A Founder’s Perspective: Why I’m More Energized Than Ever

A Founder's Perspective: Why I'm More Energized Than Ever

April 2026 — From the Desk of Cheryl Grimaldi

I’ve been in this business for over 30 years as an executive recruiter.

And recently, I found myself asking a surprising question:

Why am I more energized right now than I’ve ever been?

 

The Realization

I took a step back to understand it.

What I realized is this:

I’ve always been drawn to startups.

Not just the companies—but the energy around them.
The pace. The urgency. The creativity. The sense that something new is being built in real time.

And right now, it feels like we’re all living in that kind of moment.

 

We’re in a “Startup” Era

With the rise of AI, there’s a shift happening that reminds me of the early days of building something from scratch.

There’s movement.
There’s curiosity.
There’s a willingness to learn and adapt.

And for me personally, that has been incredibly energizing.

 

My Relationship With Technology—Then and Now

What’s interesting is that historically, technology has not come easily to me.

There have been moments in my career—real moments—where I’ve been in tears trying to get something as simple as a video call to work.

Sitting there, knowing a client is waiting.
Feeling the pressure build.
Hands shaking, trying to troubleshoot in real time.

And then finally getting on the call—but not fully present, because of everything that just happened.

Those moments are real. And they’re more common than people admit.

 

Why AI Feels Different

This is why AI has been such a shift for me.

It feels intuitive in a way I didn’t expect.

Instead of creating friction, it’s removing it.

It’s helping me:

• Move faster
• Think more clearly
• Communicate more effectively
• Bring ideas to life in real time

For the first time, I feel like I have a tool that allows me to fully express what’s in my head.

 

Unlocking 30+ Years of Insight

There is so much perspective that comes from doing this work for decades.

The challenge has never been having the insight.

The challenge has been getting it out into the world consistently.

But it’s more than what’s in my head.

There’s so much in my soul—and I know I still have so much to give.

AI is allowing me to do that.

It’s allowing me to:

• Share what I know
• Build faster
• Create more value for our clients and candidates
• Show up at a higher level across everything I do

And I’m not just enjoying it—I’m absolutely in love with it.

 

A Clear Shift in the Market

From a hiring perspective, one thing is becoming very clear:

AI is no longer optional.

For candidates, it’s quickly becoming a baseline expectation.

Not necessarily mastery—but familiarity, comfort, and willingness to engage.

At a certain point, it’s not an advantage.
It’s a requirement.

 

Responsibility at This Stage

At this point in my career, I feel a deep responsibility:

• To our candidates
• To our clients
• To the Tangent West team
• To the community we’ve built
• And to my family

My role is to continue evolving.

To stay sharp.
To stay relevant.
To stay engaged in what’s changing.

And to help others do the same.

 

Final Thought

What surprised me most is this:

At a stage where many people start to slow down, I feel like I’m speeding up.

Not because I have to.

Because I want to.

Because I’m learning again.
Because I’m building again.
Because I’m energized again.

And that’s a powerful place to be.

Cheryl Grimaldi, CPC
President/Founder
Tangent West