Member Spotlight: Meet Charlie Saffro of CS Recruiting

March is Women’s History Month and TIA believes in celebrating the diversity in our membership. Meet Charlie Saffro, CEO, of CS Recruiting in Highland Park, Ill.

How did you get involved in the industry? How many years have you been working in the industry?

I started working in the industry in 2006 when I joined a logistics technology start-up. My original role was a cross between marketing and office management, yet our company went through some unexpected growth and I quickly transitioned into a recruiting position to support additional hiring needs. I was with this company for four years before they were acquired and I spun off my own recruiting firm, CS Recruiting in 2010. As of 2024, I’ve been in this industry 18 years…but who’s counting?!?

Who has inspired your career?

I draw most inspiration from the remarkable women I’ve encountered on my journey. There are too many to name, but these include various clients, job seekers, colleagues, mentors and partners that I’ve met over the years. Despite women being outnumbered in our industry, I’ve found so many inspiring females who have influenced me along the way. Their stories and experiences are relatable and serve as a reminder that anyone can forge their path to success with the right amount of resilience and passion to make a meaningful difference.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?

Leading people has been both the greatest opportunity and biggest challenge in my career. Leading a team can be incredibly rewarding when you know you’re making a difference in someone’s life. However, leading a team is also an ongoing challenge, as it comes with a huge amount of accountability and responsibility to do right by others.

My goal as a leader is to influence to inspire others to reach their own potential by providing them with the opportunities and resources to do so. Being a leader means you face challenges everyday; but, it also means that you are taking advantage of opportunities everyday…and there’s no doubt the reward is greater than the risk.

It’s no irony that my biggest challenge is also my biggest opportunity because I’ve learned that leadership and people management is all about balance. I find myself constantly gauging my own alignment between leading with my head and leading with my heart and use this to drive my behavior and decision making.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry?

I would encourage anyone aspiring to join the logistics and supply chain industry to embark on an exciting journey that never ceases. The dynamic nature of this field ensures that every day is a new adventure. The gratification of contributing to the movement of essential goods and services on a global scale is unparalleled. My advice would be to embrace the constant evolution, stay curious, and be ready to leverage your superpowers to make a meaningful impact.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA?

Being a member of TIA holds immense significance for me due to the invaluable opportunities I’ve been exposed to for networking and learning. The collaborative environment allows me to connect with industry peers, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations. TIA fosters a community where knowledge is shared, relationships are built, and together, we contribute to the growth and advancement of the logistics and supply chain sector.