Bridget Gotz '99

Your current title at Rightpoint is chief people potential officer—what does this mean? What do you do for your job?

People potential is all about how we attract, engage, develop, and recognize our team members at Rightpoint. It’s most closely aligned with human resources (HR) because I oversee hiring, career development, etc., but, of course, humans are not resources, and this is our attempt to get away from that. It’s also a more extensive role than traditional HR as I look after other areas that contribute to the broader employee experience too. Fun stuff.

Why did you go into human resources?

I have a high emotional quotient and am pretty empathetic. I’m a strong communicator. I like to operate in the strategic realm and then implement it—I simply love to design something in concept … like parental leave or a wellness/mental health program and then make it reality. I also recognize that my skills are well suited to helping people navigate ambiguity, conflict, etc. It’s my way of making the world a better place.

You majored in political science at Knox. How did you go from that major to your career in human resources?

Happy accident. I majored in political science because I liked knocking around big ideas and concepts and then balancing that with the statistical elements, etc. The far more impactful thing for me was the breadth of classes I took (I was all over the map—art, science, guitar, philosophy, math). People Potential requires a chameleon—not in that you aren’t your true authentic self but by way of stepping into different environments, knowing your audience, and quickly adapting, etc. 

I took a year off to travel before law school. That year turned into 22 years and counting …. When I graduated, I participated in a work abroad program in Ireland. The recruiting agency I signed up for asked me to work for them in-house. I was talking to candidates and hiring managers which positioned me for an entry-level recruiting position when I returned to Chicago. That turned into a recruiting/HR generalist role, and then it picked up steam from there. Over time, I kept taking on bigger roles with more responsibility. I never officially closed the door on going to law school, but I felt I was making an impact in what I was doing. I liked it (most days) and was good at it.

What brought you to Knox?

My sister Heidi Gotz Hager '96 was attending at the time—I came to visit for a weekend and was immediately sold. I didn’t apply anywhere else (which in hindsight was not a smart strategy, but when I commit, I’m all in). Best decision ever.

Do any people or experiences from Knox stick out to you as particularly impactful?

My husband, Court Crandall '99, is a pretty great partner in crime. I’m grateful our paths came together at Knox as we live a really wonderful life. I was super involved in activities and extracurriculars at Knox. I wanted to do it ALL, and I feel I really did. Pi Phi, Alpha Phi Omega, Knox Democrats, Student Senate, WVKC, etc. I didn’t have a lot of spare time, but I learned a lot about myself and realized I’m happiest when I’m fully engaged.

Do you think any of your activities at Knox have affected who you are now?

They absolutely helped me. Not only did I learn about myself and how I like to be engaged, but I also learned how to budget my time. That has been incredibly valuable. I'm still not perfect, but it doesn't limit me from the stuff I take on. I just have to build a plan.