Richa Bisla

I attribute much of my success to my family. They have always been my biggest motivators and the purpose behind everything I do. Making them feel proud and happy gives me a tremendous sense of fulfillment. My career has also given me financial independence and opportunities to connect with so many different people. One of the most rewarding parts of Talent Acquisition is seeing the happiness on someone’s face when you present them with a job offer. Knowing that you may have positively impacted someone’s career and life gives you a special sense of purpose and reminds you that you have done something meaningful.

Believe in yourself, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth comes from embracing challenges and turning them into opportunities.

I would say, first and foremost, believe in yourself. There will be challenges, and there is really no alternative to hard work. You may receive support along the way, or there may be moments when you have to motivate yourself and keep moving forward on your own.

Balancing a career, family, and personal aspirations can bring many challenges. At the same time, I have seen positive change over the years when it comes to opportunities for women. We may not be where we ultimately want to be yet, but we are moving forward.

Keep believing in yourself, keep working hard, and don't let challenges define what you can achieve. Stay positive because the best days are ahead.

I have faced several challenges throughout my career, but each one has taught me something valuable about adaptability and resilience.

COVID was a major turning point for me as a recruiter. Before that, I never imagined recruitment could be done completely remotely. I was accustomed to meeting hiring managers and candidates in person, where I could observe nonverbal communication and build relationships face-to-face. Suddenly, everything moved to virtual meetings, and I had to find new ways to connect with people and make informed hiring decisions. Over time, I learned to be more present during virtual conversations, ask better questions, leverage reference checks and recommendations, and pay closer attention to the nuances of communication. What initially felt like a limitation eventually became a learning experience.

There were personal challenges as well. Becoming a mother while continuing to build my career was not easy. Managing the responsibilities of having a young child alongside a demanding career required adjustment and resilience. The support I received from my leaders, team, and family made a tremendous difference and helped me navigate that phase of my life.

Another significant transition was moving from India to the United States. Although I had worked with U.S. companies and clients for many years, I quickly realized that working for the U.S. from India and actually living and working in the U.S. are very different experiences. I had to understand a new culture, workplace expectations, employment practices, and the importance of communicating appropriately and compliantly as a representative of my organization. It took time, learning, and support from my manager and team, but I am very proud of how I navigated that transition. What initially felt like a cultural shock gradually became a sense of belonging. Today, I truly feel that I belong here.

And now, there is another transformation happening with AI and technology. Recruitment today is very different from what it was 15 years ago. It is no longer only about reviewing resumes and talking to candidates. Technology gives us opportunities to become more strategic, efficient, and thoughtful in how we work. Learning new tools can certainly be challenging, but I choose to look at it as an opportunity. Continuous learning and improvement are essential if we want to remain relevant and grow.

Recruiting will always bring challenges, whether it is difficult-to-fill positions, targets, changing technology, or the pressures that come with the role. But looking back, I have learned that challenges are also opportunities to evolve. With the support of my family, leaders, and teams, along with a willingness to keep learning and adapting, I have been able to navigate each new chapter and come out stronger.

For me, culture matters the most, both personally and professionally. I always ask myself: do I feel happy going back to the same place every day? I feel fortunate because I love coming to work, and I love coming home. In both places, I feel respected, valued, and supported.

I believe culture starts with leadership and flows throughout an organization. What I appreciate about my workplace is the openness. I feel comfortable speaking up, sharing my thoughts, and suggesting where we can improve. Of course, I respect organizational structures, but knowing that leaders are approachable and willing to listen creates a strong sense of trust.

Respect is equally important to me. Whether at home or at work, people want to feel heard, appreciated, and valued. I also consider myself very solution-oriented. If I identify a problem, I don't like to simply bring the problem forward. I try to bring a possible solution or recommendation as well. It may not always be the right answer, but having the freedom to speak up, contribute ideas, and participate in strategic conversations motivates me.

Ultimately, a great culture is one where people feel respected, appreciated, heard, and empowered to contribute. That is the kind of environment that brings out the best in me.