Shawna Maccario
Shawna (Finnegan) Maccario
Head of Talent Acquisition, Americas, Watts Water Technologies
Like many in the field, Shawna did not begin her career with the intention of entering talent acquisition.
Instead, she found her way into recruiting organically—drawn by a deeper passion for helping people and connecting them with opportunities that align with their aspirations. For Shawna, the true value of talent acquisition lies in its human impact.
She describes the experience of matching the right individual with the right organization as both meaningful and rewarding. This ability to influence careers and create alignment between people and purpose is what has kept her committed to the field over time.
Leadership Influence and Lasting Impact
Throughout her career, Shawna has worked alongside several leaders who have shaped her perspective on talent and leadership.
One of the most impactful was Jamie Durkin, whose strength lay in combining a deep understanding of business strategy with talent acquisition trends. His leadership enabled teams to operate with clarity and alignment.
She also highlights Suzanne Kearns, a leader recognized for her empathy and thoughtful approach. Suzanne’s ability to uncover root challenges within the business and guide teams toward meaningful solutions left a lasting impression.
Another influential figure was T. Hout, known for driving change regardless of role or hierarchy. His ability to empower teams and identify opportunities within complex business challenges demonstrated the power of proactive leadership.
Together, these leaders helped shape Shawna’s belief that effective talent leadership requires both strategic thinking and a strong human-centered approach.
The Shift in Recruiting and the Role of AI
Shawna sees today’s talent acquisition landscape as divided into two mindsets when it comes to AI.
On one side are professionals who feel uncertain about how AI may impact their roles. On the other are those who view it as an opportunity to evolve the function.
Shawna firmly aligns with the latter.
She believes AI is most valuable when used to automate time-intensive tasks such as sourcing and scheduling—two areas that traditionally consume a significant portion of a recruiter’s time. By reducing administrative burdens, AI allows talent professionals to focus on deeper, more strategic challenges within the business.
Rather than replacing recruiters, AI enhances their ability to think critically, build relationships, and deliver greater impact.
The Evolution of Talent Acquisition as a Strategic Function
Reflecting on the broader evolution of the industry, Shawna believes talent acquisition is entering a new phase.
The function has progressed from transactional recruiting to a more strategic discipline focused on market insights, talent planning, and organizational alignment. Now, she sees the next transformation already underway.
According to Shawna, talent professionals are evolving into true talent advisors.
In this model, recruiters are not just filling roles—they are guiding business leaders, anticipating talent needs, and contributing directly to strategic decision-making. This shift is being accelerated by AI, which enables more time for advisory and strategic work.
Advice for Talent Leaders Heading Into 2026
As the industry continues to evolve, Shawna emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in strategy.
Talent leaders must remain focused on their core responsibility: helping businesses attract and retain the best talent to drive innovation and growth. This requires a deep understanding of both internal priorities and external market dynamics.
She also highlights the importance of being proactive—bringing insights, solutions, and forward-thinking ideas to business leaders rather than waiting for direction.
Additionally, Shawna encourages leaders to invest more in demand planning and market awareness to stay ahead of talent needs.
Above all, she believes success lies in balancing technological advancement with human connection—leveraging AI while maintaining the empathy and relationship-building that define great talent acquisition.
