Building systems, not tasks

Spotlight is our series on the people shaping the future of hiring and talent. We ask them how they work, what they believe, and where AI actually helps.

This time we spoke with Kim Ullstrup, product operations manager at Horizontal Talent, where she leads technology strategy for the US talent organization.

With over fifteen years in staffing and HR tech, she has built her career at the intersection of people, process, and technology. Kim identifies, implements, and optimizes software solutions that improve experiences for candidates, clients, and internal teams. Her expertise includes building scalable tech stacks, integrating AI, and driving digital transformation in talent acquisition.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in hiring or talent?

Focus on building systems, not tasks. Early in your career, invest in understanding how people, processes, and technology interact. Talent acquisition isn't just about identifying candidates. It's about creating reliable, equitable pathways that scale with market shifts and organizational priorities. In today's environment, pairing operational foundations with thoughtful tech adoption lets you drive both efficiency and experience.

What's the most rewarding part of the work you do today?

Bridging strategy and execution. Translating workforce vision into scalable processes, operational flows and technology solutions that genuinely improve recruiter performance and candidate experience. When systems are aligned and supported by the right tools and technology, recruiters can focus on high-impact work instead of repetitive administrative tasks. The impact shows up in stronger client partnerships, more engaged candidates, and better internal outcomes.

What's one thing you hope never changes about how we hire people?

I hope the fundamentally human aspect of hiring, empathy, judgment, and connection, remains central. No AI agent or algorithm should replace human discernment about cultural fit, grit, and potential. Technology should enhance those human decisions, not obscure or replace them.

What skill has mattered more than you expected in this line of work?

Change management. AI tools, automation, new hiring models. They only work if recruiters, clients, and candidates trust and adopt them. Operational excellence in staffing isn't just about building the right solution. It's about driving behavioral adoption across stakeholders.