Episode 26: Exec Recruiting on a Global Scale - Diana Barr of Boeing

"We try to operate exactly like a retained executive search firm - even though we are in-house." So says Diana Barr, the Head of Global Executive Staffing at Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, global defense, space and security systems. Diana joined them in 2019 to build an "internal search firm" as a fresh approach to their senior leadership staffing strategy, including sourcing, assessment, diversity and inclusion, and succession planning across an international footprint.

Having started her career as an HR generalist for Marriott International, she determined that recruiting - specifically executive recruiting - was the most challenging and enjoyable part of her day. She struck out on her own to focus and gain exec hiring experience, and later joined Heidrick & Struggles to refine her skills. She also spent time recruiting top talent for a Private Equity firm(Enesco)and then with the industrial e-commerce giant, Grainger, before joining Boeing.

For TA Leaders looking to increase their impact, Diana offers her perspective on the importance of knowing what you bring to the proverbial party. “Everyone has strengths and you really need to understand your own strengths as well as your passion to be able to focus on what it is that you have to offer. For me, that's being a connector, learning people's stories, and developing relationships.”

As for the ability to attract executive talent to an organization that has been under scrutiny from the FAA for several years, Diana gives a great example of upholding the employment brand with an historical perspective. "This 140 year old company has prevailed through all kinds of business cycles, wars, and many other challenges, and we'll made it through this time in our history too."

Other topics Discussed:
Recognizing the critical aspect of a growth mindset
How curiosity increases the effectiveness of executive search
Developing TA specialist skills for a successful career

Connect with Diana Barr

Website: http://www.boeing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-barr-4948b2b/

Connect with Erin Peterson

Erin is a Talent Acquisition Consultant, Interim Leader, and RPO Advisor with PeopleResults. She has led TA and RPO globally for some of the most successful organizations in the world including Accenture, Aon Hewitt, and Amazon.

She translates her unique global experience to help clients with TA strategy, employment branding, onboarding, candidate experience, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) decisions.

Connect on Social
Website: https://www.people-results.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinpeterson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinMcPeterson