Drew Soule – Making a Difference as HR Leader and Advocate

By  //  July 3, 2024

Drew Soule stands out as a distinguished professional in the Human Resources (HR) domain, whose career trajectory is marked by significant achievements, innovative ideas, and a passionate commitment to fostering inclusivity in the workplace.

With a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Illinois, Drew’s extensive experience spans leading companies such as Northrop Grumman and Pinterest. His contributions to talent management, employee relations, and organizational development underscore his dedication to creating supportive and inclusive environments. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Drew fervently advocates for disability rights, working tirelessly to make air travel more accessible for individuals in wheelchairs. His multifaceted interests and dedication to making a positive impact define his approach to both work and life.

Early Career and Education

Drew’s journey in HR began with a solid educational foundation. After earning his Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Illinois, he quickly established himself. This academic background provided him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive world of human resources. 

His initial role at Northrop Grumman, a global security company, saw him supporting space engineers as an HR Business Partner. Here, Drew developed and implemented HR strategies tailored to the unique needs of the engineering team, emphasizing creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. 

His favorite project at Northrop Grumman was supporting the James Webb Space Telescope, where he ensured the readiness of the Materials and Test group for the telescope’s launch into space. This experience allowed Drew Soule to hone his skills in managing complex projects and working with highly specialized teams.

Professional Growth at Pinterest

Drew’s tenure at Pinterest further showcased his expertise in HR. As an HR leader, he was instrumental in shaping the company’s HR policies and practices to align with its mission and values. He played a crucial role in fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, leading Employee Resource Groups, and crafting their mission and vision for the future. Drew’s strategic approach to talent management, employee relations, and organizational development made him a valuable asset to Pinterest, and his efforts significantly contributed to the company’s success in creating an inclusive workplace. 

At Pinterest, Drew’s leadership was characterized by his ability to engage employees, understand their needs, and implement policies that promoted a positive work environment. His talent acquisition and retention work ensured that Pinterest attracted and retained top talent, further strengthening the company’s position in the tech industry.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Drew Soule has been deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) throughout his career. His leadership in this area has been evident through his involvement in various initiatives promoting inclusivity. 

At Pinterest, Drew led Employee Resource Groups, shaping their mission and vision to advance DEIB within the company. His efforts have fostered a more inclusive work environment and helped employees feel valued and supported, thereby enhancing overall organizational performance. 

Drew’s dedication to DEIB is rooted in his belief that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters innovation and creativity. By creating an environment where all employees feel valued and respected, Drew has helped to drive positive change within the organizations he has worked for.

Advocacy for Disability Rights

Beyond his professional achievements, Drew is a passionate advocate for disability rights. He focuses on making air travel more accessible for individuals in wheelchairs. This advocacy work is driven by his belief in equal opportunities for all and his commitment to positively impacting the lives of those with disabilities. 

Drew’s efforts in this area highlight his dedication to social justice and desire to create a more inclusive society. His work in disability advocacy includes collaborating with airlines and regulatory bodies to improve accessibility standards and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Through these efforts, Drew aims to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to travel safely and comfortably, regardless of their physical abilities.

Personal Interests and Passions

A variety of personal interests and passions enriches Drew’s life. He is an avid traveler, culinary enthusiast, and live music lover. These interests not only provide him with a well-rounded perspective but also allow him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

Drew’s love for travel has taken him to numerous destinations worldwide, where he enjoys exploring new places and experiencing different cuisines. His passion for live music often leads him to attend music festivals, where he can immerse himself in the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

Drew’s culinary interests have also inspired him to experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques, further enriching his life. These hobbies allow him to relax and recharge, ensuring he can bring his best self to his professional and advocacy work.

Family and Personal Values

Family plays a significant role in Drew’s life. He shares a special bond with his twin brother and younger sister, whose support and encouragement have been instrumental in his personal and professional journey. These close family ties have instilled in Drew a strong sense of empathy and understanding, traits evident in his HR management approach. 

Drew’s family values are reflected in his commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting others in their growth and development. He believes a supportive and nurturing environment is essential for personal and professional success, and he strives to create such environments in all aspects of his life. Drew’s approach to HR management is characterized by his focus on building strong relationships, understanding the needs of his team members, and providing the support they need to succeed.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Drew is eager to continue positively impacting the HR field and beyond. He is exploring new HR corporate opportunities, ideally as a Senior HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or HR Director. Drew’s future goals include further advancing DEIB initiatives, developing innovative HR strategies, and continuing his advocacy for disability rights. 

His vision for the future centers on creating more inclusive and supportive environments where everyone can thrive. Drew is also interested in pursuing additional professional development opportunities, such as obtaining advanced certifications in HR and leadership. By continuing to build on his skills and knowledge, Drew aims to stay at the forefront of the HR field and drive positive change within his organizations.

Professional and Personal Philosophy

Drew’s professional and personal philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. This philosophy guides his approach to HR management, which focuses on creating inclusive and supportive environments that enable all employees to reach their full potential. 

Drew’s commitment to inclusivity is also evident in his advocacy work for disability rights, where he strives to create a more equitable society. He believes that by promoting diversity and inclusion, organizations can foster innovation, creativity, and overall success. 

Drew’s approach to HR management is characterized by his emphasis on building strong relationships, understanding the needs of his team members, and providing the support they need to succeed. He is dedicated to creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected, and employees can thrive personally and professionally.

Community Involvement and Impact

Drew’s dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond his professional and advocacy work. He is actively involved in his community, participating in various initiatives and organizations that promote social justice and equality. 

Drew believes that by giving back to the community, he can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. His involvement in community initiatives includes volunteering at local non-profits, participating in fundraising events, and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and accessibility. 

Drew’s commitment to community involvement is rooted in his belief that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of their community. By actively engaging in community initiatives, Drew aims to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Drew Soule’s career showcases his dedication, expertise, and passion for making a positive impact. His extensive experience in HR, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and advocacy for disability rights make him a remarkable professional. Drew’s multifaceted interests and strong family values further enrich his approach to life and work. As he looks to the future, 

Drew remains committed to fostering inclusive environments, advancing DEIB initiatives, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His journey inspires, demonstrating that professional success and personal passion can go hand in hand. Drew’s story is a powerful example of how dedication, empathy, and a commitment to social justice can drive positive change in the workplace and society.