In the world of talent and acquisition, Allison Nadeau stands out as a leader who truly understands how to build and keep great teams. As the Vice President of Talent Management & Acquisition at iCIMS, a top company for talent acquisition technology, Nadeau is responsible for growing and keeping employees across the globe. She drives smart strategies that impact people worldwide, from attracting new hires to ensuring current staff thrive.
From Guests to Growth: An Unexpected Path
Many HR professionals find their way into the field through unexpected paths, and Nadeau’s journey is a perfect example. She initially planned a career in tourism, studying business and hospitality management and even interning at major names like Marriott and Disney.
Her real “aha!” moment came when she took a frontline role managing about 50 housekeepers and support staff at Marriott. “It was incredibly rewarding managing that staff,” Nadeau shares, “and that’s where I realized how much I loved supporting employees and helping teams thrive.”
It was a pivotal conversation with her HR director that changed everything. That director saw her passion and encouraged her to shift her focus from primarily customers to employees, suggesting a career in HR. Nadeau took a chance on an entry-level HR role, and from there, her career took off. She steadily grew, eventually becoming the Head of HR at a major hotel in New York City.
Building Global Teams at iCIMS
In 2018, ready for a new chapter in both her personal and professional life, Nadeau joined iCIMS as an HR Business Partner. At that time, iCIMS had around 600 employees. “It’s been amazing to be part of our growth and evolution ever since,” she reflects.
Now, as VP of Talent Management & Acquisition, Nadeau leverages her unique background to build human-centered strategies for global talent acquisition, management, and employee experience. Her story highlights how hands-on experience with people, no matter the industry, can be the best foundation for a thriving HR career focused on empowering employees and driving business success.
In our latest Faces, meet Allison Nadeau.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My journey has really been shaped by a mix of people over time. The HR director who first steered me toward HR was pivotal, and I’m grateful for that nudge. In my current role, I’ve drawn consistent inspiration from leaders like Laura Coccaro, our Chief People Officer at iCIMS. She has this incredible way of leading with positivity and clarity, always starting with “yes” and handling complexity with grace. That mindset has really influenced how I lead and show up for my team. Across each stage of my career, I’ve also grown just as much from mentors and role models who challenged me or even showed me what not to do. Every experience, good or tough, has helped shape my values and leadership style.
What’s the best mistake you’ve made in your career?
Early in my HR career, I was given the opportunity to lead some big projects and be the final decision maker, which was exciting, but also a little intimidating. I found myself not as decisive as I could have been and second-guessing decisions. I often over-consulted and looped in other team members for their opinions, even when my gut knew the right choice. I wanted to be thoughtful and collaborative, but looking back, I was also avoiding trusting my own voice. Over time, I built confidence and learned how important it is to trust myself and stand firm, especially in rooms where I was often the youngest person or the only woman. That experience really shaped how I lead today: listening when it counts but also knowing when to trust my gut and own the decision.
What do you love most about working in HR, and what would you change?
I love that no two days are the same. In HR, we get to solve complex problems, influence careers, drive culture and guide decisions that move the business forward. At iCIMS, HR is not just behind the scenes. We truly have a seat at the table as strategic partners, and that has made being here so fulfilling. What I would change is the reactive nature of HR. In my career, I’ve seen how much stronger outcomes are when we’re involved early as proactive partners, not just fixers. That’s why I advocate for proactive thinking, clear communication and creating less stressful environments for employees. At the end of the day, our job is to be a partner that makes sure people feel empowered to succeed when they show up to work.
It sounds like you really care about helping people feel safe and supported, can you expand on that?
Absolutely. That’s been a constant thread throughout my career. Whether I was managing a team of housekeepers early on or shaping global talent strategies, my goal has always been to create an environment where people feel seen, heard and supported. When people feel that, they do their best work. That’s really what energizes me about HR.
How does HR most effectively demonstrate value to leadership teams, especially in talent management?
The overwhelming majority of HR leaders already believe they are driving strategic change within their organizations, according to our upcoming State of the CHRO Report. And they’re right. But demonstrating that value day-to-day requires being both strategic and flexible, not being rigid or overly policy driven. A strong talent leader meets the business where it is and understands how to operate in the gray. Talent challenges are rarely black and white, so we must be creative, resourceful and solutions oriented. It’s about showing up as a trusted partner who helps move things forward, not someone who slows things down. When we bring clarity to complexity and help leaders make better decisions about their people, that’s when HR’s value really shines
Where do you see talent management heading over the next five years?
I see a big shift toward skills-based hiring and resource planning. We’re shifting away from just looking at traditional resumes and focusing more on what people are actually capable of. At the same time, upskilling and internal development are becoming even more critical. Of course, AI will certainly continue to play a role in all of this, helping us streamline processes and improve decision-making, but human-centered leadership must remain front and center. While tech can support us, it can’t replace the empathy, instinct and connection that a great HR leader brings. The future of talent management will balance the best of both worlds: innovation through technology and leadership rooted in understanding people.
What are you most proud of in your career?
The team that I’ve had the opportunity to build and lead at iCIMS. When I first joined, our team was a small, mostly U.S.-based group. Now, we’re a global function supporting both full-time and contingent workers across multiple regions. We’ve faced changes organizationally and as an industry, but we’ve managed to continue to be seen as trusted advisors across the business. The growth and success of my team, and seeing them thrive in an ever-changing environment, is what I’m most proud of.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in HR?
Stay open-minded and be willing to say “yes,” even to the roles others might shy away from. Some of my biggest growth moments came from unexpected opportunities that challenged me in ways I didn’t anticipate. When I first transitioned into HR, it wasn’t a straight path. It was a shift I didn’t expect, but one that has shaped my entire career. Remember to always step outside your comfort zone, because your path won’t be linear, but it will shape you in the best ways.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. It’s been a journey full of growth, learning and community. From starting my career as a frontline worker in hospitality to now leading HR teams and playing a key role in scaling organizations, I’ve learned so much along the way. Being in HR at a company that is at the forefront of AI-driven talent acquisition has me excited about the future of our industry. I see incredible potential for AI to continue to transform how HR teams work and drive business growth while delivering a seamless experience that meets the expectations of today’s job seekers. HR continues to be incredibly exciting, and I’m proud to be a part of it.