Karen Pisha

Vice President of Professional Services

Born:
Midland, Michigan

Prior Experience:
Oracle/PeopleSoft - VP, Consulting
PeopleSoft - Director, Solutions Delivery
PeopleSoft - Director, Customer Services
ITT Automotive - Manager, HRIS
Allnet Communications Services - Manager, HR Systems and Administration
Applicon / Schlumberger - Personnel Administrator


Education:
Central Michigan University - Business and Marketing Management
George Washington University - Project Management Institute Coursework

What I like to do outside of work:
During my free time, I enjoy waterskiing, snow skiing and cycling.

Q: Where in your background did you learn the most?
A: When I worked for ITT, we were focused on automating the Compensation planning processes. This was long before the days of employee self-service, however, my manager was focused on empowering managers and using technology to improve the compensation planning process. Although the processes were not sophisticated by today's standards, we were able to automate much of the process. During my six years at ITT, we implemented three different HRIS systems. I was the Project Manager for all three projects and learned a tremendous amount through the experience.

Q: What's been your biggest surprise during your time at SuccessFactors?
A: During the meeting we announced winners of the company MVP awards based upon votes collected by all SuccessFactors employees. The awards went to those who made the biggest customer impact (regardless of title and rank).

Q: If you had 20 seconds to tell a new client about why they should use SuccessFactors, what would you say?
A: SuccessFactors Talent and Performance Management solutions are designed for end users. It helps employees and managers have better conversations about goals and performance. It also helps companies focus on developing their most important asset - their employees.

Q: Why do you believe in the promise of Performance & Talent Management?
A: Employees really do achieve more and contribute to company success if they are coached, developed, and rewarded for their individual performance. Technology and automation can only take a company so far without talented employees. For most companies, employees are their largest investment. Companies can achieve amazing results if they focus on developing and managing their talent.

Q: Do you have a story or memory of how P&TM has helped you in your career?
A: One of my most rewarding career experiences was to be a part of a high-performing, empowered project team. We received the training and executive support required to be successful with our project. At the conclusion of our project, we were rewarded with an outstanding team performance and recognition.

Q: Why are you proud to work at SuccessFactors?
A: Everyone at SuccessFactors is focused on doing what it takes to make our customers successful using our products. Every day, people across the company stretch themselves beyond the traditional boundries of their role to make the company a better place to work, to help a fellow employee, or to support a customer. People are always thinking outside the box - mostly because there are no boxes!