Derek Elam in

Derek Elam

Trailblazer · DISC type DI
Talent Acquisition Manager at Wisk
📍 San Jose, California, United States

Derek is a talent acquisition leader with over 20 years of experience building teams in high-tech industries like AI, robotics, and aerospace for companies including Wisk and Blue River Technology. He studied Business Administration at California State University, Chico. Colleagues describe him as a hard-working, encouraging, and reliable team player.

Outside of his professional life, Derek is a father, a role he highlights in his public profiles, indicating that family is a core part of his identity. His interests include innovative companies like Walt Disney Animation Studios, suggesting a passion for creative technology and storytelling.

He was a key leader in the design of the Motorola careers website that won an award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development.

Read the full overview →
Experience
4 Years
Current Role
Talent Acquisition Manager
Job Level
Middle
Location
San Jose, California, United States
Personality Overview

How Derek shows up

Informal
Charismatic
Friendly But Fast

They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies. They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions. They respond better to a combination of speed and relationship.

Priorities

Topics Derek cares about

Robotics & AI Talent
He has led talent acquisition for multiple robotics and AI companies, including Wisk, Agility Robotics, and Bonsai Robotics, focusing on building world-class engineering teams.
Employment Branding
His experience includes establishing social networking presences and co-leading an award-winning careers website design, showing a focus on attracting talent through strong branding.
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Career

Work history

4-2025
Talent Acquisition Manager
Wisk
6-2024 - 3-2025
Lead Technical Recruiter
Agility Robotics
5-2023 - 2-2024
Principal Recruiter / Head of Talent
Bonsai Robotics
2-2023 - 8-2023
Principal Recruiter / Head of Talent
Stealth Startup
6-2020 - 12-2022
Head of Talent Acquisition
Blue River Technology
In the press

Media appearances

No media yetWe could not find public media appearances for this person.
Education
2002 - 2005
Business Administration
California State University, Chico
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

D

Dominance (D)

Dominance (D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is, and their ability to accomplish results irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition, and success.

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