Drew Soule has had an exciting and successful career, working in Human Resources for over 12 years. He’s helped some of the world’s smartest people and most prominent businesses—from rocket scientists at Northrop Grumman to creative minds at Pinterest—by making sure their work environments are both productive and inclusive.
After earning his Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Illinois, Soule found his passion. Instead of sticking to traditional HR roles, he decided that he wanted to help companies grow by focusing on people. His focus is on making lasting changes in how businesses support and nurture their teams for long-term success.
Driven by a sense of empathy and leadership, Soule’s career reflects his belief that employees do their best work when they feel valued by their employers. He understands that by creating a positive company culture, businesses can boost creativity and productivity.
Today, his HR approach is all about using his skills and values to create inclusive spaces where growth and opportunity aren’t just possible, but expected—both from employees and the companies they work for.
Creating More Inclusive Companies
When Drew Soule started at Pinterest, his goal was to make it a more inclusive place for everyone who worked there. He made it clear that inclusion wasn’t just about hiring people from different backgrounds, but creating an environment where everyone felt respected and had the opportunity to succeed.
A notable accomplishment of his was working with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), especially in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging space. These groups helped employees from different backgrounds come together to share ideas and make the workplace better. Under Soule’s leadership, these groups became more powerful and influential, giving employees a stronger voice in shaping the company’s culture and policies.
Pinterest is well-known for creativity and innovation, and Soule made sure that the company’s HR policies aligned with these values. A lot of his efforts went toward encouraging inclusivity and promoting a work environment where everyone felt welcome and valued. He understood the importance of giving employees a voice and creating spaces where they could be their authentic selves while contributing to the company’s growth.
Beyond hiring, Soule tackled issues like employee turnover and retention. He built a culture where employees wanted to stay at their jobs by using insights from platforms like Workday and Lattice, which measure employee satisfaction and performance. He used these data-driven strategies to improve both engagement and efficiency, helping everyone succeed.
Soule also worked with the leadership team at Pinterest to ensure the company’s mission and values were evident in every one of its policies, believing that a company’s goals should always align with employee needs.
Supporting Rocket Scientists at Northrop Grumman
Before his time at Pinterest, Soule worked at Northrop Grumman. Here, he was in charge of HR for teams working on the James Webb Space Telescope, one of the biggest space projects in history. The pressure was intense, but Soule made sure that everyone—whether they were engineers or support staff—had the resources and support they needed.
A key strength of his was customizing Northrop Grumman’s HR strategies to fit the specific needs of its employees. Soule understood that the work being done on the James Webb Space Telescope required not only technical expertise but also a supportive and inclusive work setting. He collaborated closely with the Materials and Test group to make sure every employee felt appreciated and had the necessary tools to succeed.
Soule’s priority was ensuring that even in the most demanding, high-pressure roles, employees received personalized support, fostering teamwork and encouraging innovation across the teams.
Using Technology to Improve Workplaces
A self-proclaimed data enthusiast, Soule’s ability to use technology to help companies run more smoothly is unmatched. He works with advanced HR tools to collect information about employees and then turns that data into smart, actionable solutions. By analyzing and understanding the data he gathers, Soule can make positive changes that really matter.
Soule uses tools like Workday and Tableau to track important metrics, such as employee turnover and pay. More than just collecting the numbers, he makes sure the data translates into real improvements in employee satisfaction. His tech-savvy approach helps drive better decision-making, ensuring that companies’ actions are based on actual employee feedback. All of these efforts aren’t just for automation, but creating a better experience for employees.
Platforms like Lattice and Peakon are helpful when Soule needs to get real-time feedback from employees, helping him spot potential problems early on and address them before they escalate into bigger issues. These tools don’t only improve productivity, but make the workplace happier and more engaging, which is exactly what he strives for.
When it comes to recruiting, Soule streamlines the hiring process by using tools like Greenhouse and ADP’s Applicant Tracking System. These platforms allow him to find the right candidates faster, improving the quality of new hires and reducing the time it takes to bring people on board. His effective use of HR technology has made him a game-changer regardless of where he’s worked.
The Power of Accountability
Soule’s commitment to being transparent is one of the qualities that really sets him apart. He knows that honest, open communication is what strengthens relationships, whether it’s with his team or leadership. Tough conversations are an inevitable part of HR, and when they come up, he doesn’t shy away, but tackles them directly—knowing that transparency and candor lead to growth.
As a leader, Soule also believes in owning up to his mistakes. When things don’t go as planned or he faces criticism, he doesn’t point fingers or shift blame. Instead, he takes a step back, figures out what went wrong, and makes sure it doesn’t happen again. This level of accountability has helped him build long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
For Soule, leadership is about more than just getting results, but building trust and creating an environment where everyone can learn and grow. This has led to positive changes in every organization he’s been a part of, helping people feel less judged and more supported in their roles.
Advocating for Wheelchair Accessibility
Outside of the office, one of Soule’s personal missions is to make air travel more accessible for people with disabilities, like those who use wheelchairs. This isn’t just a cause, but an issue he feels strongly about.
His advocacy stems from his belief in equal opportunities for everyone. He is actively involved in initiatives aimed at advancing access and equity for individuals in wheelchairs, working to raise awareness and push for changes that will make air travel more inclusive and comfortable.
Soule has worked with a variety of organizations to push for changes in air travel policies, addressing both the physical and emotional challenges that wheelchair users often run into while they’re flying.
His commitment to this cause reflects his passion for inclusivity in all areas of life, not just in the workplace. Soule believes that everyone, no matter their ability, should be able to explore the world without worrying about unnecessary obstacles.
Putting Family Values at the Forefront
Drew Soule has always been strongly supported by his family, sharing a close bond with his twin brother and younger sister. They’ve stood by him personally and professionally, encouraging him and shaping his values of empathy and compassion. These qualities have carried over to his career, deeply influencing his approach to leadership.
This connection is reflected in the way Soule leads. He doesn’t just see employees as workers—they’re people with real challenges, and he’s always ready to help them navigate those challenges. Whether he’s offering support to his teams or advocating for accessibility, Soule’s family values of empathy, kindness, and integrity guide every decision he makes.
A Leader Focused on People
Drew Soule has brought the human element back to Human Resources, always placing people at the center of his strategies, regardless of the company he’s working for. Whether he’s working with rocket scientists at Northrop Grumman or creative teams at Pinterest, his focus has always been on building supportive, inclusive environments where individuals can thrive.
Soule believes that when employees feel valued, they’ll bring their best selves to work, leading to success for the entire organization. His work goes beyond just policies and procedures, as he actively tries to create a culture where people feel respected, appreciated, and able to contribute meaningfully.
This focus on people doesn’t stop when he leaves the office. His commitment to fostering inclusivity and building connections carries over into his personal life, where he seeks adventure and finds fulfillment by traveling, trying new foods, and going to live music festivals.
These experiences fuel his curiosity and passion, pushing him to grow both personally and professionally. As Soule continues to find new ways to make a positive impact, he leads with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping others feel more welcome in the world.
By Chris Bates
