Employee Spotlight: Abby Baird

This month, we’re excited to feature Abby Baird, Recruiting Manager & Trainer, in our Employee Spotlight! Abby has been part of the Odyssey family for an incredible 12 years, helping to shape the success of our recruiting teams and strengthen the relationships that drive our business forward. Her leadership, passion for people, and commitment to doing things the right way truly embody what Odyssey stands for.

Get to know more about Abby, her journey, and what she believes makes Odyssey such a special place to work.

Q&A with Abby Baird: Reflections on 12 Years at Odyssey

Q: What do you enjoy most about working here, or in your role specifically?

A: I love that my role allows me to do two things I’m passionate about: building strong client partnerships and mentoring recruiters to hit their stride. Seeing a candidate land the right role or a recruiter I’ve trained exceed their goals is incredibly rewarding.

One of my proudest moments has been building out and leading our Houston team’s recruiter training programs. Our training program and ongoing mentorship have helped new recruiters ramp faster and deliver at a higher level, which has a direct impact on both client satisfaction and team morale.

Q: In your opinion, what sets Odyssey apart from other IT staffing and recruiting companies?

A: In my view, what really makes Odyssey stand out is our genuine dedication to doing things the right way, every time. We're honest, transparent, and genuinely care about building lasting relationships rather than just chasing quick wins. Our clients and candidates can trust us to follow through because we hold ourselves accountable. That sense of integrity, along with our ability to truly understand both sides of the hiring process, is what sets us apart.

Q: 2025 marks Odyssey’s 25th anniversary. What do you believe has been the key factor behind the company’s long-term success?

A: I believe the key factor in Odyssey’s long-term success has always been the relationships we’ve built and the integrity at the heart of our business. Our leaders lead by example — they do the right thing and truly care about the people who make this company what it is. It’s never been about chasing quick wins or short-term revenue. Instead, it’s about making the hard decisions and investing in people, and that commitment is what has carried us through for 25 years.

Q: Can you share a memorable story or milestone from your time at Odyssey?

A: Looking back on my 12 years with Odyssey, there are countless milestones I could highlight, but the memories that mean the most are the times we’ve come together outside the office. What stands out most are the moments outside the day-to-day grind — like our client and consultant lunches, our office team-building events, simple coffee runs together, and all of our holiday gatherings and traditions. Odyssey isn’t just where I work; it truly feels like family, and these shared memories will always stay with me.

Q: What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve received, or that you would give to someone just starting out?

A: I heard a quote on a podcast recently and it really struck me, as this has been a core principle in how I’ve run my desk: “People judge you by the quality of the questions you ask.” I believe my success in the recruiting world came from that fundamental idea. I’ve always strived to be precise and intentional with my interactions, and that’s what has allowed me to build the level of trust I have with my clients and candidates.

What Abby's Colleagues Say

Stacey Siebert, Director of Sales and Business Development: 

"When Abby was in a recruiting role, she consistently ranked as one of our top performers! She excelled at tackling hard-to-fill, niche positions and took the time to deeply understand each role she recruited for. Her dedication allowed her to build strong relationships not only with candidates—earning repeat business and referrals—but also with clients, who trusted her expertise and guidance. Abby later brought that same dedication and knowledge to her training role, doing an outstanding job leading her class and sharing her expertise with others. She’s a true team player, always willing to support those around her. I’m so grateful to be on the same team as Abby!"

Kristin Hughes, Director of Recruiting: 

"For the past 12 years, Abby has been a core part of the Houston office—consistently stepping up, taking ownership, and setting the standard for both recruiters and sales team members. I've truly enjoyed working with her over the years, as we share similar responsibilities in our respective offices."

Martin Seibert, VP of Sales & Marketing: 

"Abby is always willing to selflessly dedicate her time to anyone who needs help. She’s been a tremendous asset to our corporate team—supporting system implementations, training initiatives, and countless projects along the way. Abby has been a pillar of our office for years, and we’re truly grateful to have her as a key member of our team."