Any searcher-veterans willing to share their experience?

Hi everyone,

I would love to speak with a few searchers who have successfully completed their searches (irrespective of whether it ended up with an acquisition or not).

I am currently starting my journey and would like to speak with people about what their greatest surprises were and what they wish they knew earlier. 

I'm across a lot of material published online including Jim Stein Sharpe's blog, conference panel discussion videos on youtube and the Polsky Center podcast, (in addition to the more formal guidance in the Harvard guide and Stanford primer and research) and would really appreciate some personal perspectives. What brought the difference between theory and practice home for you?

Please let me know if you're available to share 30 minutes for a quick chat.

Much appreciated
Ebert