Gong News
Head of Talent Acquisition at Gong
Kelsey Biggs is the Head of Talent Acquisition at Gong, where she leads the global recruiting strategy to support the company’s rapid growth. She joined Gong in 2023, bringing with her extensive experience in talent acquisition and human resources. Before Gong, Kelsey held leadership roles at Front as VP of Talent & HR Strategy, and at Square, where she led global recruitment initiatives across various departments, including GTM and operations. Known for her expertise in creating data-driven, scalable hiring processes, she is passionate about fostering inclusive, people-first cultures.
Our VP of EMEA on what it means to be a “Gongster.”
What’s it like to be a Gongster? You’re about to find out! You’ll learn why tech’s top talent said yes and joined Gong in countries around the world. This series is designed to help you discover whether Gong’s culture and work life are right for you. You’ll meet amazing talent from across the company as they share their unique paths, perspectives on Gongster life, and visions for the future. Ready to explore what it means to work in Gong’s vibrant culture? This could be you someday…
Today we’re introducing Lesley Ronaldson, the VP of EMEA at Gong. She has 25 years of experience in the tech industry, is married to a fellow techie, and has a six-year-old boy. She loves hiking and anything which gets her outdoors, as well as hosting dinner parties and making a fuss over her guests. (Please invite us!) Lesley values integrity, accountability, diligence, perseverance, and inclusivity. Here’s what she has to say about life at Gong:
What attracted you to Gong, and how do your personal values align with the organization’s mission and culture?
I’d been aware of Gong for a while due to its incredible marketing and its insights in Gong Labs. It was always on my “watch list,” so when this role came up, I jumped at the opportunity to apply. Gong was attractive for a number of reasons, including the fact that I love where the product is going. I genuinely believe we’ve built the next generation of revenue intelligence software and will continue to lead innovation in this space. I also knew from peers inside the company that its positive culture was well-established in EMEA and that its co-founders are genuinely interested in every employee.
What has set Gong apart from your previous experiences?
Several candidates have asked me this question during interviews, and each time I say the same thing: “I have never worked harder, and I have never been happier! I feel like I’m part of something special. We’re building something incredible here, and I can feel that every day in the office.” This past year was a career highlight for so many reasons. I watched talented Gongsters get well-deserved promotions, and we continued to create loyal and “Raving Fans” throughout EMEA.
How would you describe the company culture at Gong, and how has it influenced your career?
The people I work with are some of the most talented in the industry, and that makes me want to be a better leader in everything I undertake. Everyone — from our SDRs to engineers — has a real interest in creating the best experience possible for our customers. The way we all collaborate makes that apparent, and our culture is truly inclusive and caring. We’re a competitive bunch — we’re in sales, after all! Still, I know that every one of us genuinely cares about the other’s successes. I am always in awe of how the team helps onboard the new hires. All of this has helped me push myself to the next level in my own career.
What roles do feedback and recognition play at Gong? How does the company encourage open communication and acknowledge employee contributions?
Feedback is HUGE at Gong. In fact, one of our company’s core principles is “no sugar.” We speak with truth and honesty, which fosters an environment where feedback is expected, sought after, and welcomed. When it comes to recognition, we celebrate all wins and successes across all departments in a monthly EMEA all-hands and a company-wide all-hands. I take great care to make sure people within EMEA feel recognized, sending out handwritten notes at the end of the quarter, hosting career showers for big promotions, and celebrating birthdays as a big deal.
What’s a favorite or impactful memory from your time at Gong so far?
So many moments at Gong have been memorable! As a salesperson at heart, one of my favorites was when EMEA closed the largest deal on record at Gong, which enabled us to hit our quarterly goal early. The buzz on the sales floor was INCREDIBLE and it drove us to #WantMore, which is also one of our core principles.
For those thinking about joining Gong, what do you look for in an applicant?
We love people who stay current with our product and understand our pivot to a multi-SKU platform. In this day and age, you have to be knowledgeable about AI and curious about tech innovation. Reach out to leaders at the company to demonstrate your interest, even if a role isn’t open. If you find a way to stand out, we’ll pay attention. We love a unique sales pitch!
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