Foot Locker’s VP of Global Talent Acquisition, Lisa Kraska, shares why relationships, adaptability, and meaningful connections still define recruiting success.
Lisa Kraska didn’t join Foot Locker to play it safe. Speaking at the Recruiting Innovation Summit, Kraska talked openly about her shift from decades in healthcare to leading global talent acquisition at one of retail’s most recognizable brands.
She made it clear right away: the key to great recruiting is still about building authentic relationships.
Moving Industries Means Learning a New Playbook
Kraska’s move from healthcare to retail required her to quickly master a new industry while also reshaping Foot Locker’s recruiting strategy.
"I've only been here for eight months, and learning retail while transforming our recruiting function has been a big challenge," Lisa said. "It’s a lot like trying to change a tire while the car is moving."
She shared that despite the learning curve, Foot Locker’s strong culture and experienced leadership made her decision easy. "It wasn't difficult at all. The brand is incredible, the leadership is committed, and the culture keeps people here long-term," Kraska said.
Relationships Still Beat Résumés Every Time
According to Lisa, recruiting today still comes down to relationships. While technology helps streamline processes, it can’t replace genuine human connection.
"In a highly automated recruiting world, human relationships are what truly stand out," Lisa explained. "Recruiters who listen carefully and build trust with hiring managers and candidates always win."
She emphasized that good recruiters build relationships by truly understanding the needs of hiring managers and candidates rather than relying solely on automated screening or intake forms. "My team loves automation, but there’s no substitute for real conversations," she added.
Listening is a Lost Art in Recruiting
Lisa believes recruiters often overlook the importance of listening deeply to hiring managers. Instead of checking boxes or filling out forms, she encourages recruiters to engage in thoughtful conversations.
“Recruiters need to ask hiring managers, ‘What’s your actual challenge? Why does this role matter?’” Lisa said. "This genuine interest creates trust and improves results."
She also highlighted that truly listening to candidates about their motivations and choices helps recruiters attract and retain top talent.
Real Conversations Matter More than Ever
Kraska shared that one-on-one conversations at industry conferences provide more value than typical email outreach or LinkedIn messages.
"Events are powerful because they spark real dialogue," she said. "One ten-minute face-to-face interaction is far more valuable than countless impersonal emails."
Lisa encourages recruiters to prioritize meaningful connections at industry events to share ideas and solve problems collaboratively.
Company Culture Isn’t a Perk, It’s Essential
Lisa pointed out that Foot Locker’s success in talent retention is strongly linked to its culture. Employees frequently start at entry-level roles and build long-term careers within the company.
“We have people who started part-time in a store because they loved the sneakers, and now they’re senior executives,” Lisa explained. "That speaks volumes about our culture."
She believes recruiters should leverage these genuine employee stories to authentically showcase the company’s culture and attract like-minded talent.
Recruiters Need Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Reflecting on her session at the Recruiting Innovation Summit, Lisa emphasized the importance of adaptability and ongoing learning. She believes recruiters must continuously evolve their approach as technology and candidate expectations change.
"Recruiting professionals need to stay agile and constantly ask, 'How can we do things differently?'" Lisa explained. "Conferences remind us of that need to adapt and evolve."
Personal Storytelling Cuts Through the Noise
Lisa also emphasized that personal storytelling is powerful for attracting top talent. Authentic stories from employees build trust, communicate culture, and resonate deeply with candidates.
"People want authenticity," Lisa said. "Telling honest, personal stories about what it's like to work at your company can be more compelling than any polished marketing campaign."
The Bottom Line: Keep Learning, Keep Listening, Keep Connecting
Lisa Kraska’s insights at the Recruiting Innovation Summit highlight clear priorities for today’s talent leaders. Recruiting is still fundamentally about relationships, culture, and continuous adaptability. While technology evolves rapidly, recruiters who focus on genuine connections, meaningful conversations, and personal storytelling will continue to thrive.
This article is part of Chatterworks’ exclusive series, capturing real insights from talent leaders at the Recruiting Innovation Summit.
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