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Small actions. Big culture shifts.                            Real human connection.

When we lead with intention, we influence what matters.


Hi, I’m Charlie Saffro.

I’m a CEO, recruiter, and speaker who believes the smallest actions often leave the biggest impact.

As the founder of CS Recruiting, I’ve partnered with leaders across every industry and built my own team from scratch. I’ve seen what keeps people engaged (hint: it’s not casual Fridays) and how real influence lives in the quiet moments; the decisions you make, the trust you build, and the culture you shape when no one is watching.

Whether I’m speaking on the power of human-centered leadership, the future of recruiting, or the everyday habits that build culture, my message is simple. Leadership is already in you. It’s just a matter of owning your ripple effect.

Charlie Saffro Ripple Headshot-1
Where Charlie Makes an Impact 

Charlie speaks to audiences who shape the way we work — from executives and HR leaders to recruiters, people managers, and anyone with influence (title or not). Her keynotes are rooted in one idea: that small, intentional actions can create lasting ripple effects inside organizations.

Whether she’s speaking to a room of senior leaders or early-career professionals, Charlie delivers insights that are real, actionable, and grounded in human connection.

Topics Charlie frequently speaks on include:

Company Culture That Sticks
What it really takes to build trust, improve engagement, and create a workplace people want to be part of.

  Influence Without the Title
How every employee can create positive ripples through everyday actions, conversations, and choices.

 Human-Centered Leadership
Why the best leaders lead with empathy, awareness, and accountability and how to model that from any seat.

Recruitment That Goes Beyond the Hire
Strategies for building a people-first hiring experience that supports culture, retention, and reputation.

Burnout, Boundaries, and the Power of Owning Up
How to lead through hard moments with clarity, care, and real integrity, especially when the stakes are high.

Ideal Audiences:

Executive and senior leadership teams


 Talent acquisition and recruiting professionals


 HR, culture, and employee engagement leaders


 Women in leadership at all career stages


 Mid-level managers, emerging leaders, and those shaping the future of work

Top 5 Reasons Your Audience Will Love Charlie

1. She doesn’t just talk about leadership. She lives it.
As the CEO of a national recruiting firm, Charlie has built, led, and scaled teams from the ground up. Her stories are real, sometimes uncomfortable, and always honest. That’s what makes them stick.

2. She knows why people join companies and why they leave.
With decades of experience in recruiting and leadership, Charlie offers a front-row view into what truly drives performance, retention, and morale. It always comes back to trust, connection, and communication.

3. She makes it human.
Charlie’s style is relatable and practical, with just the right amount of dry, honest humor. She speaks openly about the realities of influence, burnout, and leadership in a way that makes people feel seen. 

4. She gives people something to do next.
Every keynote includes actionable takeaways that people can apply right away. Whether they lead a team or want to connect more meaningfully at work, Charlie offers tools that make a difference. 

5. She creates ripples that last.
Charlie’s talks leave an impact because they help people see themselves and their influence more clearly. Her message sparks self-awareness, deeper connection, and real change.

What People Are Saying

“Charlie Saffro is a human leader who just gets it. She asked, listened, and responded - a powerful example of what it means to lead with empathy. Human leaders like Charlie know they need to create an ecosystem of growth, or people will go find it elsewhere.”

Erica Keswin, author of “Bring Your Human to Work” and “The Retention Revolution

“Looking for a dynamic and inspiring speaker to energize your next event? Charlie Saffro captivates audiences with her journey, her insights, and her heart. She’s a mindful leader with a powerful message that leaves people inspired to reach their full potential.”        

Kate Holland, CEO, Suite Escape

“Charlie did a phenomenal job. She was so personal and engaging, and the feedback has been incredibly positive.”

Maribeth Ashley, Director of Business Development at iMethods

“The session was well-prepared, professional, and personable. Charlie shared her experiences in a way that felt authentic and relatable. So many valuable takeaways.”

Laura Sorce, Executive Director of Illinois Search & Staffing Association

“Best presentation I attended throughout the conference. The speaker was relatable and engaging.”

Workshop Attendee, World at Work Conference

Watch Charlie in Action

Bring Charlie to Your Next Event

Looking for a speaker who will connect with your audience, challenge their thinking, and leave them feeling seen? Let’s talk.