Kristena D. Hatcher is a HR Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, the world’s leading full service entertainment, media, and sports agency. Kristena focuses on talent acquisition at CAA, establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships across the business while managing the recruitment of entry through executive-level functions for Motion Pictures, Television, Comedy, and Foundation client groups.
Prior to joining CAA, Kristena was an Executive Recruiter for Morgan Samuels, a retained executive search firm, where she was responsible for placing senior executives and C-level talent across industries including digital media and entertainment, consumer packaged goods, and engineering and construction.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama. After graduating Kristena received her Professional in Human Resources Certification through the HR Certification Institute and has also completed coursework in Human Resources Management at UCLA.
Kristena shares what drove her move from Alabama to Southern California and the infectious passion that inspires her at CAA.
MY ROLE
I work with our Motion Pictures, Television, Comedy, and Foundation departments to identify and hire candidates who share CAA’s entrepreneurial spirit and will contribute to the agency’s culture of collaboration.
FIRST BIG CAREER BREAK
Working at Morgan Samuels was a key turning-point in my career as it gave me exposure to recruiting for senior executives and C-level talent across a number of industries, including digital media, entertainment, consumer packaged goods, engineering, and construction. The experience I gained there was invaluable and prepared me for working at such a multi-faceted global company as CAA.
MY TYPICAL WORK DAY
One of the things I love most about what I do is that there is no typical work day. On any given day, I am interviewing candidates, working with agents and executives on their hiring decisions, or providing guidance to assistants on their career growth.
CURRENT PROJECTS
We are working to enhance the application process for prospective employees, and increasing awareness of opportunities across the company for current employees. The ultimate goal is to create greater efficiencies in sharing opportunities on a global basis.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT
I moved to Los Angeles from Birmingham, Alabama, where career opportunities on the business side of entertainment are not as prevalent. I am extremely proud to work at CAA and play a leading role in hiring for a company that represents the most accomplished and iconic artists and brands in the world.
FAVORITE THINGS
I love to travel, see different parts of the world, experience new cultures, and meet new people. I also enjoy attending art shows and escaping the city by hiking some of the amazing trails we have here in LA.
INSPIRATION
I am inspired by my family, especially my mom and dad, who are a constant source of motivation. Everyone at CAA is passionate about the work they do and about the agency’s clients. Their passion is infectious and inspires me to always do my best.
SECRET TALENT
I work with many different personalities, so the ability to read people well is key when matching an assistant with an agent or executive, or identifying new candidates to fit within our organization.
BEST ADVICE
Know your worth, and don’t allow anyone else to define that for you.
LOOKING AHEAD
Professionally, I am working with a number of colleagues to help change the face of CAA by creating opportunities for diverse prospects. I also work with a number of entertainment companies and organizations to help change the overall complexion of the business.
MY ADVICE FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LOVE TO WORK AT CAA
Do your research and come prepared for the interview with thoughtful questions – ones you can’t find the answer to with a simple internet search. Keep a pulse on what’s happening in our industries. Network with those who currently work at CAA or have worked here in the past to get a general sense of the expectations of working in a dynamic agency environment to ensure you’re prepared and up for the exciting challenge.
I LOVE WHAT I DO BECAUSE…
It is tremendously rewarding to extend job offers to candidates and feel their excitement.
Interview by Octavia Goredema
Octavia Goredema is an award winning career coach, writer and the founder of Twenty Ten Talent. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or over on Twitter.
