Lisa Shuster

Chief People Officer,

iHire

Lisa Shuster - Empowering Talent, Transforming Businesses

Lisa Shuster’s leadership journey as Chief People Officer at iHire not only highlights her vast experience in human resources but also showcases her innovative approach to addressing the modern challenges of workplace management and talent acquisition. With a career spanning over two decades, Shuster’s strategic initiatives at iHire have significantly contributed to the company’s growth, emphasizing a culture of continuous learning, flexibility, and employee engagement. Her leadership extends beyond traditional HR functions, impacting every facet of the organization with a people-first philosophy.

Expanding the Role of HR in Strategic Business Development

Under Shuster’s guidance, HR at iHire has evolved into a pivotal component of strategic business development. She has adeptly aligned HR practices with iHire’s long-term business goals, ensuring that human resources play a critical role in organizational planning and execution. This strategic alignment has been instrumental in navigating iHire through periods of rapid growth and market change, positioning the company as a leader in the recruitment industry.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Inclusivity

Shuster’s leadership is characterized by her commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, she has created an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. This culture not only attracts top talent but also encourages creativity and innovation, driving iHire’s success in developing industry-leading recruitment solutions.

Throughout her illustrious career, Lisa Shuster has navigated a complex landscape of challenges and setbacks, each serving as a catalyst for growth and innovation in her approach to human resources. From her early days managing HR for The Humane Society of the United States to her strategic roles at First Data Corporation and First Advantage Corporation, Shuster encountered the multifaceted nature of HR management—balancing the needs of employees with the objectives of the organization. Her tenure at these organizations provided a solid foundation, yet it was not without its hurdles, particularly in aligning HR strategies with rapidly changing business goals and evolving workforce dynamics.

Transitioning to leadership roles in HR, such as her Director position at D&R International, Ltd., and eventually her pivotal role at iHire, Shuster faced the challenge of driving HR initiatives in environments marked by rapid technological change and shifting cultural norms. Her experience as Vice President of Human Resources & CAO at iHire, before ascending to the Chief People Officer role, underscored the difficulties of fostering a cohesive company culture across a growing, diverse employee base, especially in the face of iHire’s expansion and the broader challenges presented by the digital transformation of the workplace.

At PeopleWorks, Shuster’s entrepreneurial venture, she grappled with the complexities of offering tailored HR services to a broad spectrum of businesses, each with its unique challenges and needs. This experience highlighted the critical importance of flexibility and adaptability in HR practices, preparing her for the multifaceted challenges she would face upon her return to iHire.

In her current role as Chief People Officer, Shuster has adeptly addressed the challenges posed by a post-COVID workplace, including navigating remote work dynamics, enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments, and addressing mental health support and pay transparency. Transforming these challenges into opportunities, Shuster has led iHire in implementing innovative HR strategies that prioritize employee engagement and retention, adapt to changing employee expectations, and strengthen the company’s culture and employer brand​ 

Leveraging Technology to Enhance HR Practices

In her interview, Shuster discusses the role of technology in designing people management policies and strategies, highlighting the importance of adopting technologies that enhance HR practices while being mindful of the potential for technology overload and the need to maintain a human touch​. Her balanced approach to integrating technology with human-centric HR practices exemplifies her forward-thinking leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital transformation of the workplace.

Lisa Shuster’s visionary leadership as Chief People Officer at iHire serves as a testament to the critical role of HR in shaping organizational success. Through strategic innovation, a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and the thoughtful integration of technology, Shuster has steered iHire towards new horizons of growth and development. Her insights and strategies offer valuable lessons for HR professionals and business leaders alike, demonstrating the potential for HR to drive positive change and achieve business objectives in an ever-evolving workplace landscape.