This was a long and arduous interview process for a leadership role in personal lines management for the Western United States. The process began with application and phone screener with an internal recruiter. After successfully demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities I was passed onto the Regional Leadership. The 2nd interview was really different than planned. The Regional Sales Leader could not make the call last minute so she substituted in one of her trusted direct reports and would be future peer. Although they called an audible at the last minute, I crushed this interview and the potential peer was impressed with my knowledge of insurance data, loss ratio, retention, and agency economics. He informed me that he would definitely recommend me to interview with his boss the Regional Sales Leader based on my leadership experience and conversation. 2 weeks later roughly I had a 3rd interview with the key decision maker via phone. This call too went well however before she would make a final decision she wanted me to fly to Chicago to meet her team and the Western Territory President during a a sales conference. She was also very direct and gave me the contact numbers of 2-3 more of her direct reports so I could network with them ahead of my trip. I appreciated this and it felt inviting. A part of me wanted to pass on the job /trip but another part of me wanted to see what they might offer. This was by far turning out to be one of the longest and most arduous processes for a role that had me wondering if this was the right organization with their early mix ups. I had 1-2 more calls with some potential future colleagues and I learned they had low bonuses and Limited growth opportunities. However they had steady success and some job security which sounded appealing. At the time, I was excited to be courted so I decided to fly to Chicago and this was a neat experience. Their offices are in the Aon Center buildings downtown next to the Prudential Towers. It was a bit daunting flying out on a red eye and running the gauntlet interview in Chicago. In less than 2 hours, I met her entire team, her, the Senior boss, and tons of other sales leaders from across the country. This was truly a gauntlet style interview. At one point I was on the 45th floor at the head of the table in front of her team of 7 sales managers. I felt like Don Draper closing a deal. It was very exciting. Although I worked the room and the team well. I ultimately never felt that chemistry/spark. When her and the senior boss told me the goals I about laughed out of my seat because in my previous job 2-3 offices could make the production of the entire state that I led. The job seemed way easier than my previous role. I was grateful I got to learn more about the firm and know for sure what I would not want ultimately. I would definitely of had job remorse if I had taken an offer. Since that time 3-4 people from that team have moved on as I connected with many of them on LinkedIn etc. Again this was a good opportunity but ultimately not the best one and although this was a lot of time on everyone’s behalf, it was great executive development and I’m grateful I had the offer.