Being the Person I Needed to See When I Was Young
Name: Martin
Pronouns: he/him
Title: Recruiter
Location: New Albany, Ohio
My personal brand
I would say “on brand” for me is living my life authentically and with pride. I enjoy sharing my experiences to help others find inspiration to share their own voice. As a leader, I’ve always tried to be a great example not just by having the title, but through honest words and actions, which is what real leadership looks like.
How my role inspires me and how I inspire others
I’m currently a recruiter and serve as the Regional Lead of our Pride ERG in Ohio. I wanted to be a superhero growing up. I ended up joining the Army because it was the closest I could get to being a caped crusader. After serving, the role of a recruiter, giving every individual the opportunity to change their life, really appealed to me. There is so much joy in watching a candidate’s reaction to being offered a job, the happiness, relief, tears of excitement. It’s a privilege to be a part of.
I value REAL diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a gay Army vet, helping people stand up for themselves, and serving as the friend and example I needed as a kid, gives me purpose. I focus on being transparent, authentic, and using my voice. There are so many moments where I refused to be silenced. I am a strong supporter of marginalized groups and have participated in over 100 rallies/protests for marriage equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive rights, equality for people of color, immigrants, among other marginalized groups.
I believe you’re always doing the right thing if you’re being true to who you are in the service of helping others. I would be remiss if I didn’t say my husband Nathan, and our two golden retrievers (Willow & Toby) didn’t inspire me and my purpose every day.
Discover is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. And while there is still more work to do, I’m proud to be part of the progress as a company recruiter, ERG member, and volunteer.
To quote what the uncle of my favorite neighborhood webslinger shared in the comics I’ve been reading since I was four, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” I have applied this mantra to my military career and in my activism and advocacy for and allyship of marginalized groups to make sure I am creating space for those who don’t look like me or don’t share the same gender/identity as me. I stand up so queer kids can see someone will fight for them. As a recruiter, I apply this by taking every interview seriously, and treating every moment as an opportunity to potentially change or influence someone’s life in a positive manner.
