We had the opportunity of speaking with Zoe Donnelly, Xalient’s Head of Global Resourcing, about her career and her impact on the company’s worldwide talent strategy. With two years at Xalient, Zoe reflects on her reasons for joining, how her career ambitions aligned with the company’s ethos, and the changing nature of her day-to-day tasks.
What is your current role at Xalient and how long have you been part of the Xalient family?
Global Head of Resourcing, 2 years.
What motivated you to join Xalient?
The people I met through the interview process, Annie Davies (Chief Culture Officer), Mark Cooke (Group Chief Operating Officer) and Sherry Vaswani (Group Chief Executive Officer), very inspirational. Also the fact we had a female CEO, massive draw from me.
How does Xalient align with your career goals and values?
Lots of opportunities in a global company, recently promoted and now growing a team to lead and mentor.
Describe a typical day in your role?
There is no typical day but roughly checking in with the HR team to discuss any challenges, liaising with candidates and managers regarding current roles and agreeing our global go to market strategy, arranging interviews and negotiating offers. Calls with colleagues around the business from UK, US, Benelux, salary benchmarking and lots of market and competitor analysis. Reviewing our L&D offering and calls with providers, career conversations with colleagues and reviewing L&D plans – are they on the right track for their career goals. Working on our strategy for global inclusive recruitment, our EVP, reviewing the interview process and candidate experience, reviewing talent acquisition tools and keeping abreast of innovation.
Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience during your time here?
The people, great teams, great colleagues. Everyone pulls together in the right direction. I also like the pace; we work at speed! Our last team social in January, was able to fly over one of my team members and meet face to face!
How would you describe the team culture at Xalient?
Hugely supportive, collaborative, entrepreneurial.
What’s your favourite thing about the industry Xalient operates in?
Constantly evolving and exciting tech
What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Xalient?
Be prepared to work hard, listen and always be curious.
Share an interesting fact about yourself that others might not know.
I joined the TA in Wales (Territorial Army) for 2 years and once considered a career in the army. I liked shooting guns! I’m only allowed to shoot nerf or paintball guns now. I also did a lot of potholing and caving when younger, would not have the nerve now.
Is there something on your personal or professional bucket list?
I’ve travelled but never lived in another country so wouldn’t rule out relocating somewhere hot! Professionally – there’s still plenty of goals I want to accomplish.
Are you into any specific tech gadgets or innovations?
Absolutely LOVE my Remarkable2 tablet, don’t know how I worked without it!
What’s the last book you read or movie/TV show you enjoyed?
Loosely Based on a Made-Up Story / James Blunt.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Japan or China – the culture.
What are your must-have apps for productivity or relaxation?
Love Teams for productivity, I find it hard to relax, I do have an Infrared sauna blanket and that helps.
What’s an item or possession you cherish the most?
Not an item but my young daughters mean the world to me, I want them to grow-up knowing they really can do anything!
