Man of Steele

August 22nd, 2003
Atlanta Business Chronicle

Korn/Ferry's networker extraordinaire is leaving the recruiting firm to spend more time with his family and write a book about the effective habits of successful networkers.

Ricky Steele will step down as client partner with Korn/Ferry in September.

"I don't think Ricky has ever had a client, only many, many friends who end up doing business with him," said Alan Neely, Korn/Ferry's senior technology search executive for the Southeast and Steele's former boss.

Steele joined Korn/Ferry in late 2000, when the economy was still expanding. He made famous the OK Cafe's booth # 61, where he could be found practically any day of the week between 7 and 9 a.m.

Though he won't be attending as many events as before, Steele promises to swing by the occasional tech event for a cocktail and the latest tech gossip.

"Y'all can't get rid of me this easily," he said.

Steele, who is from Columbus, has signed a book deal with a local publishing house and the book will be based on lessons Steele learned through his past business and networking experiences.

"The technology community is what I know and what I love, and I hope to start working in technology again after I finish my book," Steele said.