Single-Source Solution for Finding, Developing & Transitioning Top Talent

Elevating Careers, Empowering Leaders, Enriching Lives

Ascending a ladder

Leadership Development

Fortify Your Future

The rate of change in the world–and the workplace–is increasing, as is the variety and volume of demands on your leaders. We deliver an array of programs and services to help both your established leaders and the up-and-comers build resiliency, expand their capacities, and improve their communication.

People helping each other climb

Outplacement Services

Empower Your People
(even when you no longer employ them)

Hard decisions have to be made on a daily basis, and sometimes that means having to let people go. But it doesn’t mean they have to be “cut loose”. Our outplacement services help make sure that they not only get another job, they actually land in a better position.

The right fit for the puzzle

Direct-Hire Staffing

Find the Perfect Fit

Your people are your most valuable asset. And recruiting gone wrong can be incredibly costly, in terms of cash flow and culture. Our Direct-Hire Staffing team prides itself on helping your hire the right person, the first time, every time – an outcome ensured by our collaborative approach, commitment to culture, and Retention Guarantee.

Looking For a Way Up?

Upcoming Ascendant Programs

2024 Leadership Excellence Training Program

Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

September 10th, September 24th, October 8th, October 22nd, November 5th, November 19th

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2024 Leadership Excellence
Training Program 2
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2024 Leadership Excellence
Training Program 3
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2024 Leadership Excellence
Training Program 4
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CEO Lindsey Zajac coaching to help organizations

Who We Are

Feedback From Our Valued Customers and Community

“Such a professional organization with very skilled consultants. Many options from training programs, executive coaching, and career placement. Highly recommended.” 

– Sue Keenan | Ascendant Client

“Lindsay did a half hour presentation for Unifrax sharing stress reduction, mindfulness and thought management tools. She clearly and concisely shared easy to understand, immediately actionable tips for our employees to take away. “

– Claire Petrie | Talent Leader | Unifrax

“From the outset, MaryEllen demonstrated a profound understanding of our organization’s unique needs and culture. In the end, we found a CEO who not only meets but exceeds our expectations.”

– Tisha Luciani | Chair of the Board of Directors, CEO Search Committee Chair | Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

“I worked with Amy Morphy while filling a key position at Reichert during a time of transition. Amy was attentive, direct, and understood what we needed. She asked the right questions, communicated clearly, and delivered strong candidates quickly.”

Gina Orsini | Sr. Manager, Talent Development | AMETEK Reichert

“Our experience with Ascendant’s Leadership Excellence Program facilitated by Lindsey Zajac has been exceptional. As Manager of Learning and Development at Freed Maxick, I am constantly on the lookout for programs that can effectively elevate our managers’ skills and leadership qualities. Lindsey’s program exceeded our expectations in every aspect.”

– Jennifer Arutunjan | Manager of Learning and Development | Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C.

“The Leadership Foundations Workshop content felt especially relevant for today’s environment, and it offered emerging leaders the ability to identify common pitfalls and help to consciously begin to build or hone their foundations for a thoughtful leadership philosophy.”

– Teresa Keller | Means to Ascend Community Member

“Our search committee received a recommendation to engage Ascendant, and specifically, MaryEllen Carlo. Thanks to her efforts, we found an outstanding leader who is driving our mission forward with passion and excellence.”

– Nicholas Alberalla | Board Chair | Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York