For Drew Soule, overcoming adversity in the name of personal growth is not just a fact of life, but a professional focus. From disability advocacy to professional human resources, Soule understands that life’s barriers and obstacles can get in the way of success, and works hard to help others overcome them. From his Masters in Human Resource Management from the University of Illinois, to his time as an HR Business Partner at Northrop Grumman, to Senior HR Business Partner at Pinterest, Drew Soule has consistently shown his dedication to helping others in the professional corporate world and beyond.
We were able to sit down with Mr. Soule for an exclusive interview to discuss his method for finding success in the professional world.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Preparation does much to improve productivity. A typical day for me usually starts the night before, where I complete a number of routine tasks to keep my morning as stress free as possible to allow me time to focus and dial in. These tasks usually involve me reviewing my calendar for the next day and creating a to-do outline for it, letting me sleep free of anxiety. I also prepare my clothes and coffee machine in advance. All of this is so I can start my morning smoothly with a hot shower, walk my dog, and enjoy some music to balance my mind for the chaotic day of virtual calls with partners and client group leaders.
Routine keeps me productive in a professional environment that can be thrown off schedule easily. Having the rough outline of my day lets me manage the priorities and stay focused.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
I read a lot, and I’ve found that it’s the most efficient way for me to stay up to date. Beyond that, I enjoy networking and meeting with thought leaders, so conferences like the annual SHRM or Disability:IN conferences are an opportunity to do so in a unique environment. Learning about how people in my profession worldwide are tackling increasingly complex challenges is incredibly valuable to me.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced, and describe how you overcame it?
After being abruptly laid off from my prior employer in March—losing a job I loved dearly and was inspired by daily—I was depressed for a time. The glass of life began to look half empty rather than half full. I knew that I had to shake that feeling quickly if I was going to be successful in finding a new place, and so I went to work. I knew no one was going to get my next job for me, so I created a new routine to get me moving positively in the morning, putting in the legwork networking on LinkedIn, and exploring the opportunities available to me. In the interim I explore new towns and hiking trails with my dog to remain focused and steady. I’m still learning to ask for help and seek help from strangers, but I’m getting better at it every day.
What is your approach to starting a new project?
I love projects because they offer opportunities to think creatively and learn. On a new project, I start with questions, primarily, “What are we solving for?”. If I know what the end goal of the project is, I can define it, then reverse-engineer a solution. Building backwards like this allows me to consider the stakeholders of the project, set hard and soft deadlines for deliverables, and make time to pressure test solutions. Clearly defined and articulated roles and responsibilities are vital to making sure everyone involved knows their contribution to the project’s success. From there it’s a matter of communication: setting timelines, checking in on progress, communicating challenges efficiently, and so on. I think every project requires careful and diligent reflection and tracking to ensure any lessons learned are documented and preserved for the next project.
What was the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome, and would you do anything differently today?
One of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make recently was relocating to the Midwest from the West Coast. The cost of living on the best coast is incredibly high, and I knew that I couldn’t afford it while I was searching for my next professional opportunity. Leaving behind the incredible team of care providers, along with some wonderful friends, made the decision incredibly difficult for me. I miss them all tremendously.
That said, I’m now closer to my family, which has been a constant source of support and encouragement for me. The slower pace of life out in the Midwest has also been a lovely change of pace from the rat race mentality of the West Coast. Overall, while the circumstances that prompted it were less than ideal, I don’t regret the move one bit.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
Being born with a neuromuscular disease that impacts every aspect of my physical life and body has presented me with constant challenges and obstacles. However, I take great pride in my ability to live independently despite that, which is a testament to my resilience, determination, and adaptability. Overcoming the assumptions and biases that others may have about my capabilities has been a significant personal accomplishment for me. Society places barriers in front of people like me, individuals with disabilities, and I am proud of my ability to break those barriers down wherever I can. Beating the odds like this has been a deeply fulfilling experience; people often view people like me through a lens of pity or limitation, and defying that has let me prove that having a disability does not define one’s potential for success. By living independently and pursuing my dreams, I aim to inspire and educate others facing similar challenges.
How do you personally define success?
My definition of success encompasses a continuous journey of learning and personal growth. It goes beyond the traditional notion of achieving specific fixed milestones or predetermined goals. Those smaller milestones are important, but are not the goal. Success, to me, is not a binary state. Instead, I view success as a dynamic process that involves pushing myself beyond my previous achievements and continually striving for greater heights. It involves aligning my actions with my values and purpose, and finding fulfillment in the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination.
Looking To The Future
Drew Soule’s professional work in the field of Human Resources has been defined by inclusivity, determination, and a deep compassion for his fellow human beings. His proven track record in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development speaks for itself, with service in critical roles at Northrop-Grumman and Pinterest standing as evidence of his professionalism. Soule’s advocacy for disability rights and accessibility extends beyond the professional life into the personal as he chooses to push for a world where being born with a disability has no bearing on an individual’s path toward professional success.