Karissa Dobson

Today, my success is rooted in the long-term partnerships I’ve cultivated with the management teams that I support daily. I am fortunate to work closely with a female leadership team in my department that has provided an incredible foundation for my professional growth. I still work alongside a woman who was my first direct manager a decade ago; she oversaw my very first steps in this industry, and what began as a foundational mentorship during my formative years has evolved into a powerful partnership and a lifelong friendship. Her guidance, along with the leadership I have met throughout our company, has taught me how to navigate corporate growth while maintaining a high standard of empathy and authenticity.

In addition, as a professional and a mother to a child navigating a chronic, life-threatening illness, my '9-to-5' and my '5-to-9' are deeply intertwined. Over the past three years, navigating childhood cancer and multiple ongoing medical issues along side my son, my 'office' has taken many forms; From a remote setup at a hospital bedside to a laptop perched near the busy nurses' station. Managing a full-time career while advocating for my son’s health has taught me the true meaning of prioritization and resilience.

I am fortunate to be part of my team that doesn't just 'allow' flexibility but actively understands the grit it takes to succeed in both worlds. This support has been the foundation of my success, proving that when a workplace leads with empathy, it can unlock a higher level of dedication and performance. I believe a resilient culture is built by everyone involved. While I celebrate the women on my team, I also want to recognize the men and collaborative managers who lead with perspective and champion our shared values. Their partnership is what truly makes our team thrive.

When you have spent nights in a hospital room dealing with life-and-death stakes, the 'crises' of the corporate world take on a different light. This grounding allows me to meet challenges with a unique level of patience and clarity; my 'crisis threshold' has been permanently altered. I don’t just look for a way out of a conflict; I look for a way through it, ensuring that my team and my candidates feel seen and supported.

I’ve learned that the secret to long-term professional resolution is personal resilience. I have been told, "work will always be there", but our ability to handle it depends on how we care for ourselves. I always try to prioritize 'refilling the cup' so that my professional contributions come from a place of abundance and clarity, rather than depletion. I believe that we can be both high-achieving and human-centered, using our hardest personal chapters to become our most compassionate professional assets.

Be consistent and treat everyone with respect. In talent acquisition, relationships are everything. Take the time to cultivate genuine connections and never treat people like transactions. Remember that every interaction leaves an impression. Even if you can’t help someone directly, make sure they walk away feeling heard, valued, and respected. People talk and your reputation will travel faster than you think. Lead with empathy. Personality, professionalism, and kindness go a long way.

In addition, Resilience doesn't mean being indestructible. I have danced dangerously close to burnout quite often balancing the stress of Recruitment and personal situations, but I have refused to give up - for my family or my team. To my fellow professionals: it is okay to have bad days, and it is okay not to be ‘okay’ sometimes. Taking the time to pause and prioritize self-care isn't a sign of weakness; it’s how we come back stronger and more clear-headed. Use the resources you have available to you to take care of yourself.

My core values are rooted in open communication and transparency, because that is how you build unbreakable trust. Being family-focused isn't just a personal preference for me; it’s a professional standard. I’ve found that when we respect the importance of life outside of work, we show up more present and more dedicated to the tasks at hand.