The path to his current role at DICK'S Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh began long before his departure from Nike. Perks credits his success to three deliberate actions: hiring an executive career coach, systematically activating his professional network, and maintaining a firm grasp on his market value. By working with a coach prior to the layoffs, he refined his LinkedIn presence and clarified his professional positioning, ensuring he was ready to pivot before the downsizing was finalized.
Perks turned his extensive network into a strategic asset rather than a passive list of contacts. He categorized his former colleagues based on leadership style and potential insight, then approached them for advice rather than direct employment. This low-pressure outreach led to organic interview opportunities, proving that his long-term industry connections were his most valuable commodity. Throughout the process, he rejected the notion that his age was a disadvantage, viewing his two decades of experience as a Ph.D.-level education in brand management. By staying confident in his worth and refusing to lower his salary expectations, Perks successfully transitioned from a global retail director to a vice president in a new, unfamiliar geography.
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