Wendy DiMartino, Vice President of Client Services at Korn Ferry; member of the HRO Today Association Global Board of Advisors, North America Group, and co-chair of the HRO Today Association Professional Development & Programming Committee, answers our questions.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Anytime I have been able to mentor and influence an early career Recruiter, those opportunities have been a highlight in my career. I especially enjoy when I can instill how influential one can be as a Recruiter in both the overall business but also the candidate’s life. I love seeing the lightbulb moment when a Recruiter realizes that they are changings someone’s life by talking with them about a job change. Also, watching Recruiters I have mentored progress in their career over time has been very rewarding.
If you weren’t in your current position/career, what would you be doing?
I have two career paths I have strongly considered over the years – a college professor, likely in a business program, where I could share what I have learned through the years working in corporate America. My hesitation has been not wanting to spend the money to pursue my PhD. The second consideration is owning my own small business where I could create a space that was positive in nature for employees and customers. A Pilates fitness studio is where my heart leads me, but with COVID impacting our society for an unforeseeable future, now is not the time.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My dad by example was a hard worker and positive about his work. He spent 35+ years at Pabst Brewery in Milwaukee and only called in sick 2 days. He was tried and true in his commitment to his job and the company. He encouraged my sister and I to never take a job for granted and to put in our best effort no matter what. I took that to heart and pour 100% into what I do and how I do it. I have also worked to instill that same mentality with my teams, encouraging them to see the positive in their work and to work hard because it does matter. I have seen it pay off for so many when they receive accolades from clients or earn promotions.
What would you tell your younger self now if you could?
The relationships you build early in your career can and do matter later in life. I didn’t fully realize that in the earlier days of my career, but as I look back on 25+ years in talent acquisition, I see now how the network of colleagues I have crossed paths with is one that has positively served me in so many ways. Today I am lucky enough to work with people I met early in my career and as a result our team is one where we trust each other, support each other, and care about each other.
Have you ever met anybody famous?
I am a big Keith Urban fan – my kids often refer to me as “Wendy Urban.” I have won backstage passes twice to meet him before concerts, which has been surreal and so much fun. To be honest it is very strange speaking with someone you admire via TV, social media, and concerts and those moments go by far too quickly for my liking.
What items have you crossed off your bucket list?
The most recent bucket list item I crossed off my list was attending a Green Bay Packer home game at Lambeau Field. As a born and bred Packer fan I had never had the opportunity to go to a home game. My sister made that dream a reality last year when we attended the Bronco/Packer game in the fall and then the NFC Championship this winter. Two games in one season!!! Go Pack!
Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendydimartino8/
