Executive Spotlight: Ariel Schur

Recruiter.com Magazine's "Executive Spotlight" features top executives, HR professionals, recruiters, and business leaders sharing their insights on hiring, management, and best recruiting practices.

This Issue's Spotlight: Ariel Schur, CEO and Founder, ABS Staffing Solutions

A lot of entrepreneurs like to talk about their businesses as a kind of metaphorical family, but for Ariel Schur, the connection runs a bit deeper. Founded in January 2013, Schur's New York City-based staffing firm ABS Staffing Solutions was inspired by her late grandfather, “whom I revered,” Schur says.

Schur is also more attuned to the parallels between parenting and growing a business than most. “Truthfully, I have countless stories from both work and motherhood which exemplify the curveballs life can throw,” she says. “I find the key is to stay calm, find the humor, and do the best you can.”

Below, Schur talks about how assembling an eclectic team, learning to prioritize, and a healthy dose of determination have helped her build a staffing firm that “creates a special and personalized experience to help both companies and candidates achieve their highest potential.”

What do you love most about your job?

There are honestly so many facets of my work that I love and feel grateful to do every day. My primary passion is being able to help people and have a meaningful impact on an individual's life.

I once had a candidate who was expecting his first child and had recently been laid off. He came to me in desperate need of a job and scared about not being able to provide for his family. As it turns out, that same day I got a new job request from a client that fit his exact skill set. I was able to get the candidate a same-day interview, and later that week he got the job. Four years later, he is still there and now expecting his second child. He continues to refer friends and colleagues to me and always expresses his gratitude for my assistance.

In my work, I love that I can have a lasting impact and change people's lives. I also appreciate that every day is different, and I never know what successes or challenges the day will bring. Most days are similar to a roller coaster ride: You can't see the full track in advance, but even if you feel scared by a large drop or turn, you end the ride with a smile.

What is your proudest professional moment?

My proudest moment was having the fortitude and wherewithal to take the leap of faith to start my own company.

Initially, I was overwhelmed with fear and doubt. I will never forget talking with my friend and mentor, Alison Brod, about whether I should take the risk. She candidly conveyed it was a no-brainer. In fact, she became one of my initial clients.

Ironically, if anyone had told me when I was younger or even in college that I would be able to achieve this, I would have undoubtedly laughed and thought they were crazy.

Describe your ideal team. What kind of people are on it?

My ideal team is an eclectic group of men and women who share my passion. They do not need experience or a background in recruiting. I know that I can train anyone as long as they have the drive, work ethic, and diligence, and they share my vision.

Personally, I deal with all facets of the business, especially with clients. I enjoy setting up faceto-face meetings, which I find extremely important and useful. I also value initial mistakes because I feel they are a great learning tool for all. Within my group, I strive to be a team player and a mentor. In my view, my role is to help my employees constantly learn and grow individually and collectively. I am a big proponent of open and honest communication. I have an open-door policy, and I also seek feedback so I can continue to improve as well.

What are your must-follow hiring rules?

I am still old school and believe in handwritten thank-you notes after interviews. I also seek people who arrive early to interviews, exude a positive energy, and have done their research on my company. I look for people who are selfmotivated, willing to getting involved at any and all levels, and enjoy being a team player.

You've written in the past about balancing motherhood with a professional career. Has your experience as a mom informed the way you run a company? Has your experience running a company informed the way you parent?

Being a mother has definitely helped inspire and prepare me for starting my own business. As a mom of three girls, I was forced to hone my skills of multitasking and being efficient, which are also invaluable in my work. I often explain to my staff “If anyone had told me when I was younger that I would be able to achieve this, I would have laughed and thought they were crazy.” and children that time is money and I don't want to waste either of them. This helps me prioritize my day and adhere to my schedule, which is vital for success with my kids and work.

I certainly feel that through running my own company I have transferred some beneficial skills to my home life as well. In my business, there are often issues that arises that no one prepares you for in advance. For example, I had a client who suddenly declared bankruptcy and owed me money. This experience forced me to learn how to navigate this uncharted territory in real time.

That same life lesson definitely holds true with children as well. I will never forget getting a call from school that my daughter split open her lip and needed to be picked up ASAP! I called the doctor and ran to school. We went to the doctor with blood all over both of us only to learn she needed stitches. This was my first experience with stitches, and since it was on her face, the doctor recommended a plastic surgeon. We ran to another doctor, and fortunately we were able to get stitched immediately and without a scar.

Truthfully, I have countless stories from both work and motherhood that exemplify the curveballs life can throw. I find the key is to stay calm, find the humor, and do the best you can. I believe most rewarding things in life aren't easy, but if you learn to embrace things as they arise, you gain wisdom, knowledge, and appreciation for it all!

If you had to sum up your entire career in quotes, what would you choose?

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” - Bob Marley

“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.” - Eleanor Roosevelt