As the Director of Talent Operations and Culture at ZRG Partners and Founder of Do Better Consulting, Desiree Goldey brings over 25 years of hard-earned wisdom to the forefront of talent acquisition and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives. Based in the dynamic city of Austin, TX, Desiree has become a formidable voice in shaping the future of talent and workplace culture. Her approach? Unflinchingly challenging leadership norms and reshaping hiring strategies to be more inclusive and effective.
Known for her no-nonsense attitude and a knack for blending sarcasm with humor, Desiree's rallying cry, 'Do Better, People,' is more than a motto—it's a call to action against the vices of homophobia, sexism, and racism, and a stand against mediocre leadership. Her continued mission is to push boundaries and encourage leaders to step up, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the workplace.
Desiree Goldey, Hub Recruiting
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
I'm Desiree Goldey, the Director of Talent Operations & Culture at ZRG’s Embedded Recruiting division and the proud founder of Do Better Consulting. Based in Austin, Texas, I'm a fierce advocate for DEIB, better leadership, and a connoisseur of sarcasm. In my free time, you might find me lost in a book, crafting sharp words on paper, or indulging in a shopping spree. I have developed my career through real talk about leadership, DEIB and all things talent through my hashtag do better people.
Can you share more about your 25-year career journey and key achievements in Talent Acquisition and DEIB? What inspired you to pursue a career in driving positive change within organizations?
It's been a journey of resilience, learning, and impactful changes. Over 25 years, I've navigated the dynamic world of sales, marketing, hospitality and talent acquisition, making strides in shaping diverse and inclusive workplaces. What really kickstarted my career was my determination to challenge norms and advocate for underrepresented voices. My achievements? Let's just say they're not just about filling roles but also about opening minds.
As the Director of Talent Operations and Culture at ZRG, what is your primary role, and how do you contribute to the organization's overall mission?
My role? It's about being a catalyst for change. At ZRG, I'm not just overseeing operations and marketing; I'm driving a cultural shift. From innovative hiring strategies to nurturing a diverse workforce, my focus is on aligning talent practices with our mission of fostering a progressive, inclusive workplace.
Given your dedication to DEIB, what are the primary challenges you've encountered, and how do you address them?
The road to real inclusion is bumpy. The biggest challenges? Resistance to change and deep-rooted biases. My approach? Call it out, then call for action. Education, open dialogues, and a bit of 'tough love' are my tools to break down barriers and build bridges.
Your motto, 'Do Better, People,' suggests a commitment to combatting various issues in leadership. Could you elaborate on the strategies you advocate?
It's simple yet profound – lead with empathy, act with integrity. I push leaders to go beyond token gestures in DEIB. It's about authentic representation, genuine opportunities, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued. It's not rocket science, it's human decency.
How do you balance injecting humor with addressing serious issues in the workplace?
Humor is a powerful tool – it disarms and connects. When tackling tough topics, a dash of wit makes the medicine go down smoother. But it's a delicate balance; respect and sensitivity are non-negotiable.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals or aspirations at ZRG and Do Better Consulting?
To take over the world. Just kidding. My goal is to make ZRG not just a workplace, but a community – diverse, inclusive, and unapologetically bold. I'm here to build legacies, not just careers. The aim? To leave a mark that echoes 'We did better. My goal at my personal organization is to touch as many leaders as possible to influence the world we work in to be better for all who choose to enter it.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
Greatest achievement? It's seeing the tangible impact of my work – witnessing individuals flourish in an environment where they're truly valued. It's not an award or a title; it's the success stories of those I've helped elevate.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?
More action, less talk. The industry is ripe with good intentions, but we need to shift from performative actions to meaningful, sustained change. It's high time we walk the talk.
How do you decide who to work within your consulting company?
I am looking for people who believe that the corporate America can do better and that means coming with an open mind that their old way of thinking may need some tweaks and that they are looking for a better path. I want them to be on a journey towards empathy and dedication to their teams, their organizations and themselves.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
A pivotal moment? I was sitting at my desk one day and I read a story about a woman who had overcome abuse and poverty to rise up to the role of CEO. It was like I had a lightning strike, I knew I needed to do better, lol. It was realizing that I wasn't just a participant in my industry – I could be a change-maker. That epiphany was a game-changer; it transformed my approach from 'fitting in' to 'standing out and shaking things up.'
