Today I celebrate another year of my enriching journey in the Talent Acquisition and HR industry. I fell into my
craft by accident and quickly discovered a passion and skill for working with the
most volatile and unpredictable commodity, human capital. This happy
accident afforded me the rich opportunity to partner with an incredible collection of dynamic, scary smart, and well-respected leaders, hire some of the best and brightest talent, work for a myriad of leading companies and
brands and, flourish exponentially as a professional.
I remember vividly my first day in Talent Acquisition. I was hired as a
recruiting coordinator for a leading public accounting and consulting firm. This would be where I would not only cut my teeth but tear fiercely into honing my skills as an HR and recruiting professional. Little
did realize back then that I would be embarking on the career ride of a lifetime.
If I could sit with my younger self on that first day and share the wisdom of my older self today, here is what I tell her:
- Intentionally push yourself far beyond your comfort zone and run daringly into things that terrify you. The scary moments will lead you to successes and opportunities you never thought possible.
- Stay perpetually curious, never hesitate to ask questions, and let your thirst for knowledge be insatiable
- The hardest falls will teach you the biggest lessons. Heed them wisely and be grateful to those who picked you up and brushed you off. Gratitude and wisdom will be our allies.
- As you taste success do so with gratitude and a humble heart.
- Always own a mistake and work double time to rectify it.
- One of the cornerstones to your success will be in the relationships you build and the leaders you engage with. Hold yourself accountable to a personal advisory board
- If counting to 10 does not calm you down, count to 20.
- When you feel like quitting yet find the grit to push onward, that’s when the real work begins.
- There will be those who will work to tear you down due to their own insecurity, jealousy, and brokenness. Never give them permission to diminish who you are and the incredible talent you bring.
- Lead with grace and compassion. It will inspire others and elevate you as a leader.
- At times you will struggle to find the right answer and then the answer will find you.
- It is healthy and necessary to not only have differing views but more importantly, to respect the diverse views others bring.
- You will have the power to help change lives. Use it wisely.
- Integrity and authenticity should always guide your actions.
- Embrace change and then embrace the change of the change.
- Once you have a seat at the table, feed others by mentoring and developing future talent.
- Know your worth and deliver it back to your organization tenfold.
- Don’t be a people pleaser. It is alright, and at times, healthy, to say no.
- Move for the right opportunity. It will be the game-changer of your life!
- Keep a candy jar in your office. It will create a welcoming environment and drop-ins, and you will be amazed by how many problems chocolate will solve!
- Take ALL of your vacation days.
- Only you are responsible for your successes and failures.
- Go boldly, go confidently, and go passionately, and watch how far it will take you.
- Buckle up, girlfriend, because you’re in for one hell of a ride!
