Leadership Q&A: Stephen Bartlett, Career Strategist & Principal

Stephen Bartlett’s career journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, leadership, and a passion for talent development. From his early days in sales to leading talent acquisition teams across North America and Europe, Stephen has built a reputation for fostering high-performing teams and implementing innovative recruitment strategies. Now, as a career strategist and principal, he continues to empower professionals by guiding them through career transitions and helping them unlock their full potential.

In this Q&A, Stephen shares insights on his leadership philosophy, challenges he has overcome, and what excites him about the future.

Can you provide an overview of your career journey?

My career has evolved in ways I never could have imagined. I began in sales, where my success led me to a regional sales leadership role. Early on, I realized that my achievements were directly tied to hiring and developing top talent. This passion for talent acquisition led me to transition into recruitment, where I had the privilege of working across a range of industries—both for-profit and nonprofit—spanning tech startups to Fortune 50 companies.

I led teams across North America and Europe, gaining invaluable experience in talent strategy and leadership. In recent years, I chose to leverage this extensive experience to become a career coach, helping professionals navigate their careers successfully. Whether guiding clients toward securing new opportunities or preparing for retirement, I take great pride in empowering individuals to achieve their career goals.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style has always been my "superpower." I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with exceptionally talented teams and cross-functional leaders to achieve ambitious goals. My approach is rooted in Servant Leadership—a philosophy I instinctively applied before formally refining it at Ultimate Software, one of the best workplaces in the U.S. This leadership style has allowed me to foster high-performing, engaged teams while maintaining a people-first approach to achieving business success.

Who or what has most influenced your leadership approach, and how do you integrate those lessons?

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside remarkable leaders and colleagues, particularly at RGP, a spinoff of Deloitte, and at Ultimate Software. At both organizations, I witnessed firsthand the power of Servant Leadership, which resulted in highly engaged, high-performing teams. My team was recognized for consistently meeting critical hiring deadlines, even under demanding circumstances. These experiences reinforced my belief that when leaders prioritize the development and well-being of their teams, success follows naturally.

What major challenges have you faced in leadership, and how did you overcome them?

One of the most significant challenges I faced was leading talent acquisition for a rapidly growing tech startup during a period of record-high talent shortages in the U.S. The demand for top talent was intense, and traditional recruiting strategies were no longer effective. To address this, my team and I developed innovative recruitment techniques tailored to the competitive landscape. Our efforts paid off—so much so that a leader from one of our venture capital partners personally reached out to thank me, acknowledging that our ability to attract top talent had directly contributed to the company’s exponential growth. Ultimately, we achieved 170% of the company’s hiring plan, laying the foundation for doubling revenue growth.

Looking ahead, what excites you about the future and your work as a career strategist?

Currently, I am consulting with over 40 clients, each with unique strengths, challenges, and career aspirations. I have the privilege of coaching professionals across a wide spectrum of industries, including scientists, medical doctors, and leaders in sales, marketing, communications, accounting, and finance. Every client brings a distinct career history, and I take great satisfaction in crafting tailored roadmaps to help them build the skills and confidence needed for success. The gratitude and progress I witness daily are incredibly rewarding, reaffirming my passion for this work. I can see myself continuing to make an impact in this space for decades to come.

Stephen Bartlett’s career is a masterclass in leadership, adaptability, and the power of investing in people. His experience in talent acquisition, his commitment to Servant Leadership, and his current work as a career consultant highlight his dedication to helping others achieve their full potential. Whether leading teams in high-growth environments or coaching professionals toward new career heights, Stephen’s insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to excel in leadership and career development.