Meet Jess Nahigian

With a passion for recruiting and an eye for identifying exceptional talent, Jess takes immense pride in connecting great people with roles where they can truly thrive. Her ability to match top candidates with roles that align with their strengths and the firm’s mission is at the heart of her work. In this piece, she shares a closer look at her journey and offers personal insights into ghSMART’s one-of-a-kind culture.

The Search for a Role Built on Relationships

After graduating from college, Jess started her professional career in sales, but it didn’t take long for her to realize she was more drawn to recruiting than anything else. “I wanted a role where I could build relationships on a deeper level every day,” she explains. Throughout her recruiting career, Jess has worked in both agency and corporate recruiting, spanning diverse fields like marketing, engineering, IT, and healthcare.

What sets Jess apart is her genuine interest in understanding people’s motivations and passions. Her approach to recruitment isn’t just about matching resumes to job descriptions but ensuring a true fit that benefits both the individual and the organization. “I focus on understanding the underlying drivers of the individual and what that would mean for their success. When someone is in a role that’s meant for them, the impact is felt both personally and within the organization.” she says.

This drive to connect and support others isn’t confined to her professional life. Jess has always been the go-to mentor for friends, offering guidance through life’s challenges and lending a listening ear. “At ghSMART, I’ve been fortunate to continue this journey in a meaningful way,” she says. “It feels great to be in an environment that encourages this kind of support and collaboration.”

Discovering Freedom and Flexibility at ghSMART  

Jess was drawn to ghSMART because of the firm’s rare emphasis on freedom and flexibility. At ghSMART, she’s able to work from home, yet she’s also part of a team that challenges her to grow in her career. “It’s rare to find a workplace that places as much trust in people to manage our professional and personal lives,” she says. The firm’s remote culture empowers her to focus, think deeply, and manage her time in ways that allow her to bring her best self to work every day.

“The flexibility here doesn’t just improve my work life—it enhances my life outside the office, too,” Jess explains. “Whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, volunteering, or simply recharging, I can prioritize what matters most.”

Jess has found that her flexibility extends to her personal passions. “This approach to work-life balance gives me the freedom to set personal goals and get creative when I’m not working,” she says. She engages in activities like painting, photography, and exploring her new city. “I recently moved, and being able to take the time to learn my way around has been such an enriching experience,” Jess adds. “Having that freedom to pursue my interests helps me to show up more energized and focused for my team.”

Meaningful Work with a Direct Impact

As part of ghSMART’s recruitment team, Jess plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future. Every day, she helps bring in talented individuals who aren’t just highly skilled but also deeply passionate about the firm’s mission. “I get to play a part in assembling a team that drives the future of ghSMART, and that’s incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

Jess’s work is not just about filling positions; it’s about making sure that the right people join a culture where they’ll truly succeed. “I find great satisfaction in ensuring that the candidates I bring in are not only a great fit for the role but are excited to contribute to the broader mission,” she explains. “Recruiting at ghSMART isn’t just about filling a need; it’s about building a team that shares a collective vision.”

In addition to helping bring in the right talent, Jess values the team environment that pushes her to be her best. “I am continuously challenged and inspired by the people I work alongside,” she says. “At ghSMART, I’m surrounded by like-minded individuals who are deeply dedicated not only to delivering exceptional results for our clients but also to supporting and uplifting one another. Our environment encourages critical thinking, creativity, and continuous learning. It’s truly a place where growth is celebrated – whether it’s professional or personal growth.”

A Culture of Connection

What stands out most to Jess about ghSMART is the genuine sense of community, even across distances. “Even though we’re all in different locations, there’s a strong feeling of connection and collaboration,” she says. “People here are truly invested in each other’s success and personal growth. It’s inspiring to be part of a culture where mutual support runs so deep.”

Though she works remotely, Jess has also had opportunities to meet people face-to-face. She recalls attending a team summit in Colorado that allowed her to learn more about everyone’s roles and what makes them unique. “We engaged in meaningful discussions surrounding the impact of our work,” she says, “and I felt closer to others’ ideas from those conversations. We also had fun moments hiking, sharing dinner, and catching up near the firepit leaving us feeling aligned and even more excited for the firm’s future.”

ghSMART: A Place to Be the True You

To those thinking about joining ghSMART, Jess offers thoughtful advice, drawing from her experience as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. “Bring your authentic self to work,” she encourages. “That’s one of the things that truly sets ghSMART apart—it’s something you notice from the very beginning of the interview process. We genuinely value authenticity, and it’s what creates a culture that stands out from so many traditional workplaces.”

Jess’s full bio can be found here.