A Guide to a Successful Career with SVP of Talent Solutions

In a recent interview, Bart Lautenbach, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Talent Solutions at Equifax, shared his perspective on leadership, personal growth, and career development. With years of experience across various industries, from IT consulting to marketing to becoming an impactful leader in sales, Bart’s journey offers invaluable insight for professionals at any stage in their career.

Tune in as Bart discusses his top career tips and the experiences that shaped him as a leader.

How have you overcome career setbacks?

Setbacks are inevitable in any career, and I’ve had my fair share. One of the biggest lessons I learned was when I didn’t get a promotion I was working towards. At the time, I thought I was ready, but it turned out I didn’t have the broader experience needed for that role. Instead of being discouraged, I took it as a challenge to build new relationships and learn new skills. That experience ultimately made me a better leader and helped prepare me for future roles. 

What makes a good work culture?

In any organization, it’s essential to build a culture where people feel valued and excited to come into work every day. To build this culture within my team, I make it a point to recognize and celebrate my team’s achievements, and I encourage everyone that I work with to do the same. Recognizing your team’s hard work helps create a supportive and collaborative environment.

At the end of the day, being a leader is about lifting others up and creating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive.  

What qualities do you look for when hiring someone on your team?

When I’m hiring, the first thing I look for in a candidate is an enthusiastic attitude. You can have all the skills in the world, but if you don’t believe you can tackle a challenge, you probably won’t. I’ve always found that when I face a challenge with the right mindset, I’m more successful—no matter how tough the task.

The other thing I value highly is collaboration. Success is about the team, not the individual. I look for people who are willing to support their colleagues and share the credit. 

What was your time like living and working in Japan?

At a previous company, I led Japan’s Software Sales Operation. Living in Japan helped me push myself out of my comfort zone, and it was the best thing I could have done for my career development.

Working in a new country and not having any connections there taught me the importance of listening. The first thing I was advised to do was listen to what people were saying, try to understand what problems they were solving, and collaborate on new solutions. This made me  a better leader and decision-maker.

Living in Japan also helped bond and challenge my family. My wife and three kids came with me and they struggled to adjust for the first couple of months. However, we grew as a family and became a stronger unit. I look back at those experiences very fondly. 

Learn more about available opportunities at Equifax.