For many employees, a people-first culture and supportive leadership are imperative to achieving career growth and internal mobility. Rachael Ostertag, a talent acquisitions manager at EchoStar who has been with the company since 2020, knows that her role encompasses much more than executing business goals and meeting performance metrics.
At the core of her role is being people-centric, emphasizing the importance of consulting candidates and being a resource to ensure they’re the best fit for the job and for EchoStar’s culture that thrives on in-person collaboration. On a daily basis, she’s responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies aligned with company goals, ensuring a positive candidate experience, collaborating with hiring managers, enhancing employer branding, and using recruitment metrics to improve hiring strategies.
She also consistently works to empower her team by providing the tools, support, and feedback they need to thrive.
“Whether it’s offering guidance during challenging searches or celebrating their wins, I strive to create an environment where they feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work,” she says.
Here, Ostertag shares how EchoStar’s company culture allows employees to succeed, why women shouldn’t be afraid to step into their power at work, and the best career advice she’s received.
What’s your favorite aspect of your company’s culture, and how does your company help you succeed?
The culture at Boost Mobile and EchoStar is incredibly driven and collaborative. We value curiosity, innovation, and teamwork—all of which contribute to achieving common goals. Being fully on-site makes collaboration seamless, fostering strong connections and accelerating onboarding for new hires. What truly sets our culture apart is the focus on growth and development. Our leadership programs are exceptional, offering tailored courses that support employees at every stage of their careers—whether transitioning from individual contributor roles to management or preparing for executive-level positions. These programs have been instrumental in my growth as a leader. I’m particularly proud of our new interview certification program, which equips employees involved in hiring with the skills to conduct structured, bias-free interviews.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging about your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is helping my team hire individuals who represent the future of our company and drive innovation. I take pride in fostering an environment where my team feels supported and empowered to tackle challenges and think creatively. On the challenging side, ensuring we hire the best talent often involves a thorough process, incorporating interview feedback, references, assessments, and other tools to build a comprehensive profile of each candidate. Advocating against moving forward with a candidate who interviews well but doesn’t align with the full profile can be tough. However, maintaining high standards is critical to building a strong, innovative workforce. I work closely with my team to navigate those complexities.
What people, resources, and tools do you rely on to attain work-life balance?
Our team lives by the motto “work hard, play hard,” and we make it a priority to balance both. We host quarterly off-site events dedicated to fun and networking, which helps build strong relationships and camaraderie. These moments of connection remind us that we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a team that genuinely supports one another. When someone is out sick or on vacation, everyone steps up to ensure their responsibilities are covered. This shared accountability creates a culture of trust and support, making it much easier to unplug. Knowing my team has my back allows me to achieve the balance I need to show up fully at work and home.
How have you found your passion, purpose, and voice at work?
Finding my passion, purpose, and voice at work comes from fostering meaningful connections and striving for continuous improvement. Each morning, I start with standups with my team. These daily check-ins help me understand what support they need and set the tone for collaboration and success. This practice ensures we’re aligned and equipped to tackle the day’s challenges together.
Being the best version of myself doesn’t mean being perfect—it’s about learning, growing, and improving each day. I embrace feedback and seek opportunities to refine my skills, knowing that growth is a continuous journey. Outside of work, I find purpose and motivation in caring for my dogs. Their boundless energy and loyalty remind me of the importance of giving my all to what matters most.
This foundation inspires me to make a meaningful impact, not just in how I approach my work but in the relationships I build and the results we achieve together.
What advice do you have for others who are looking for their passion or voice at work? Are there any resources that you would recommend to women looking to find their passion or authentic voice in the workplace?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at EchoStar is that everyone’s voice matters. Early in my career—as a junior recruiter with just three years of experience—I identified inefficiencies in our processes that were limiting our competitiveness. After sharing my observations and ideas with leadership, I was given the opportunity to lead a project to address these challenges. This experience strengthened my confidence and reinforced the importance of speaking up, even when you feel like the least experienced person in the room.
Women are sometimes unfairly labeled as “aggressive” or “combative” when they take charge, ask tough questions, or advocate for change. My advice? Don’t shy away from being bold and speaking your truth. Strong leaders recognize and value authenticity and courage. Your voice can drive meaningful change, and the right environment will amplify it.
For resources, I highly recommend Heart-Centered Leadership: Lead Well, Live Well by Susan Steinbrecher and Joel Bennett. It helped me evolve from a purely results-driven leader to someone who prioritizes supporting my team as whole individuals. By fostering trust, empathy, and accountability, I’ve seen how a people-first approach strengthens team dynamics and drives success.
What advice do you have for someone new to your industry?
Be curious, stay proactive, and never stop learning. Dive deep into understanding the industry, ask thoughtful questions, and tap into the expertise of your team. At EchoStar, we’re doing something groundbreaking: building America’s first 5G standalone (SA) greenfield network from the ground up. It’s a bold challenge, and every new hire experiences a ramp-up period to get acclimated. What sets successful individuals apart is their willingness to engage—bringing fresh perspectives, challenging existing processes, and continuously seeking ways to innovate. This industry thrives on collaboration and creativity, so don’t be afraid to share your ideas and embrace opportunities to contribute.
What is your best advice for women who are moving into or want to move into leadership roles?
In male-dominated industries like tech, your unique voice and perspective are essential. Don’t hesitate to speak up, share your ideas, and advocate for yourself and others. Strong leaders recognize the importance of diverse viewpoints and will appreciate the value you bring to the table. As a leader, focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone on your team feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. Remember, leadership isn’t just about your success—it’s about lifting others and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Overall, what’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Early in my leadership journey, I was focused on performance and metrics, often overlooking the importance of building genuine connections with my team. A mentor once told me, “Goals are best achieved when your team feels valued and supported.” That advice reshaped my approach to leadership. By shifting to a people-focused management style, I’ve seen remarkable changes: stronger team retention, increased accountability, and a collaborative culture. Prioritizing my team’s well-being and creating an environment where they feel heard has been a game changer.