“Great Recruiting Is Part Art, Part Science”: A Q&A With New Scout, Tonya Tumath
- Carey Lewis
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
We talk a lot about the difference one person can make. The kind of person who not only shows up with the right experience but brings energy, clarity, and alignment to the entire team. That belief is at the core of our work, and it’s also why we’re so excited to welcome Tonya Tumath to our growing team of Scouts!
With over 20 years of experience in executive and technical recruiting, Tonya brings more than just expertise, she brings heart. She’s built high-performing teams, nurtured long-term partnerships, and developed a reputation for placing people where they can thrive. In this conversation, Tonya shares what drives her, how she approaches talent differently, and why slowing down is sometimes the fastest way to get it right.
Q: Can you share a recruiting strategy that you believe has been particularly effective?
A: One recruiting strategy that’s been especially impactful for me is what I call the “partnership placement approach.” It’s all about collaboration, not just with the client, but with candidates as well. Rather than taking a plug-and-play approach, I dig deep to understand the why behind the hire: what the company is working toward, what’s missing on the team, and which soft skills will truly drive impact.
One memorable example was with a fast-growing manufacturing company that was struggling to retain floor supervisors. Turnover was high, morale was low, and previous hires just hadn’t worked out. Instead of focusing solely on technical qualifications, I partnered with the leadership team to redefine the role, prioritizing emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution.
We completely shifted how we sourced and interviewed candidates. Finalists even walked the floor and met the team before a decision was made. The person we placed wasn’t the most traditional fit on “paper” but he became the cultural glue the team needed. He increased retention, boosted morale, and helped reshape how they approached hiring for frontline leadership roles going forward.
That experience was a powerful reminder: great recruiting is part art, part science. When we slow down and really understand both people and business needs, we make placements that last.
Q: In your experience, what role does recruiting play in shaping company culture and values?
A: Every hire is more than a seat to fill. It’s a chance to shape the heartbeat of a company. Culture isn’t built in a vacuum. It’s created by the people who show up every day, how they collaborate, and how they embody the company’s values.
Intentional recruiting is one of the most effective ways to reinforce and evolve culture. It goes beyond checking boxes on a resume; it’s about understanding team dynamics, the pace and tone of the environment, and what the company is ultimately trying to build. Great recruiters become cultural stewards, ensuring each new hire doesn’t just fit the role, they enhance the organization.
Over the years, I’ve seen how hiring with emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of human connection leads to stronger, more resilient teams. The right hire can inspire others, increase cohesion, and act as a catalyst for positive change.
Q: What motivated you to join Revel Search as a Scout?
A: The decision to join Revel Search was easy. They’re not just trying to fill roles; they’re working to build something meaningful and lasting. That really resonates with me.
I’m drawn to how REVEL focuses on each client’s vision, values, and long-term goals. It’s not transactional…it’s transformational. The integrity, transparency, and depth of connection here reflect how I’ve always aspired to work.
And as a Scout, I get to represent opportunities and companies I genuinely believe in. I can introduce talent to environments where I know they’ll thrive. That kind of alignment is rare, and powerful.
Q: How does finding top talent contribute to the overall growth and success of an organization?
A: Hiring the right people is one of the most critical levers for business success. Great talent doesn’t just do the job – they elevate it. They bring fresh ideas, lead with initiative, and spark positive momentum across teams.
When you align the right person with the right role and the right culture, you’re not just improving that one function, you’re strengthening the entire company. It shows up in better collaboration, stronger retention, faster innovation, and clearer accountability.
I’ve seen firsthand how a single strategic hire, especially in leadership, can unlock growth and transform a business’s trajectory. On the flip side, the wrong hire can set things back dramatically. That’s why finding top talent isn’t just an HR function – it’s a core business strategy.
Closing Thoughts
What we appreciate most about Tonya is her ability to see beyond the job description and into the heart of a team’s needs. She leads with empathy, asks the right questions, and knows that the best outcomes often come from building trust first.
We’re grateful to have her at Revel Search – and if her words resonated with you, we’d love to continue the conversation. Whether you’re hiring, exploring a new role, or simply curious to connect, you can reach Tonya here.
Welcome, Tonya! We’re lucky to have you.
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Carey Lewis is the co-founder of REVEL SEARCH®, a women-owned executive search firm specializing in purpose-driven placements and high-impact onboarding through its REVEL90™ program. With a degree in Family and Child Sciences and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Florida State University, Carey brings a unique blend of empathy, discipline, and leadership to every search.
She spent 15 years at the country’s largest IT staffing firm, where she helped launch and scale multiple branch offices, earning a reputation for building high-performing teams and strong client relationships. At REVEL®, Carey applies her deep industry experience and passion for connection to help companies attract and retain exceptional talent—not just for the job, but for long-term success.
The Revel Coach™ Blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not mental health, financial, business or legal advice. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any medical, mental or emotional condition. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content.
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