Q: Tell us about yourself.
I am a wife, mom of two under two, and HR professional who loves her job and career. In my spare time, I love to be active and outside and I’m always up for reading a great book!
Q: What will you be speaking about at DisruptHR?
A: Sabbaticals.
Q: Why are you passionate about this topic? .
A: Having just returned from my second maternity leave, it occurred to me that there are limited ways in which you can take an extended period of leave from a company if you have been employed there for several years. You shouldn’t have to have a baby or be injured to take an extended period of time off, but rather have that be a benefit to you as you’ve shown loyalty to a company for so many years, the company can in turn express its loyalty to its tenured employees.
Q: What general business advice do you have for readers out there?
A: Always be open-minded to opportunities out there—you never know what is around the corner waiting for you if you don’t look.
Q: Can you share a specific experience that has significantly shaped your career?
A: Just recently, my family and I made the decision to leave Chicago and move to Fargo for the opportunity to advance my career. I moved while pregnant and moved away from family, and it paid off as I was recently promoted to VP of HR—I took a chance on myself, and in turn, the company is taking a chance on me, to which I am grateful.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your professional journey?
A: Have a passion and a reason for doing what you do every day, and remember/reflect on that every single day
Q: What do you think are the key traits of successful leaders today?
A: Passion, determination, resilience, and humility.
Q: How do you handle setbacks and challenges in your career?
A: Take one day/one decision at a time, and find the learnings/ blessings in the challenges.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in their field?
A: Make connections with people—get to an office, go to coffee/happy hours, and build relationships.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: Finding 60 minutes every day for myself, usually to do something active. Without activity, my brain doesn’t have the space or oxygen it needs to be creative and purposeful each day.
Q: What are some emerging trends or technologies that excite you the most?
A: Generative AI and how it will transform the work we do in HR.
Q: Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you’re particularly proud of?
A: Biking across the US with 31 young adults—we raised 250K for affordable housing, and we made it from coast to coast with our two legs and a bicycle!
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