Lesa has been leading talent acquisition teams globally in fast-paced organisations for over 20 years, guiding them through significant transformations. She is accountable for designing and delivering resourcing strategies to build the workforce of the future. Lesa has also been instrumental in raising awareness and advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I). She co-chaired a Disability Accessibility Network, was a finalist for D&I innovation, and won the Gold Award for Best Recruitment Team in a medium-sized company…..twice!
Lesa is not only passionate about talent acquisition, people, and fostering a positive culture, but also about employer branding. She drives innovation through a creative mindset, from concept to execution, including designing pioneering career websites and videos, which have garnered multiple awards.
In her free time, Lesa enjoys hosting dinner parties, bringing friends and family together over delicious meals and great conversation. When she’s not entertaining, you may find her on the golf course, enjoying the challenge of the game after completing her golf academy. Staying active is important to Lesa, so she makes regular trips to the gym to keep fit and energised. She also has a passion for shopping, always on the lookout for the latest trends and unique finds.
What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?
Being shortlisted for 3 awards, winning 2 within 8 months of landing in NTT DATA
How has the RL Community helped you this year?
The RL community are fantastic colleagues and support, where we can discuss our challenges, as we don’t always single handedly have the answers, but collaboratively we do….and this is PRICELESS!
Finally, what is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?
The Talent Acquisition industry is expected to undergo significant changes in 2025, driven by technological advancements and evolving workforce dynamics.
Increased Use of AI and Automation: AI will continue to play a crucial role in streamlining recruitment processes. While AI can enhance productivity and improve the candidate experience, there will be a strong focus on using it ethically to avoid biases and ensure fairness.
Skills-Based Hiring. Hiring will be based on critical skills rather than traditional qualifications. This shift will help organisations find talent that can drive transformation and innovation.
Focus on Learning and Development: L&D will become essential for employee retention. Companies will need to invest more in upskilling and reskilling their workforce to keep up with rapidly evolving skill sets.
Data-Driven Strategies: Data analytics will be increasingly used to enhance decision-making and improve candidate experiences.
Ethical AI and Bias Reduction: There will be a stronger emphasis on transparency and accountability in AI tools used for recruitment.
These trends indicate a move towards a more efficient, fair, and skills-focused approach in talent acquisition, leveraging technology to enhance both the recruiter and candidate experience.