Years ago, someone I used to work for called me out of the blue. He wanted to build an HR department where one did not currently exist and asked if I’d consider joining as Director of Human Resources. I was honored … and a little surprised … to hear from him. But there was just one small problem: I had zero HR experience. My background was in restaurant operations and learning & development. I started to explain that … but… Continue Reading »
When we take a moment to notice and appreciate the people we work with, something powerful happens, energy shifts, connections deepen, and motivation grows. Gratitude has that kind of ripple effect. It reminds us that behind every result is effort, collaboration, and care. Whether it’s a colleague who steps in to help, a team that rallies to meet a deadline, or a leader who takes time to listen, gratitude is what turns everyday work into something meaningful. In the workplace,… Continue Reading »
For many, we are approaching the time of year when much of our focus turns to performance evaluations. I’ll discuss in another post, pros and cons of annual reviews. In either scenario, effective feedback is one of the most powerful levers you have to raise performance, strengthen engagement, and retain talent. In fact, Gallup research shows that 80% of employees who receive meaningful feedback weekly report being fully engaged. Meanwhile, Forbes cites another Gallup finding that teams with high engagement… Continue Reading »
Let’s talk about one-on-ones — the underrated leadership superpower that too often becomes a rushed check-in or, worse, another meeting to survive. But when done well? One-on-ones are where the real magic happens. At their core, one-on-one meetings are intentional conversations between a manager and a team member. They aren’t just about tasks or status updates (though those can come up); they’re about connection, support, development, and trust. They’re one of the most valuable ways leaders can truly show… Continue Reading »
Despite progress in gender equity, women continue to face barriers to advancement in the workplace. While mentorship plays a key role in career development, it’s not enough on its own. Women need sponsors—leaders who advocate for their success, open doors to new opportunities, and actively push for their growth. Beyond sponsorship, organizations must take intentional steps to create inclusive workplaces where women have equal access to leadership opportunities and resources. Companies that prioritize gender diversity and equity outperform their competitors,… Continue Reading »
No leader succeeds alone. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of a new leadership role, scaling a business, or refining your personal and professional growth, a mentor can be a game-changer. A great mentor provides guidance, offers fresh perspectives, and helps you accelerate your development. But finding the right mentor isn’t just about choosing someone successful—it’s about finding someone whose experience, insights, and approach align with your goals. So how do you select a mentor who will truly support your growth?… Continue Reading »
Mentorship is more than just a professional relationship—it’s a catalyst for growth, learning, and long-term success. At every stage of a career, the guidance of a mentor can provide clarity, encouragement, and insight that might otherwise take years to develop. At the same time, mentoring strengthens organizations by fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and leadership development. Whether formal or informal, mentorship has a profound impact. It shapes careers, builds stronger teams, and creates lasting connections that extend far… Continue Reading »
This week, HR Aligned Design celebrated its 15th anniversary. The past 15 years have been filled with great opportunities and experiences as well as some challenges. One thing is certain, there have been many lessons learned. I’d like to share some of my learnings along the way: 1. Clarity of Purpose is Key: Knowing your “why” serves as a compass for decision-making, strategy, and client relationships. It’s the foundation of your business and the driver of long-term success. Mine has… Continue Reading »
In this episode of Insights On The Grow – LIVE gather tips to lead effectively without formal authority, focusing on how to build influence, inspire collaboration, and drive results from any position. We will explore some practical tools and strategies to maximize their leadership impact, regardless of title. Insights on the Grow – LIVE offers short, impactful and practical information leaders can apply immediately. Join us monthly for 20 minutes of content, 10 minutes of Q & A, conversation… Continue Reading »
This concise and impactful presentation focuses on the importance of providing a structured and supportive introduction to leadership roles, helping new leaders navigate their early days with confidence and clarity. We explore the key elements of a successful onboarding process, from understanding organizational culture and building key relationships to setting clear expectations and goals. Attendees gain practical tools and frameworks that can be immediately applied to create a seamless transition for new leaders. Insights on the Grow – LIVE offers… Continue Reading »
When working with Janet, her extensive experience in Operations, Training and Human Resources is very evident. This cross-functional know-how added tremendous value to the projects Janet worked on at Macaroni Grill.
- Steve Baker, VP, Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Years ago, someone I used to work for called me... Read More »
When we take a moment to notice and appreciate... Read More »
Most leaders know feedback matters, but knowing... Read More »
For many, we are approaching the time of year... Read More »
