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Lilian Tham
Leading Executive and Strategic Recruiting at Airbnb
Professional Background
Lilian Tham is a distinguished executive recruiting leader and talent acquisition strategist, renowned for her innovative approach to building elite teams and engaging top-tier talent. With a wealth of experience in executive recruiting, she has made significant contributions to notable companies including Airbnb and Google. At Airbnb, she spearheaded a transformative executive recruiting function that emulates the model of a retained search firm, allowing the organization to attract senior-level talent effectively. Her strategy emphasizes a relationship-driven approach to recruiting that seeks to engage even the most passive candidates, showcasing her foresight in a fast-evolving marketplace.
Prior to her impactful tenure at Airbnb, Lilian served as the Hardware Practice Lead and Consumer Product & Engineering recruiter at Google. Here, she honed her skills in recognizing the nuances of technical talent acquisition, building on her extensive experience in executive recruitment that spans industries such as technology, finance, and retail. Earlier in her career, she worked in various esteemed roles, including Senior Principal Executive Recruiter at Howard Fischer Associates, where she specialized in the Software & Technology sector, alongside leadership positions in business development, marketing, and finance at companies like Sage Consulting Associates, Macy's, and American Express.
With a commitment to continuous improvement, Lilian approaches the executive recruiting function as a product, constantly iterating and enhancing processes to better serve her clients and candidates. Her unique combination of skills and experience makes her a formidable force in the recruiting landscape, epitomizing excellence and innovation in talent acquisition.
Education and Achievements
Lilian Tham pursued her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies from the prestigious UCLA Anderson School of Management. Her academic background, combined with extensive real-world experience, has equipped her with the analytical skills and business acumen necessary to excel in high-level recruitment roles. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a specialization in Economics from the University of Southern California, further solidifying her foundation in business principles.
Personal Passions
Outside of the professional realm, Lilian is deeply engaged in biohacking, constantly exploring innovative ways to enhance her health, fitness, and overall performance. Influenced by thought leaders like Dave Asprey and Tim Ferriss, she seeks to optimize her physical and mental capabilities. Furthermore, her enthusiasm extends to a diverse array of interests including food, music, and travel. Whether mentoring others, surfing, snowboarding, or practicing yoga, Lilian embraces a well-rounded lifestyle that promotes personal growth and adventure. Traveling inspires her curiosity about human connections across global cultures, and she aspires to explore all continents to deepen her understanding of people and their diverse ways of life.
Lilian also actively participates in endurance sports, including triathlons and marathon running, where she continues to challenge herself physically. With a Six Sigma Greenbelt certification, she brings a methodical approach to problem-solving and efficiency to her work. Moreover, her linguistic skills in both Chinese and English further enhance her ability to connect with a broad range of individuals in her professional and personal endeavors.
Achievements
- Developed and implemented a groundbreaking executive recruiting function at Airbnb, aligning with a retained search model to attract exceptional senior talent.
- Led executive recruitment for hardware and engineering roles at Google, showcasing expertise in sourcing high-demand technical professionals.
- Served in senior executive roles across multiple industries, building a robust network and deep understanding of various business landscapes to enhance recruitment strategies.
- Achieved a strong track record of engaging passive talent through innovative and relationship-driven methods.
- Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence and process improvement in recruitment endeavors.