Desiree Sloan

God is my firm foundation and I attribute my success to strong leadership guidance, especially from my CEO Banu D., who has been pouring into me and gave me opportunities to show that I could be a leader. She gave me the opportunity to transition into working in her company when I was about to get laid off from my last company, and she really saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. I didn't even know she was mentoring me that whole time until I took a step back and realized it. I also believe success comes from focusing on the process rather than just the end results. When it comes to recruitment, we get so excited for the end results, but we don't take the process into account. I think you need to stay focused on the process, cross all your T's and dot all your I's, and enjoy that journey, because not every time will you be able to extend an offer letter. Every process that you have will show who you are when you're going through that process. I'm also passionate about being a servant and helping people, which I believe is my most valuable trait. I love pouring into people and seeing who they want to be become and make it into a reality, because a lot of people believe in themselves but just don't take the next step to do it, so they need encouragement and a different perspective.

One of the best pieces of career advice I have received is to take things one day at a time. You do not have to accomplish everything all at once. Even when there are deadlines, it is important to manage stress and maintain a healthy balance in life. Your health and well-being should always matter. Taking time to step away, exercise, breathe, or go for a walk can help clear your mind and allow you to refocus. I have also learned that it is important to assess a situation before reacting. Instead of responding immediately, taking a moment to understand what is going on and then communicating thoughtfully can lead to better outcomes.

One piece of advice I would give a young woman entering my industry, especially in leadership and recruitment, is to trust the process. There is no need to rush or force anything. It is important to trust the leadership you are under so that you can truly learn, grow, and receive correction without becoming defensive. Being able to submit to authority and adapt when needed is part of developing strong leadership skills.

In this field, you are constantly being shaped and refined. Growth often comes through learning from others and being willing to adjust along the way. Understanding that you are still under leadership means recognizing that there is always something new to learn. The way you handle that process will reflect your character and professionalism.

I would also encourage someone to take their time and truly grasp what they are learning instead of trying to move too quickly. When you rush or try to force things, it usually does not work out the way you hope. Growth should feel natural and intentional. If you stay patient, remain teachable, and trust the process, the experience will shape you into a stronger leader.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the many nuances within the business. Things are constantly changing, which means you have to be flexible and willing to adapt. What you once knew may change, and you have to be open to learning new processes and systems. For someone who is not used to that type of environment, this can definitely be challenging.

Another challenge in recruitment is understanding the full process behind the scenes. There are many internal systems and steps involved before a candidate even receives an offer letter. If you are not confident in how to navigate the systems, properly file information, or take detailed notes, it can slow down the process and create confusion not only for you but also for the candidate and the hiring manager. Communication is extremely important, so paying attention to key details and instructions is essential.

Time management is also a major factor. Recruiters often have to manage several responsibilities at once, including communicating with candidates, coordinating with hiring managers, and keeping track of internal documentation. Learning how to balance all of those responsibilities takes time and practice.

At the same time, recruitment also presents a great opportunity for people who enjoy building relationships. This industry is very people-centered, so it is important to genuinely enjoy working with others. If you are someone who enjoys connecting with people and helping them move forward in their careers, recruitment can be a very rewarding field. For me, one of the biggest learning curves was understanding the backend processes, but once I became more comfortable with them, it helped me communicate more effectively and move through the recruitment process more smoothly.

I'm very passionate about being a servant. That is my most valuable trait, serving people. You will gain insight through others’ perspectives because everybody's lifestyle is a little bit different. On a more personal and intimate level, I love being outside in nature and enjoying simple things like a good walk in the park and feeding the animals. My brothers kind of call me like the Snow White because I like to feed the animals and bring my little snacks with me. I'm also building on new interests like pickleball and pottery, which allow me to relax and stay active. But most importantly, I do ministry work as a part of outreach, serving in many different areas within the Houston area. We went to a nursing home last Friday, and it was very much needed for both ends, on our end and their end, just to have someone there to know that they're valued, that they're seen, and that they're heard. We spend time with people when some of them are neglected or just dropped off there. It was a very heartwarming experience. We also go out and feed the homeless and take care of those who are in need. I love pouring into people. A lot of people believe in themselves but just don't take the next step to do it, so they just need encouragement and a different perspective.