Wisdom for Uncertain Times from Marietta Cozzi

A perspective on what really matters goes a long way during these uncertain times.  According to Marietta Cozzi, former Global Talent Acquisition Leader for Prudential, the keys to navigating uncharted waters are a clear mission with rock-solid consistency in how team members and candidates are treated.  Trust comes, she says, from setting expectations and meeting or exceeding them.  As TA leaders grapple with how to prioritize and react to the needs of business leaders and job seekers alike, it’s worth listening to a leader who has “been there, done that” as an example of thinking and acting with compassion.

Marietta retired in the Fall of 2019 after an extraordinary career in TA, and her uncommon and winding path to get there may surprise aspiring TA leaders.  We dove deep into how, as a single mom, she navigated a not-at-all-clear career path from a start in retail, to increasingly challenging HR and Talent roles with American Express.  Then without actively seeking it, Marietta landed in the top TA job at Prudential, the Fortune 50 financial services powerhouse.  And that’s not all.  Other topics we discussed:

  • The practicalities of balancing single parenthood with career ambition
  • Why the idea of being called “career-oriented” is outdated
  • The benefits and limitations of technology in making human connections
  • The importance of consistency in employment branding
  • Applying hard-earned business skills to the needs of not-for-profit boards
  • Her sage advice for TA Leaders

Marietta’s secret sauce is her high energy, sense of humor, and unique perspective from years of front-line and leadership experience.  Listen in and be inspired!

Erin McDermott Peterson is a Partner with PeopleResults, helping clients with their Global TA delivery, people, and RPO relationships.  Follow her on Twitter @ErinMcPeterson, connect with her via linkedin.com/in/erinpeterson or email at epeterson@people-results.com and listen to her Podcast for Talent Leaders: Big Fish in the Talent Pool on iTunes and SoundCloud, or wherever you access podcasts.