Most career advisors come from HR and recruiting backgrounds, bringing valuable expertise in organizational talent systems and internal mobility. I come from a different background: 20 years of enterprise business development at companies like eCornell, Dale Carnegie Digital, and Rosetta Stone.
This gives me something different: a buyer’s perspective. I spent my career selling learning and development solutions to Fortune 1000 companies. To do that successfully, I had to deeply understand how they made buying decisions about talent development—what skills and capabilities they actually valued and invested in, not just what they listed in job descriptions, but what they put real budgets behind.
About Robert Merlo
Meet a different kind of career advisor.
Why I Do This Work
Guidance Through Times of Transition
My last name, Merlo, translates to blackbird in Italian.
In folklore and myth, the blackbird is a liminal creature—singing at dawn and dusk, guiding us through times of transition. But the blackbird isn’t only about transitions. Its song carries layers of meaning. Some hear it as a call inward, a reminder to listen deeply to intuition and inner wisdom. Others see it as a symbol of creativity — a complex, musical expression that invites us to find and share our own voice. To me, that’s the essence of transformation: learning to navigate change with presence, resilience, and courage.
These qualities — transformation, wisdom, and expression — shape the heart of my work. In my consultancy, I help people and organizations move through change with clarity, draw on their inner knowledge, and unlock creative ways of working and leading. Like the blackbird, I believe that each threshold we face holds the potential for growth, renewal, and authentic expression.
This personal foundation is backed by professional experience. I chose the EdTech industry because I’m passionate about helping people grow, thrive, and advance in their careers. With over 20 years of experience in professional development and EdTech, I've observed the patterns that distinguish those who advance from those who plateau. Now, I use these insights to help individuals navigate their careers strategically.
Transformation and Change
Because blackbirds are active at dawn and dusk, liminal times of transition, they’re seen as guides through change.
Wisdom and Intuition
The song of the blackbird has been interpreted as a call to listen inwardly, to intuition and inner truth.
Creativity and Expression
The blackbird’s song is complex and musical, often symbolizing inspiration, communication, or artistic expression.
What This Means for You
For College Students
I demystify the job search, guide you through a compelling online presence, and assist in building critical employability skills like communication and problem-solving.
For Early-Career Professionals
I provide you with strategies for adapting to workplace culture, positioning for advancement by identifying skill gaps, and building resilience to stay indispensable.
For Mid-Career Professionals
I help inventory and translate your skills to new contexts, overcome stagnation by providing fresh perspectives, and guide the execution of successful career pivots.
Experience
That Matters
I'm Robert Merlo, an alumnus of the University of Rochester and the University of Oregon.
I've spent 18 years in EdTech, including 9 years at Cornell University.
I'm based in Rochester, NY, where I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, puzzles, board games, and photography with my spouse, Jane, and daughter, Natalie. I'm also the proud owner of a Cavapoo.
I believe in continuous learning—for myself and my clients—because the world of work never stops evolving. Every interaction is an opportunity to discover, grow, and gain new insights.
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20+ years in EdTech and SaaS.
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Global experience across North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
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Educational foundation with an MS in Human Resources & Industrial Relations and BA in Psychology.
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This isn't academic theory—it’s practical experience from the front lines of professional development.
What to Expect in The Process
We'll develop strategies specific to your situation, goals, and challenges, supporting diverse learning styles to ensure you can learn in the way that’s most effective for you.
We'll build sustainable strategies that position you for long-term success. My approach applies systematic methodologies to ensure clients acquire skills that are transferable and career-relevant.
Every session ends with clear next steps you can implement immediately.
Connect and Schedule
In Person or Online
I work with clients both in person and online with simple Zoom scheduling to provide flexible, accessible support wherever you are.
Located in Rochester, NY
Based in Rochester, NY, I collaborate with clients locally and travel globally to share insights and build meaningful partnerships.
Select Evenings and Weekends
I’m available for career consultations on Tuesday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Book a career clarity call to get started.
