Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Grable.
Hi Robyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up as a stepchild with both parents getting remarried when I was 3. My biological father and stepfather were alcoholics, and my stepmother was abusive. I learned early to defend myself. I joined the US Navy in 1979, one month after high school graduation. Women were still banned from holding certain jobs simply because of being a female. I learned then to fight for my skills. I did well in the Navy. I loved wearing the uniform. When I transitioned out after nine years of service, the resume writer couldn’t translate my skills. He told me that because I am a female without a college degree, I should get a job as an administrative assistant. I instantly became underemployed, underpaid, and undervalued. I worked my way through various jobs, ultimately in HR, and twelve years after leaving the military, I got a job at ADP doing exactly what I was doing in my last assignment in the Navy. Thanks to tuition reimbursement, I finished my bachelor’s and while working on my master’s in psychology, I met an Army veteran’s wife. Even though I had been away from the military for a while, she and I connected, and in tears, she told me her husband had been out for six months, could not get an interview, was spiraling into a depression, and she didn’t know how to help him. It was an awakening for me. I changed the focus of my master’s and graduated, knowing I had to create a better way to connect veterans and employers.
I tried to work with my employer to create something. I learned then I would have to believe in a leap of faith, and leave corporate America. Which I did in 2015 to start what is now Talents ASCEND. I knew from years of experience that resumes and application systems are the two biggest barriers for veterans. So, I built a skills-matching algorithm to remove those barriers. Our AI translates military and civilian occupations into a skills profile. Then matches the skills an employer needs with the skills of our candidates. The bias of education level, years of industry experience, previous title, or previous employer are removed. Our program recognizes and highlights what’s right with a person instead of filtering them out. June 28 will be our fifth anniversary. It has been challenging. There have been many days of tears, many more days of joy, knowing we are making a difference. We are changing the way employers think about talent. We are giving underserved talent equitable opportunities for careers. We advocate for skills and a process that allows a person to be who they are instead of curating a resume to get through the filters. We promote values and work with employers who intentionally connect with the right talent regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, disability, orientation, or background—human beings. Everyone deserves to be valued as a human being. I am humbled and honored, blessed beyond measure to do this work every day. To create a new way to connect employers and the talent they need. To honor the service of our veterans and military spouses. To appreciate our differences and our abilities. To provide gainful employment, so the past does not continue to define us.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been challenging not knowing what I didn’t know or how to get help. Sucker punched by a big bank that approved a loan and pulled the rug—running up against wall after wall when funding for a female-owned AI SaaS startup was non-existent. From being taken to the cleaners by a software development company to hiring someone with skills but who lacked drive. And underestimating how hard employers would hold on to the status quo of resumes and application systems while complaining about a talent shortage.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Talents ASCEND, the AI-Powered talent sourcing platform that allows employers to stop wasting time wading through unqualified applicants and hundreds of resumes. Using AI for skills-based hiring, employers gain profitability by being more inclusive of the military, disability, and justice-involved talent. Our custom translation algorithm translates occupations into a skills profile, matching employers and candidates on true skills, not a curated resume or application. The AI matches candidates on skills, location, and salary to every open position across the organization, instantly. Unlimited jobs so an employer can create a steady pipeline of unlimited candidates and stop missing out on the diverse talent with the skills they need. Our mission is to be the beacon of intentional change for talent diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We work with employers to think differently about talent. To create a proactive talent strategy that understands what skills the organization needs rather than settling for a warm body in the seat. We specialize in advocating for military talent, veterans and military spouses, people with disabilities, and the justice-involved.
Our AI and our service model sets us apart. Our entire staff is comprised of veterans or military spouses. Our voices and life experiences give us the knowledge and passion for this mission: our purpose and why sets us apart. We aren’t doing the same old thing as everyone else. We are not a job board or direct hire placement firm. Our service saves time and money. We care about the businesses we work with and the candidates we serve. We stand for others and give them a voice.
What do you think about happiness?
Nearly everything makes me happy because I choose to be positive. My family, my daughter and five grand cherubs are my entire life. They are my happiness. Their smiles light up my days. They see the world without bias. They don’t care what I look like, only that I use my skills of hugs and unconditional love. They are my inspiration. My work reflects their viewpoint. I am promoting underserved, highly skilled talent without bias. The work makes me happy because we are helping people. Helping businesses be successful and helping underserved talent strive. Who wouldn’t want to be me?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://talentsascend.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/talentsascend
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/talentsascend
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/talentsascend
Image Credits
Bonfire Visuals took the professional photo
