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Podcast
Lessons learned from successful tech leaders & practitioners on how they got where they are today.
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Carisa Zink is CEO of IT Avalon. She started her early years in Louisiana but made a big move to San Francisco at the age of 10. This helped shape her life’s path. She started in retail, which led her to the tech industry in software service sales with Computer Associates. She eventually made a leap of faith to start IT Avalon in 2012.
Carisa takes immense pride in steering IT Avalon's success, where the company has become a trusted partner for businesses spanning various sectors. As a woman at the forefront of the tech recruiting industry, she embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience that IT, R&D, and innovation teams embrace.
Beyond her professional life, Carisa finds joy as a mother, wife, and daughter. She enjoys nothing more than quality time with her family and friends. She is a humanitarian at heart and is always the first to be a part of a good cause. One close to her heart is the Shirley Ann Foundation, created after John and Carisa’s mothers. Their foundation supports women and children coming from abusive homes.
Chris Wadle is IT Avalon's VP of Delivery. He began his career with an IT staffing company as a technical recruiter. With a total of 8 years in technical recruiting and 4 years in staffing sales and account management, Chris found his niche in 2017 at IT Avalon as a Sr. Technical Recruiter. Together, they redefine tech staffing benchmarks on speed, quality, and innovation.
With 18 years in technical recruiting and business development, Chris sees IT staffing as more than a profession. Each day presents an opportunity to shape careers and influence businesses. He shares insights with clients and candidates that transcend conventional job descriptions and spotlight their potential impact on business growth and efficiency. New challenges and problem-solving opportunities keep him deeply engaged. His principles are rooted in integrity, honesty, and trust.
Beyond his day job, Chris enjoys strumming tunes on his guitar, tinkering with cars, immersing himself in home improvement projects, and reconnecting with nature through hiking and camping.
John Zink is the President of IT Avalon. He has a genuine passion for what he does, matching the right clients with the right contractors. With humble beginnings as a paramedic, he has accrued 20 years of experience serving others and now supports companies in the tech industry with the same passion and rigor. John’s consistency and tenacity have resulted in building a team of recruiters with a 4x faster hiring time than the industry standard. IT Avalon averages 1.7 candidates to every hire – more than 4 times or 80% better than the industry average of 8.
When he’s out of the office, you can find John on the drums with his band, The Breakfast Klub. John likes to perform, especially for a good cause. One of his other passions is connecting with individuals and sharing all things life, career, and family. This led him to start a podcast, “How in the Hell Did We Get Here? With John Zink”. The podcast allows John to speak with successful entrepreneurs and professionals about their journey in hopes of inspiring the next generation. His most important priority is spending time with his 5-year-old son Johnny and wife Carisa, who is CEO of IT Avalon. They love to make frequent visits to Mount Carroll, Illinois, where John was born and raised.
In every aspect of his life, John follows his heart and takes big leaps of faith. He strives to be the best entrepreneur, employer, friend, son, husband, and father, and his genuine personality cascades throughout IT Avalon’s brand and culture. As clients often say, the culture and John’s persona are key differentiators that make IT Avalon stand out in the talent acquisition industry.
Jane Smith is a visionary leader and accomplished CEO with a proven track record of driving business success. With over two decades of experience in the technology sector, she has consistently demonstrated strategic acumen and innovation. Jane's leadership style is characterized by a focus on fostering a collaborative and dynamic corporate culture.
As the CEO of XYZ Tech, Jane has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have propelled the company to new heights, expanding its market presence and enhancing profitability. Her forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in navigating the company through industry disruptions, embracing emerging technologies, and ensuring sustained growth.
Jane holds an MBA from a top-tier business school and is recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She actively engages in philanthropy, supporting initiatives that promote education and technological advancement. Under her guidance, XYZ Tech continues to be a trailblazer in the tech industry, poised for continued success and innovation in the rapidly evolving business landscape.