Kimley COX - Founder & CEO
Raised by Hippies in Western Montana, educated in an outdoorsy alternative elementary school, and spent 2 formative years on a Northern Cheyenne reservation. My dad an Entrepreneur, mother a Cartographer, and step-father a Professor in Computer Science who wrote one of the first textbook chapters on Artificial Intelligence. Result of this elixir for an independent head strong little girl? A fierce belief in dignity, agency, access, and connectedness.
I developed an early curiosity in human behavior, obtained a Masters in Psychology, and became intrigued with the puzzle solving nature of talent matching. After recruiting for 15+ years within larger organizations, such as CNA Insurance, Citadel and Korn Ferry, I knew there was a need to recruit differently. I co-founded a recruiting agency with the goal of hiring, developing and incenting the team based on collaboration and trust. Fast forward through successes and mistakes along the way, I learned a lot from both my “woo hoo” and “not so woo hoo” choices. I am proud to say founding Drive Talent 3+ years ago is an expression of these learnings, and the unwavering desire to hire talent based on shared vision, values, and culture. This wins any day over a list of skills and academic pedigree.
MERLIJN MAZAIRAC – CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER & EUROPEAN OFFICE LEAD
Together with Chicago based Drive Talent, we established the Amsterdam office to emphasize a global approach to our people-centered recruitment process. We ensure the right talent finds the right environment in which they can thrive regardless of geography.
With a background in law, I bring a structured and analytical approach to understanding the complexities of organizational dynamics. My journey has taken me from organizational consulting to a specialization in recruiting, at a time when the industry is ripe for disruption. I believe success is anchored in the alignment between talent and the DNA of a company, and am passionate about aligning organizations with the right talent by truly understanding both the company and the candidate. My focus is on creating genuine connections that go beyond skill set box checking to ensure a cultural fit.
Outside of the office, I thrive on connecting with people in any social setting. Whether it’s a dinner with friends or family, a networking event or a music festival, you will find me there, embracing the energy and positivity from being surrounded by others sharing in an experience. My Strengths Finder superpowers, “Positivity” and “WOO” (Winning Others Over), are always in full force. I believe that genuine relationships are built not just through professional interactions, but the joy of experiencing community. So, is there a party? I will see you there!
Kaleigh Locketti – Senior Recruiting Consultant
I come from a small old steel mill town in Ohio, where opportunity is slim, and most people never leave. (Kinda like Footloose, but dancing is allowed.) I knew since I was a kid that I wanted more for my future. After almost a decade of living in Chicago and having a career in Talent Acquisition, I know that I have a passion for being a helper. It’s who I am at my core.
I graduated with a BFA in Theater and shortly after, I began in sales, which quickly lead me to Recruiting. I pride myself on being more of a generalist for industries and am able to quickly learn and understand the needs of a client and candidate and I have done so for larger corporations and for many startups. I love to hear people's stories and journeys and I am a big fan of the underdog, given that I am one myself. I have a track record of building from scratch, creating meaningful interview processes, and most importantly, leading with transparency in all that I do. I am a big advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, and a trusted voice for all I represent.
I do some of my best work alongside of my 4-year-old Maltipoo named Maggie. I know that our team here at Drive Talent is unique and ambitious, and we each bring a different puzzle piece to the table. I’m proud to work for a Women-owned business that cares about the future of Talent Acquistion.
Sarah Kim – Senior Recruiting Operations Consultant
As a first-generation child of immigrants, I was raised on work ethic and the hopes of attaining the "American Dream." I was always working overtime at the school of life, but the rigid path of education and career were never appealing, nor did I feel they were laid out for me.
I chased my first lofty ambition when I moved across the country and got my BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This environment is where I truly learned the value of community. Surviving grueling jobs in hospitality, retail, and sales - while brutal, is where I met my people. With the encouragement that I could forge my own way, I landed a humble role as an office manager at an IT startup. This is where I unearthed my knack for utilizing my tech savvy skills and building a peoplecentric team.
Since that very meaningful pivot into tech startups, I was able to turn my gift of observation and human connection into recruiting expertise. It became obvious to bridge my listening skills with operational efficiency and nurture the community of professionals to grow and learn alongside. I'm only as good as my leaders and those around me, so I recognize and cherish the profound impact of the people and clients I get to work with.