Elizabeth Patterson
Partner, People & Talent
Professional Overview
Elizabeth Patterson is a seasoned People & Talent professional with over 20 years of experience driving strategic workforce initiatives and talent management programs. As a Partner at Sapphire, she leverages her deep industry expertise to guide organizations in optimizing their human capital and fostering high-performing, engaged teams.
Current Role
As Partner, People & Talent at Sapphire, Elizabeth is responsible for shaping the firm's talent strategy and driving people-centric initiatives that enable Sapphire's portfolio companies to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent. She works closely with executive leadership to identify and address critical people challenges, implement best-in-class talent practices, and cultivate a thriving, purpose-driven culture.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Elizabeth served as Vice President of Talent Network at Sapphire, where she built and led a team of HR professionals to support the firm's growing portfolio. She has also held advisory positions at CRAVE and Diana Labs, Inc., and served as Chief Talent Officer at Wildcat Venture Partners, where she spearheaded comprehensive talent management programs and leadership development initiatives.
Elizabeth's earlier career experiences include roles in marketing and sales at companies like Nike, @Road (now Trimble), and Clarify (acquired by Nortel Networks). This diverse background has equipped her with a well-rounded understanding of the business landscape and the ability to translate strategic objectives into impactful talent solutions.
Academic Background
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley.
Areas of Expertise
- Talent acquisition and workforce planning
- Organizational design and development
- Employee engagement and retention strategies
- Leadership coaching and executive advisory
- Human capital analytics and performance management
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program design
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has been a driving force in transforming the people and talent landscape within the technology and venture capital industries. She has spearheaded initiatives that have resulted in significant improvements in employee satisfaction, leadership effectiveness, and team productivity. As an independent director at Black Women On Boards, Elizabeth actively contributes to advancing diversity and inclusion in the boardroom.
Conclusion
With her extensive expertise, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to driving positive change, Elizabeth Patterson is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the organizations and communities she serves. As Partner, People & Talent at Sapphire, she is dedicated to empowering companies to unlock the full potential of their most valuable asset – their people.
