Meet Octavio Hernandez: Talent Acquisition Manager for the Home Office

In this Acrisure Employee Spotlight, Octavio Hernandez shares insight into his role as a Talent Acquisition Manager for our Home Office located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Octavio Hernandez became part of the Acrisure team in August 2025. In this Employee Spotlight, we invited him to share more about his background, his role, and his experience at Acrisure so far.

As a Manager within our Talent Acquisition (TA) team, Octavio plays a key role in driving recruitment efforts and supporting the growth of our organization.

Want to learn more about Talent Acquisition? Read on to learn more about how this function supports Acrisure’s initiatives.

What drew you to Acrisure?

There were several things that genuinely stood out to me about Acrisure.

First, Acrisure’s rapid growth caught my attention. To witness a company evolve so significantly in such a short time and to have the chance to step into a leadership role during a pivotal period of transformation was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Being part of a company that’s actively shaping its future is both exciting and rare.

Equally impressive is the evolution of the Talent Acquisition (TA) function at Acrisure. Growing from just three or four team members to a robust, dynamic group in only three years speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to talent and scalability. What drew me in even more was the composition of the team: a blend of seasoned professionals who helped build the foundation, alongside fresh perspectives to drive creativity and innovation. That kind of synergy is powerful and fosters an amazing environment that I wanted to be a part of.

The potential here is immense – whether it’s implementing processes, building systems, driving investment, or making a lasting impact. Being part of the leadership team that gets to build and shape the future is a rare and energizing opportunity.

And then there’s the culture. Acrisure’s people are at the heart of its success. Their passion, collaboration, and drive are what makes this company not just a great place to work but a place where real transformation happens.

What is the TA team’s role at Acrisure?

Our Talent Acquisition team serves as strategic partners to Acrisure’s Home Office, identifying and hiring future leaders who will shape and steer the company’s long-term success.

What are three skills that separate good employees from great employees on your team?

True Collaboration: Great team members don’t just work alongside others – they actively elevate the entire team. They listen, share, support, and challenge each other in ways that foster trust and drive results. Collaboration here isn’t just a skill – it’s a mindset that fuels our collective success

Proactive Innovation: Great team members don’t wait for change – they initiate it. They’re open to new ideas, embracing evolving processes, and aren’t afraid to raise their hand with suggestions that improve how we operate. That kind of forward-thinking mindset is what keeps us agile, efficient, and ahead of the curve.

Consultative Excellence: What separates good from great on our team is proactive mindset toward our service offering. The best team members don’t wait to be asked, they anticipate the needs of our internal and external stakeholders and act before the request even comes in. They communicate early and often, keeping partners informed and engaged throughout any process.

More importantly, they approach every interaction with a consultative lens – like a trusted advisor, not an order taker. They ask the right questions, offer tailored solutions and strategies to solve problems and bring a sense of ownership to every interaction. 

How do you lead as a manager?

I balance autonomy with support by empowering my team to think creatively and take ownership of their ideas, while remaining a collaborative partner who provides guidance and direction when needed—ensuring every voice is heard and every strategy has the backing to succeed.

Who thrives on this team?

People who thrive on my team tend to be proactive, data-driven storytellers who anticipate client needs, communicate with clarity, and take initiative—while striking the right balance between independent ownership and collaborative teamwork to drive results together.

Rapid fire with Octavio

Coffee Order: I keep it simple: Black coffee or black iced coffee.

First Job: If we want to go way way back, I was a soccer referee before I graduated High School. However, my first job out of college was an Outside Sales Representative at Groupon in Chicago IL.

Recruiting Superpower: Relationship builder meets Problem Solver: I thrive on tackling complex, unique challenges – especially the ones that don’t have a playbook. I love being the person my team and stakeholders turn to when something unexpected pops up, knowing I can help navigate it and build a repeatable solution.

At the same time, I’m deeply invested in relationships. Building trust and rapport isn’t just a nice to have, it’s the foundation of great recruiting. The better I understand my business areas/stakeholders – their priorities, pain points, and goals, the better I can build strategies that truly support them.

Favorite KPI: I don’t know a recruiter that isn’t motivated by filling their role as quickly as possible nor one that isn’t motivated by HM or Candidate NPS scores. While I am no different, I’d have to say System/Recruiter Compliance.

I’m a big believer in mastering the fundamentals. Are we moving candidates through the process efficiently? Are our requisitions clean and accurate? Are our job postings consistent and without errors? When the basics are solid, our data becomes a powerful tool that drives smarter decisions, better behaviors, and stronger outcomes across the board.

The way we manage our positions, and our systems, is in our full control. If we master the basics, it creates a domino effect in hitting the rest of our KPI’s.

What keeps you energized outside of the office?

Without a doubt my family. My wife and our two kids are my daily source of laughter, motivation, and unwavering support. They keep me grounded and driven, especially on the longer, tougher days. Everything I do professionally is fueled by the joy and purpose they bring into my life. I just want to be the best example to my family of hard work and determination.

Outside of family, I’m a Tottenham Hotspur fan and Michigan State fan. Admittedly, my teams don’t always deliver the wins but that just means I’ve had to find other ways to recharge. You’ll often find me out running, exploring new bourbons and wines, growing my watch collection, or planning our next restaurant reservation or travel adventure.

Why join Acrisure?

That’s a hard question because it relies heavily on a candidate’s motivators of considering a new opportunity. However, this opportunity will be for you if you want to join a highly collaborative team with an immense opportunity for challenge, for career growth, visibility to senior leaders and to play a key role in our Acrisure’s success both short term and long term.

About Acrisure

Acrisure is a global fintech company on the rise that puts the world’s top products and services into the hands of ambitious businesses and individuals. Join our team to make your next chapter the best one yet. Learn more and explore our open roles.