Kristen Charlson

About Kristen Charlson

I help leaders and organizations make thoughtful decisions about talent, leadership, and…

Experience

1. Senior Director, Global Executive Talent

   Workday

   May 2017 — Present

   Leading high-impact executive talent initiatives to scale Workday’s growth, from early days to a Fortune 500 company. Working alongside our Global Executive Leadership Team, CEO, and Board of Directors, I focus on critical areas like executive succession planning, leadership calibration, and board-level talent reviews. These efforts help ensure we have the right leaders, in the right roles, to drive Workday’s continued growth and build a durable business.Key Achievements: • Led 125+ senior leadership searches globally, placing executives in critical roles such as Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Information Officer, and EVP of Worldwide Sales • Partnered with CEO to drive Executive Skills Transformation, cultivating a high-performing executive leadership team • Developed and implemented talent strategies supporting expansion into key markets (Atlanta, Pune, Costa Rica), essential for scaling operations and driving efficiencyBeyond these initiatives, I’ve often been called upon to lead transformation in areas where change is necessary. My roles at Workday have included: • Senior Director, Global Talent Acquisition - Executive, Corporate, Early Career, and Emerging Talent • Interim Global Talent Acquisition Lead - Professional Services and Customer Success • Director, Global Talent Acquisition - Executive • Senior Manager, Global Talent Acquisition - Corporate FunctionsAt the core of my career is a commitment to conscious leadership—fostering talent through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and a growth mindset. This dedication led to my selection as a Fortune Connect Fellow, where I’ve focused on inclusive, purpose-driven leadership to shape sustainable talent strategies for the future.

Education

• University of California, Berkeley

  BA