Larry as an investment that set the stage for securing offers from Facebook and others - even as the COVID pandemic tore through the economy! As with the best coaches, he pulls out the best in others and that's certainly been true in my case. If you're looking for a coach/mentor/guide I can't recommend him more highly."

Yahoo logo

Global Design Summit
Yahoo/Verizon Media

"Thank you so much for speaking at our design summit. Your session was truly special because it offered a unique perspective from someone who has not only sat in the same seat as the designers in the room, but also has the added layer of having stepped away from the company to give an outside opinion on threading together a career in product design. You also stressed the importance of communication, a skill that most designers shy away from but should get more comfortable with. Everyone in the room was thinking about the possibilities beyond a "typical designer track", and we really appreciate you sharing those insights. Thank you!"

Joshua Vaughn

Joshua Vaughn
Senior UX Design Lead, IBM

“After ten years in the same role at the same company, I was feeling stuck and undervalued. I was disappointed by my recent failures and unable to see my long-term successes, let alone sell them to other companies at job interviews. I wanted to quit my job, but I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get another one. It was a classic case of impostor syndrome! I had worked with Larry fifteen years ago on the Design Labs team at eBay, so I reached out to him for career advice. Larry's Brilliant Forge Career Accelerator program helped me recognize and challenge the fears and barriers that had been holding me back. I started journaling, setting goals for myself, and developing a more positive attitude towards my past achievements and current projects. I also met some great new friends through our weekly conference calls who helped me realize that my struggles were not unique. This month I accepted an exciting new job offer, and I was able to leave my job on a positive note. I feel far more confident about myself and my abilities, and I owe a lot of that to my participation in the Brilliant Forge program. I would highly recommend Larry to anyone in a similar situation!"

Shannyn Timrott

Shannyn Timrott
Head of Design, AWS Special Projects

“I reached out to Larry for leadership and executive coaching and he has been such a great partner to work with. He has provided solid and insightful guidance ranging from providing various resources for areas I had questions on to coming up with insights or feedback leveraging his industry experience. His many years of professional experience in design leadership at some of the big-name tech companies, as well as his startup founder experience, have been super helpful during our discussions in our coaching sessions. He has also been immensely helpful when I needed guidance on how to think about my career path, vetting potential leadership roles, as well as their considerations, pros and cons. Most importantly, he helped me re-focus on what I truly wanted in both career and life by providing helpful exercises that made me think and prioritize what I wanted. Some of the great qualities Larry possesses as a coach is being a great listener, being calm, approachable, supportive, as well as being punctual with his guidance as he provided me guidance at times when I need it the most. All of these areas are what makes Larry and his coaching standout from others. I look forward to continuing to work with him!"

Anne Jude Hunt

Anne Jude Hunt
VP, Head of Product, Medici

“I had the pleasure of having Larry as my career coach for almost a year. Working with Larry was incredibly valuable. He doesn't so much offer advice as he guides you in creating your own goals and your own path to achieve them. At the same time, he gives pragmatic feedback to help in achieving specific goals. I would certainly work with Larry again in the future."

Paresh Vakhariya

Paresh Vakhariya
Product Management Leader

“Larry and I have known each other from our eBay days since 2003. Larry was a super strong Product and UX leader at that time and I was always impressed by his leadership skills. More recently I worked with Larry as a career coach and mentor to find my next career opportunity. Larry is extremely knowledgeable about the various aspects of job hunting and guided me through the complex steps of deciding what I want, finding/choosing the right opportunities, interviewing and offers! He is also well connected in the industry and makes appropriate introductions as needed. His weekly coaching calls and Slack channel have been helpful in connecting with other leaders in the industry and his tips are helpful in positioning the career. I highly recommend Larry's coaching to anyone who is looking to transform their career. Looking forward to our continued collaboration, Larry. You are wonderful!"

Beth Goldman

Beth Goldman
Director of User Experience at Feedzai

“I write this recommendation as I sit outside a cafe in Lisbon, soaking in the sights and sounds of the lovely Gulbenlkian gardens. I'm on a work trip to Portugal where over half of my team works, and I couldn't be happier.

I met Larry years ago while working at Yahoo! and respected that as a VP of UX, he was often the voice of reason among a group of wildly enthusiastic, opinionated, smart designers from various product groups. As I was looking for my next full-time leadership opportunity I decided to work with him to make the most of my efforts to ensure I was representing myself in the best way possible, and to find the right role to support my career goals.

Larry is calm, clear, thoughtful, and a great listener. He helped me clarify what I wanted, focus on solidifying my personal brand, and identifying strategies to make the most of any situation. He is a great connector, and just "gets it"; his extensive leadership experience was extremely helpful throughout my job search. He is clearly driven by the success of others, which is a true gift. He might be more excited that I'm here than me. 😉 Thanks, Larry!"

David Jesse

David Jesse
Advisor and coach at DCJ Consulting

“I worked with Larry years ago at eBay but then reconnected as I was getting ready to change roles. He was extremely helpful in asking the right questions to help me throughout the process, from clarifying what I was seeking in order to target my search up through going through the offer negotiation process. Larry combines excellent judgment and relevant experience with a high integrity style. He helps you get to the answers which are right for you, leading to finding higher career fulfillment."

Jade Jemma

Jade Jemma
Sales Coach & Strategist

“Larry is the what I used to call in my recruiting days 'top drawer' - a true professional; credible, ethical and with a track record of expertise to boot. Larry ticks all the boxes!

If you are looking to change or develop your career then Larry should be your first point of call. As well as being experienced, Larry is a good listener and great fun to work with.

Larry comes highly recommended and I look forward to collaborating with him again."

Trip O'Dell

Trip O'Dell
Senior Director, Design and Research at Varsity Tutors

“Many of us find themselves at a point in their lives where they ask, 'Is this all there is? Why can’t I move forward?', I was fortunate enough to know Larry Cornett.

Larry and I met while speaking at the same conference back in 2013. We hit it off almost immediately. He was a seasoned executive from the Valley, who like me, came from design, and I was interested in following a similar path in my career.

Over drinks one evening, Larry gave me some great advice, and we had a great conversation about work/ life balance, as well as finding and maintaining a sense of vocation in your work. At the end of the evening, Larry gave me his card and said, “if you ever feel stuck, give me a call”.

Years later, that day came. Despite the success in my career, I wasn’t doing the kind of work that makes me happy, and more importantly, I wasn’t growing. I called Larry. In our first meeting, he got right to the heart of the matter.

“I’ve known you for years, I know what you’re passionate about, what drives you, why the hell are you doing what you’re doing now?”

It was exactly the right question for him to ask. What followed was the most extraordinary mentorship of my career. Larry became the kind of professional coach and mentor that seemed like the game-changing teacher, or college professor who pushed you to exceed your own expectations, and could identify exactly where you're getting in your own way.

Larry helped me to learn how to navigate the complexities of transitioning to senior and executive-level leadership (and yes there are secrets). He coached me on finding the right opportunities, and making the most of the tools you have available to you, but you aren’t using correctly. What followed was one of the fastest, and most counter-intuitive successful job searches of my life.

After working with Larry, I’m in a job where I’m being mentored and challenged every day, and I have more freedom and flexibility in my life. I love what I do. I can see where my contribution matters, and I feel like I’m making a difference in my work.

Engaging Larry Cornett was an incredible gift to myself."

Andrew Sandler

Andrew Sandler
Director of Design at Groupon Merchant

“I can't say enough good things about working with Larry, both as a colleague and in a mentoring relationship. Larry has been the person that I've routinely turned to throughout the past decade, for frank, forthright, and illuminating conversations about where to take my career. He's been an insightful resource that's been through it all before me, with no other agenda than to help me get to the best place I can for myself. His compassion and candor help him point out when I'm being less-than-honest with myself - and in a way that makes it palatable to hear. Having Larry available as a trusted resource - and as a friend - has been a crucial part of my continued professional development."

Chetana Deorah

Chetana Deorah
Head of Design at Scribd

“I have known Larry for close to 10 years now starting as a UI Designer on his team at Yahoo! Search. From those early days of my career I have been fortunate to have him as my manager and one who gave being "boss" a fresh perspective! Of the many 1:1s I had with him listening to our woes, expectations, aspirations, he was able to provide feedback that was real, honest and eventually I learnt over time actionable! In all these years he has consistently been bold, yet polite, accessible for advice or even just a conversation on topics of mutual interest. In the competitiveness of the Silicon Valley world, Larry has continued to be his own person while being there for others as a leader, a mentor, a guide. And now after all these years I couldn't be happier to see Larry take on the next adventure as a career and business coach, bringing together the best of all he has to offer and more. I often find myself quoting anecdotes from my 1:1s with him to my design team members for the timeless, valuable sharing they have been."

Polly Ng

Polly Ng
Director of User Experience at Shutterstock

“Larry is a source of calm when you need it the most. I’ve been lucky to have been managed by Larry at eBay and Yahoo, and he has given me unfiltered career advice, trends to look out for and even easy yet effective professional tips that has helped shape my professional life. I trust his guidance because he understands people's motivations and strengths and will go out of his way to help them achieve success."

Robert Barlow-Busch

Robert Barlow-Busch
Co-founder of Fluxible Conference

"We invited Larry to speak at Fluxible 2013. Drawing on his deep experience as both designer and mentor, Larry helped everyone think through these issues and feel re-energized about their careers. He connected with the audience throughout the 2-day event, carrying the conversation forward and providing friendly encouragement -- so it's no surprise his talk was one of the highlights of the program.”

Kaushal Kurapati

Kaushal Kurapati
Vice President of Product Management, MasterCard

"Larry is a consummate product guy - he knows the pulse of what users really want and he can envision the product to deliver that to users before anybody else. His design & consumer product sense is simply the best. To top it all he is one of those leaders who can bring the best out of you - certainly true for me and my team. Larry is a fantastic communicator btw - and coupled with his super design background, his presentations are Jobs-esque! I'd definitely work for/with him anytime.”

Katrina Young

Katrina Young
Founder of Katrina Young Consulting

"Larry's advice, guidance and support has been instrumental to my transition from my Corporate career to my Digital transition. I am extremely grateful for Larry's support and knowledge. Not only does Larry have extensive industry knowledge and experience, he was able to translate this for me and my audience. Larry provides workshops for my company and created trainings. Larry is my go-to Global partner!”

Vish Makhijani

Vishal Makhijani
CEO, Udacity

"Larry is a highly effective executive bringing together great leadership skills along with the ability to attract, retain and develop talent. Larry also has top tier product development and design skills.”

Luke Wroblewski

Luke Wroblewski
Product Director, Google

"Larry is the kind of leader that brings out the best and the brightest in the people that work for him. His openness and attentiveness ensures his entire team feels comfortable, respected, and confident enough to achieve at their maximum potential.”

Diane Yip

Diane Yip
Principal UX Mobile Designer, Medallia

"Larry is an exceptional leader in both user experience and product management. I had the honor and pleasure to work for him in 2 companies. He brought out the best in people who work for him and nuture our strength to full potential. He has such a talented mix of both vision in product and creativity in design. Everyone in our team respects Larry and grateful for his influence that brought to our team. Finally, Larry is one of the nicest and people friendly manager I have ever worked with.”

Paul Fu

Paul Fu
Sr. Director, User Experience, Alibaba.com

"I first worked with Larry at eBay. I then had opportunity to collaborate with him and his company Brilliant Forge. Larry is a leader full of charisma. Larry is an expert of user experience design and innovation. He is also a great speaker. With his experience with Apple, eBay, and Yahoo, his approach of innovation is a balanced view of business, user, and technology. Highly recommended!”

Bill Shaughnessy

Bill Shaughnessy
Advisor, Investor, Board Member

"Larry is an exceptional talent who does a great job of merging the worlds of product and design. He led a successful comprehensive redesign at eHealth. Larry is not only one of the most talented people I have had the pleasure to work with, but he is also a great guy. Larry will improve any team he is a part of.”

Jeremy Baker

Jeremy Baker
Co-Founder, Zipline

"Larry's product vision and passion drove our team to innovate faster than ever before. His open and amicable personality made it a pleasure to be part of his team, even during trying times. He is a strong leader with the knowledge and ability to inspire people and get things done. I am eager to work with him again.”

Ashley Hall

Ashley Hall
Senior Principal Designer, LinkedIn

"Under Larry's skillful, wise and unswerving leadership at Yahoo! Search, his team grew into one of the most innovative and influential design and product organizations in the world. He possesses an extraordinary ability to inspire and ignite creative fire and engender the climate in which it can breath and flourish. His insights into technology driven markets and product vision give him the perspective to transform organizations and realize new paradigms in user experience that bring unprecedented value to end users. Those fortunate to have the experience know that his authenticity, empathy and personal integrity make it both a pleasure and an honor and to work with him. I very much look forward to doing so again.”

Isabelle Peyrichoux

Isabelle Peyrichoux
CEO and Career Coach, Brilliant Seeds LLC

"Larry is the type of leader people follow not because they *have to* but because they *want to* and they feel inspired to do so. This says a lot about his great abilities as a leader and enabler. He has this great and rare talent (for a manager and executive of his level) of inspiring people around him to give their best.”

Nomaan Latif

Nomaan Latif
Vice President, Technology, Media & Telecom, Gerson Lehrman Group

"I have had the pleasure to work with Larry on multiple projects as a trusted advisor and valuable business partner. With over 18 years of experience in the Silicon Valley tech industry, he has a hands-on understanding of how to create innovative consumer products, how to organize Product and Design teams, and how to get things done. His specific experiences and insights in consumer technology, search, and e-commerce make him a valuable expert that our clients can turn to for practical advice.”

Vivian Dufour

Vivian Dufour
Experienced Global Web Product Manager

"Larry understands the importance of great user experience and value for the consumer. He recognizes talent and builds team rapport, encouraging individuals to pitch in together to make it happen! He has a great personality and is very candid in expressing his views to make products better. I would welcome the opportunity to work with or for Larry again.”

Rucha Humnabadkar

Rucha Humnabadkar
Director of Design, LifeLock

"Larry's leadership and management style nurtures each team member's strengths, always keeping in mind future growth. He creates a respectable, trusting and lively work environment. He is very encouraging and supportive of his team members and helps them perform at their absolute best.”

Preston Smalley

Preston Smalley
VP of Product, Comcast

"Larry is a terrific director. He builds support for his team's initiatives by building relationships across the company. Finally his devotion runs deep so you know his eyes are set on the long-run.”

Mike Tadlock

Mike Tadlock
Vice President, Product Management at eHealth

"Larry and I partnered to lead the redesign of eHealth's core shopping experience. He was a pleasure to work with. The numbers all went up and to the right. Larry, more than any designer I've ever worked with, is able to connect the dots between the business needs and the user's needs. He's creative, resourceful, and effective. He raises the game of everyone around him.”

Scott Stouffer

Scott Stouffer
Co-Founder and President, Technology at Market Brew

"As a former Yahoo! Search Executive, Larry Cornett brings priceless first-hand knowledge to any startup.”

Tom Tsao

Tom Tsao
Chief Product Officer, eHealth Insurance

"I have worked with Larry for over a decade at previous companies like eBay and Yahoo, and he continues to impress me with his expertise in design thought leadership, his personable and collaborative style, and reliability and integrity. I highly recommend Larry and look forward to working with him well into the future.”

Yvan Couture

Yvan Couture
CEO, Primal

"Since July 2010 Larry has been an invaluable consultant and advisor to our firm. His knowledge, experience and contacts have helped us move our company forward in ways that would have been impossible without his involvement. We continue to benefit from his guidance and I would not hesitate to recommend him.”