Based in New Lenox, IL, Brandon Diedrich guides talent recruitment and acquisition at Silver Cross Hospital. His full-cycle program support spans interviews, negotiating employment offers, and new hire orientation. Brandon Diedrich assists new hires across the pre-employment and training processes. He is also responsible for meeting ambitious retention goals while maintaining a robust pipeline of qualified IL professionals.
Mr. Diedrich earned his bachelor’s in business administration at Illinois State University and gained early experience with Student Apartment Mart, Inc., as a licensed leasing agent. He joined the Illinois Institute of Art as assistant director of admissions in 2012 and provided prospective students with guidance across the admissions process. Also evaluating transcripts, essays, and applications, he provided meaningful advice in areas ranging from course selection to career pathways.
Mr. Diedrich also has experience with DeVry University as an executive admissions advisor and as a center dean. He excelled in ensuring student success while expanding the range of corporate and career services provided. Also focused on regulatory compliance, he was active with a pair of chamber of commerce groups and helped meet campus right-sizing objectives.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day involves working from 8 am to 4:30 pm. When I get home from work, I make sure my son has completed homework and we usually play games together. I stay organized by making sure I prioritize tasks that need to get done, followed by those that can wait.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I take the time to think about ideas. Then I strategize what steps need to get done in order to complete the idea. Then it’s all about execution. Finally, double-checking the ideas to see if there’s room for improvement.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I like to see that technology is being used more and more, especially in healthcare and healthcare research. I feel that if technology can make problem-solving easier and can provide answers to long-existing issues in medical and health fields, we can hopefully find cures for diseases that have long troubled our existence.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Staying focused on tasks. I do my best to eliminate distractions while working on assignments or work tasks. One way to do so is working in a quiet environment, away from others when applicable.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Every decision that you make will affect your future, whether large or small. Be mindful of your daily choices, as they may not just affect your future but the future of your loved ones.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe all people are good or at least have good redeeming qualities about them.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Telling my wife and son that I love them at least twice a day. I feel like it is important to let the ones closest to you know that they are loved and making it a part of my daily routine ensures they know it.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Take a deep breath. Take a second to prioritize. Ask myself what I need to do to refocus and maybe even take a five-minute break or walk away.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I’ve always found that being myself and not trying to be cookie cutter has helped me advance. I feel that eventually those that pose as something they are not will be exposed. However, if I’m true to myself and trust my genuine self, I can always sleep well at night.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
When I was first starting out in my career, I did not do enough networking or self-promotion. I felt that everything would just come to me, instead of going to get it myself. I began to assert myself when talking to others in my field. Participating in meetings and sharing my honest opinions seemed to benefit my career and make me stand out from others.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My Outlook calendar. I could not stay on task at work without this software. I like how user-friendly it is designed. I color-code my tasks by category and order of importance. I sort my inbox items into folders that make sense to me.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently spent $100 on a ticket to a sporting event to give to my dad for Christmas. When I gave it to him, his smile was big and you could tell his heart was happy. This is important to me because he always did this type of act for me growing up, and I enjoy returning the favor and making long-lasting memories.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I enjoy the CBS Sports Fantasy Football Today sports podcast. It is the only one I listen to on a regular basis. I don’t really read books at this point. I typically listen to this podcast while walking, biking, or jogging. It is simple, comical, and informative at the same time. The regular cast of characters is relatable and down to earth.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I like the comedy series New Girl on Netflix. We recently streamed the series in its entirety. It is simple and entertaining adult humor. Short episodes and easy to understand storylines. There are concepts that make you laugh out loud, which is perfect after a long day of work.
Key learnings
- Take the time to plan your day.
- Always spend time with loved ones as much as possible.
- Be yourself.
- Share your thoughts or ideas with others.