When you talk to people at Hireology about Kirsten Rossow, words like “pillar,” “architect,” and “customer champion” come up almost immediately. Kirsten has shaped the DNA of Hireology over the past decade, influencing how we serve customers, how departments collaborate, and how processes become scalable, meaningful, and stay human.
We sat down with Kirsten to reflect on her ten years at Hireology. What emerged was a portrait of a leader who doesn’t just adapt to change, but drives it, always building for what’s next.
From Retail Mastery to Startup Trailblazer
Kirsten’s journey began on the sales floors of Nordstrom and Kate Spade, where she mastered the gold standard of customer experience. “Both brands are known for how they take care of people,” she explains, “Having that as my framework was critical.” When she made the leap to Hireology, she brought those standards with her—even as she entered a chaotic, unstructured startup world.
“It was the Wild West,” Kirsten laughs. “There was no guidance, no real oversight. We had no customers, you could call anyone. Every day, you were creating the rules as you went.” Instead of being daunted by the task, Kirsten saw opportunity. She dove deep into ambiguity, using it as a launchpad for innovation, process, and sustainable systems.
From her first days cold-calling as an SDR, Kirsten saw the need for clarity and repeatability. “I wanted more process, more documentation,” she explains. She didn’t wait for directions. Instead, Kirsten proactively moved from sales into implementation, where she designed Hireology’s very first customer onboarding experience.
Working alongside her manager, Kirsten built the initial framework for training and implementation, laying the groundwork for what would become a high-impact program. “I leaned into my project management instincts, but also drew on my empathy for both sales and the customer. That combination allowed me to create something lasting.”
This wasn’t just about solving the problems of the day. Kirsten’s approach was fundamentally strategic: she anticipated future needs, built systems that could grow, and set a precedent for how Hireology would operate as it matured.
A Relentless Advocate for the Customer
Throughout her ascent, Kirsten encourages the team: “If it’s good for the customer, it’s good for Hireology.” Her unique ability to see across functions, from sales to ops to product, allowed her to advocate for the customer at every touchpoint. “I’ve been the first person in so many roles, which let me set a standard: let’s build for them, not just for us.”
Kirsten’s influence can be seen throughout the business, the shift from reactive support to proactive enablement, from transactional interactions to meaningful, value-driven experiences. Whether she was orchestrating in-person customer events, scaling G2 review programs, or designing digital self-service tools, her goal was always clear—empower the customer, and the business will follow.
Connector, Collaborator, and Knowledgeable Leader
Kirsten’s journey at Hireology is remarkable for its breadth. She has worked across nearly every department, across sales, implementation, operations, product, and marketing, giving her a panoramic, systems-level view of the company. This makes her more than a connector; she’s a strategic and knowledgeable leader who understands the practical limits and untapped potential of every team. “I don’t set unrealistic expectations for myself or others,” she says. “Having worked in so many departments, I know what’s actually going on. That insight means I can build processes that are ambitious, but grounded in reality.”
For Kirsten, Hireology’s company culture of empathy, flexibility, and trust is as important as any business outcome. “The flexibility I’ve earned here is invaluable, especially as a parent of two young kids. No other company would support me the way Hireology does.” Her tenure is an asset that colleagues rely on for context, history, and guidance.
Her ability to collaborate across teams—building genuine relationships and leveraging her institutional knowledge—makes her a linchpin for both new initiatives and cultural continuity.
Growth, Perspective, and Paying It Forward
A decade at Hireology has transformed Kirsten, both personally and professionally. Jazzercise is her “one consistent thing,” bringing movement and joy to her week. She’s an avid reader, a fashion enthusiast, and a proud mom to two young kids.
“The way I dealt with problems on day one versus now is night and day. I have more perspective, more empathy, and a better sense of humor. This work fuels my life, but it’s not the whole pie. I try to move something forward every day. Sometimes that’s a big leap, sometimes it’s one small step.”
Her advice to her younger self? “Speak up. Trust your instincts—they’re probably right. Ask a ton of questions. Keep your humor, and let things roll off your back. We’re not saving lives, but we are making a difference.”
As we reflect on Kirsten’s journey, it’s clear that her contributions extend far beyond corporate process or policy—they live in the culture of empathy and excellence she’s helped to nurture at Hireology. Her legacy is one of quiet leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering advocacy for both customers and colleagues. In a world where change is constant and tenure is rare, Kirsten’s ability to evolve, connect, and inspire stands as a testament to what’s possible when you lead with heart and vision. Here’s to the next decade of building, innovating, and making Hireology and our team stronger, one thoughtful step at a time.
