Susan Graye- Best HR Leaders To Watch in USA 2025

Connecting People, Purpose, and Possibility

SUSAN GRAYE

Global Talent Attraction - Acquisition - Engagement Leader and Speaker

Susan Graye Executive Recruiters

Connecting People, Purpose, and Possibility

SUSAN GRAYE

Global Talent Attraction - Acquisition - Engagement Leader and Speaker

Susan Graye Executive Recruiters

Today, companies run out of people before they run out of ideas. The race for talent has become leadership’s toughest test. Susan Graye, an award-winning Global Talent Attraction and Acquisition Leader, believes the answer is not faster hiring but smarter, more human hiring. As AI transforms the world of work, she champions empathy as the competitive edge that even technology cannot replace. Throughout her career, Susan has championed veteran initiatives, building award-winning programs at Hewlett-Packard and Vontier to support their transition into the workforce. She continues this mission through her role on the SMLA board, helping veterans navigate their next steps toward civilian careers. Susan believes meaningful work connects people to purpose, whether it is building inclusive hiring programs, guiding veterans into civilian careers, or mentoring rising talent worldwide. TradeFlock spoke with her to explore her journey, insights, and the evolving future of work.

Which milestones make you smile the most, and how did they shape your idea of talent magic?

The milestones that make me smile are always about people. I’ve had the joy of spotting great talent, building teams that truly click, and watching them set goals and reach them together. That’s where the magic happens — and I’ve always believed in setting clear goals, measuring progress, and celebrating the wins that bring a team closer. In my most recent role, our team built a global Center of Excellence and a Recruiting Resource Center. We took time to understand cultures, hiring laws, and what could be standardized. It wasn’t just process work; it was learning how to celebrate differences while still working as one. I also strongly believe in the power of data and analytics. The insight AI provides enables a more targeted and informed approach. We were among the first to adopt AI and even helped develop a corporate generational AI tool to capture meeting notes, improve communication, and strengthen strategy. Another moment I cherish was creating a global talent value proposition. We spoke with employees worldwide in their own languages and at every level, from manufacturing workers to executives. AI helped us find patterns, but the heart of it came from real conversations — understanding why people stay and what they truly value.

What was a tough spot early in your career, and how did you push through it?

I love the song lyric, I get knocked down, but I get up again. It feels like my story, and I even have a pair of pink boxing gloves. I often joke that I may be small, but I am a fighter. My dad had to start over when I was a senior in college, at a time when Michigan’s economy was struggling. The local headline read, Will the last person in Michigan turn out the lights? When I could not find a professional job, I packed up my little red sports car with a leaky roof and no air conditioning, and drove to Houston, determined to make my mark. I started with an employment agency that had no clients, no copier, and no fax machine. I made one hundred calls a day, built a technology practice from scratch, and eventually landed Hewlett-Packard as my first big client and, later, my employer. Those early years taught me the power of tenacity and hard work.

"If I could share one piece of wisdom, it would be this. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and lend a hand to help others. And never stop learning."

What gaps in the U.S. talent landscape inspired you to start your own firm?

I realized that too many people treat candidates like products instead of people. They focus on filling positions rather than understanding what the individual wants, what they enjoy, and why they’re making a change. Chemistry and connection matter just as much as skills. My passion has always been the alignment of people strategy with business strategy. When people goals and business goals move in the same direction, performance, engagement, and culture all accelerate. That alignment is where real impact happens, and it’s what inspires the work I do today. Although I am currently involved in veteran initiatives — work I deeply value — my core focus is helping organizations build workplaces where people and business outcomes strengthen each other.

What was one major bump on your entrepreneurial journey, and what helped your Texas grit stay strong?

I have learned that life is like a mountain expedition. You never know what you will find on the climb, and once you reach the top, you are already dreaming of the next peak. People are not machines, and life will always bring new challenges. Sickness, loss, change, and reinvention are part of every journey. The key is to see problems as opportunities and to celebrate success with every obstacle you overcome. My journey has not been an easy one. I lost my dad in a fatal accident and nearly lost my mom. Later, I lost my husband to cancer and spent six months caring for him in hospitals, watching the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey from the window at MD Anderson. Today, I care for my mother, who has dementia, in hospice at home. These experiences have taught me kindness, patience, and perspective. What we see on the outside often hides deep struggles within. Professionally, I never stop learning, networking, and finding ways to make a difference. I take pride in helping others succeed, and I love using technology to make that impact stronger.

As a talent leader, which future initiative excites you most?

I’m most excited about how AI will let us personalize the hiring journey for both managers and candidates. Just as in travel, where every trip can be customized, hiring experiences will soon be tailored to each person’s needs. Automation will also free people from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on creativity and innovation. I hope that the future of work feels like being a traveler, full of exploration and learning. I want people to move across roles, gain new experiences, and build careers that truly mean something. When work feels like a journey, people stay curious and engaged.