Jasmine Conn’s career in talent management took off when she applied for a job as an account manager and recruiter with Randstad. She found immediate alignment with the industry, leveraging her skills in relationship-building and talent acquisition.

When an opportunity with Modis for a business development manager role arose, which perfectly intersected team building and business strategy, Conn seized it with determination. She was initially invited to interview for a recruiter role, but during the interview, Conn boldly voiced her aspirations.

“I’m really interested in coming to work here – but I’d rather have the business development position,” said Conn.

Her assertiveness paid off, and she was offered the position.

From Corporate Leader to Strategic Innovator

With a natural aptitude for leadership and solving business challenges, Conn quickly rose through the ranks. After six years, she advanced to managing director at Modis, then to regional vice president.

As she moved up the career ladder, Conn often noticed a lack of diversity at the executive level across the industry. A devoted mother of two, Conn recognized that career growth often requires trailblazing in unconventional ways. Reflecting on her career plateau, she turned to education, enrolling in the Executive MBA – Strategic Leadership (EMBA-SL) program, which proved instrumental in honing her leadership philosophy.

Rising to the Challenge: EMBA and Executive Leadership

During her time in the EMBA-SL program, Conn encountered course material that directly supported her professional goals, particularly concerning strategic leadership. The program’s collaborative environment fostered a peer network that enhanced her learning experience.

“The peer network enhanced the program tremendously,” she said. “Meaningful conversations and friendships added depth to the learning experience.”

Halfway through the program, Conn was recruited to become the senior vice president of enterprise at Talent Groups, where she joined as an equity shareholder and board member, a role that further broadened her strategic and operational scopes.

Launching a Legacy: Founding Hire Elevation Resources Corporation

Driven by a vision shaped through years of experience and leadership, Conn founded Hire Elevation Resources Corporation (H.E.R.) to address critical needs in the talent landscape. Her vision was for H.E.R. to be more than a staffing agency. She conceived it as a talent partner, bridging the gap between companies striving to find specialized skill sets and professionals looking for meaningful, growth-oriented careers.

Conn designed H.E.R. to be a solution-oriented, people-focused organization, committed to understanding the unique challenges organizations face in securing top talent across high-demand fields like IT, engineering, biotech, life science, accounting, finance, and other areas in which business professionals apply their expertise.

By combining her expertise in recruitment with a genuine focus on mentoring and career development, Conn empowers companies to build strong, adaptable teams while also providing candidates with roles that align with their goals and values. H.E.R. is structured to prioritize both company objectives and employee aspirations, creating a balance that fosters long-term success on both sides.

This dual commitment to organizational growth and personal career fulfillment sets H.E.R. apart as a true leader in talent management, underscoring Conn’s legacy of building pathways for individuals and organizations alike.

Empowering Future Leaders

As a business owner, Conn leverages her journey to inspire future leaders, emphasizing transparency and authenticity.

“I want my team to see me juggle responsibilities transparently,” she said. “This shows them they, too, can balance career ambitions and personal life with confidence.”

She encourages young professionals, particularly women, to seek mentors and be open to the learning opportunities that challenges bring. Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and recognized by the State of Tennessee as a Women-Owned Business, H.E.R. is grounded in Conn’s vision to shape a future where “Talent Thrives and Organizations Flourish.”

EMBA Words of Wisdom

Conn advises emerging leaders to cultivate a “personal board of directors,” a trusted group of mentors whose support helps navigate the complexities of leadership.

“I’ve had supportive mentors who encouraged me every step of the way,” Conn said. “These relationships are invaluable for anyone aiming to grow personally and professionally.”