“Questions Shape the Direction, Connection Drives the Growth”

Ji Min Yoo
Jun 23
4 min read

Updated: Jun 26

Original Publication by Money Today News, June 21, 2025

Translated into English by HRCap

CEO Andrew Sungsoo Kim and CMO Stella H. Kim (Source: MTN)

“Technology may offer answers, but questions shape the direction, and connection drives growth.”

In recent years, the business environment has undergone rapid evolution with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). Amid this disruption, what kind of talent are organizations truly seeking? In a recent interview with MTN, Andrew Sungsoo Kim, Founder, CEO & President of HRCap, a leading U.S.-based HR Consulting firm now marking its 25th anniversary, cited the importance of asking questions as one of the most vital competencies.

Founded in 2000 in New Jersey, HRCap has grown into the largest Asian American Total HR Solutions Partner in North America. With over 25,000 successful global placements, a client portfolio of more than 1,500 organizations, and a candidate retention rate exceeding 95%, HRCap’s accomplishments speak not only to their performance, but to their deep commitment to people and strategy. The firm now aims to move beyond being the leading Asian American HR firm to becoming one of the most trusted HR brands in the United States.

CEO Kim emphasizes the critical importance of people, especially when conducting business in the U.S., where local dynamics require a deeper cultural understanding. “The United States is a society that values legacy,” he explained. “In universities, businesses, and brands alike, what matters is how long something has been built and what kind of philosophy and story it carries.”

That is why, CEO Kim notes, designing organizational structure must go beyond operational function and must be framed as part of the organization’s long-term legacy. At the heart of that structure is the hiring of the right people in the right roles, a factor CEO Kim describes as the single most important element in a successful U.S. market entry. In this context, “structure” is not just about defining roles or formalizing processes. It is about using questions to connect people to organizations and leveraging those connections to design meaningful, sustainable growth.

In a world where technology offers endless tools for operating businesses, CEO Kim points to “human intuition” as the core of effective leadership. Particularly in HR, he explains, “AI can analyze resumes quickly. But it cannot tell you what kind of questions that person would ask.” He adds, “We may use technology to screen candidates, but the final decision is always made with human insight.”

For CEO Kim, a question is not merely a communication tool. It is the foundation for building context, connecting philosophies, and determining direction. “A question is the most enduring imprint,” he said. “It has the power to change organizational culture, and ultimately, to change direction.”

What, then, is the future direction of talent acquisition? The answer came from Stella H. Kim, Chief Marketing Officer and SVP, Head of Americas, who currently leads HRCap’s U.S. recruitment strategy.

“I see my role as expanding and adapting the structure designed by our CEO to meet the demands of today’s environment,” she said. She emphasizes that questions are at the heart of effective organizational change. To her, asking a question is not merely about seeking information; it is an expression of intent to connect. “A question can serve as the very link between individuals and organizations.”

As organizational structures grow more complex, the structural and operational differences between departments are becoming more pronounced and complex. Stella highlights that fostering alignment across departments is now a critical priority for organizations seeking to drive synergy and innovation. This level of cross-functional integration cannot yet be achieved through technology alone. The ability to ask the right questions, which is rooted in human understanding and intention, remains essential in building connections and fostering collaboration.

Stella explained, “Organizations are now looking for leaders who can bridge differences. Those who ask connecting questions become the ones who guide teams, mediate conflict, and build shared context across the company.”

Both CEO Kim and CMO Stella Kim offered guidance to young Koreans aspiring to build careers in the U.S., emphasizing “question” and “connection” as the foundational principles for success.

“Instead of focusing on building your resume,” Stella advised, “start by asking yourself what you are truly curious about. Before writing a resume, ask: What kind of environment have I grown the most in? Who have I felt most energized working with? Why am I drawn to this organization?”

Stella continued, “When those questions are reflected in your resume or cover letter, the employer will feel that you are prepared to connect with their organization. Through your questions, you show depth of thought, and through your actions, you prove the capacity to bring those thoughts to action.”

CEO Kim concluded, “Today, the question is no longer, ‘Why should you hire me?’ but rather, ‘Why do I want to grow with this organization?’ Questions shape direction. Connection drives growth. When both are repeated and reinforced, they become a company’s philosophy, and ultimately, its legacy.”

By Hyeonseok Yeom, MTN