About Marissa

As a seasoned Talent Acquisition and People Operations leader with nearly two decades of experience, I have supported people and companies globally, spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Driven by my vast firsthand experience in a variety of workplace environments, including controversial companies and toxic cultures, I am passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces and employee well-being. I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in the realm of work and helping individuals overcome negative experiences to thrive in their careers.

As a coach, I teach my clients the tools to identify the painful stories they tell themselves, let go of their shadow selves, and step forward into their true potential. I blend my certification from the Personal Development School in Gibson Integrated Attachment Theory™ with training in Active Listening, Emotional Intelligence, and Positive Psychology. As a talent strategist, I advocate for a humanistic approach to recruitment. I partner with hiring managers and founders to emphasize the importance of building people-first organizations that prioritize values alignment and create inclusive and psychologically safe work environments.

Having worked with renowned technology companies, including Google, Facebook, Skype, and Slack, I developed a passion for working with early-stage startups, entrepreneurs, and executives. As Slack’s first HR hire, I played a crucial role in creating the Recruiting and HR processes, scaling Slack from a team of under 50 employees to a global workforce exceeding 850 in less than 3 years. I focused on growth without sacrificing quality and was recognized for my ability to recruit based on values such as empathy, creating a unified culture throughout the offices, worldwide.

I have taken the stage at various conferences, including sharing a platform with Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak at Pivot Summit. My insights and expertise on scaling startups through values alignment, how to be an influential leader, and the future of work, have been featured across print, digital, and radio interviews. Contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential to me. As a former advisor for the global non-profit Girls in Tech, I helped establish Australia’s first chapter and co-led its mentorship program. I’ve advised aspiring entrepreneurs through participation in judging pitch nights for incubators and accelerator programs. Currently, I’m an angel investor in a startup in Napa Valley.

Let’s work together!