As the sole recruiter within TPG’s People Operations team, Emily Jordan plays a unique and influential role – serving as both the first connection for many new hires and as a culture ambassador across the organization. With an eye for potential and a deep understanding of what makes TPG’s culture thrive, she helps shape not only who joins the company but how leadership itself is defined and developed.
Leading Through Connection
Emily didn’t follow a linear path into human resources. She describes her career as a mix of curiosity, chance, and an interest in helping people. Early experiences in staffing showed her the profound impact that employment can have on someone’s life.
“I stumbled into psychology in college and loved studying how people work. That eventually led me to a master’s program in business for non-business majors, where I realized I could blend psychology and business through HR. . . . Helping people find employment that could change their lives – sometimes in really personal, emotional ways – has given meaning and purpose to my own career.”
That mindset carries into every interaction she has at TPG. As the first touchpoint for many candidates, Emily sees herself as a cultural ambassador who sets the tone and models the qualities new hires can expect throughout the organization.
“I want every person I speak with to walk away with a clear, genuine sense of who we are, what we value, and how we lead,” she says. “Even if they aren’t the right fit at that moment, I want them to feel respected and seen.”
Leadership That Starts With Empathy
Asked about the qualities that guide her as a leader, Emily shares two that show up repeatedly in her work: empathy and individualization.
“Every person is different, so I try to adapt to each individual’s communication style or needs,” she explains. “Some candidates prefer email, some like texting, some want a phone call. The same is true for hiring managers. Adjusting my approach helps everyone have a better experience.”
Her ability to read and respond to people’s styles has only strengthened through TPG’s ongoing leadership development programs. While she doesn’t currently manage a team, she views the middle-management training sessions as a valuable window into how leaders across the company think, collaborate, and make decisions.
“Seeing [managers’] thought processes and what they prioritize has made me better at assessing candidates and anticipating what different leaders need. . . . Candidates often ask, ‘What’s the manager like?’ So being able to speak authentically about leadership styles is something I take seriously.”
Seeing Potential Before It’s Fully Formed
One of the areas where Emily’s influence is most visible is in TPG programs like Ignite, where she helps identify early-career talent with leadership potential. Watching new hires grow into expanded roles is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
“Seeing someone step into their career, learn, and eventually move into leadership roles is incredibly rewarding,” Emily says. “It’s meaningful to recognize that potential early on and watch it unfold over time.”
Evolving as a Leader in a Growing Company
Emily is also candid about her own leadership journey. As TPG’s first dedicated recruiter, she doesn’t have a set career path to follow – and that’s something she sees as a benefit.
“My career path at TPG isn’t predefined. At a growing company, roles evolve alongside the business. Watching other leaders carve out new paths has shown me that I can shape my own future here. It’s given me a lot of encouragement and excitement for what’s ahead.”
What Fuels Her Outside of Work
Emily embraces a balance of extroversion and introversion, surrounding herself with others when it fills her cup and retreating into solo activities when she needs to recharge.
“Spending time with people who energize me is important, but so is quiet time to rest, read, or reset,” she says. “Travel and music are also big parts of my life. I have a keyboard at home that I play when I want to unwind – it’s something that brings me joy outside of work.”
In 2025, she exceeded her reading goal of 50 books and is working toward visiting all 50 states. She’s also focused on financial health, personal development, and being, as she puts it, “the best version of myself – at work and personally.”
An Authentic Approach
Emily’s perspective is a reminder that leadership isn’t defined only by titles or org charts – it’s shaped in everyday moments of empathy, integrity, and connection. As TPG continues to grow, we work to ensure our culture grows with us. Emily’s approach underscores that when we invest in people from the very first conversation, we strengthen the foundation for everyone.
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Want to chat with Emily about her work? Contact ejordan@tpgrp.com.
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