Not the HR Lady

My dad had every reason to be angry. But anger is a privilege not everyone can afford. I bet you haven't thought about that, have you? He showed me that strategy beats rage. That lasting change requires smarts, not just emotions. His message? Anger fades. Intentionality endures. Be strategic, instead of stressed. And, then maybe you can actually make a difference, instead of just being upset that nothing ever changes. #Leadership #Change #Influence #Strategy #NotTheHRLady

Forcing a full return to the office is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube... messy and futile. The future of work is flexible; adapt or become extinct. How to Do Better: ?? Offer a mix of in-office and remote work options. ?? Survey your team to understand their preferences and needs. ?? Evaluate employees on results, not physical presence. Reimagine your workplace strategy. Embrace flexibility and trust to attract and retain top talent in this new era. And, if you don't have a strategy... you're already way way behind. #NotTheHRLady #Strategy #HR #RemoteWork #ReturnToOffice Photo is from the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in 2009 on a workcation! This was by far one of the most inspiring places I've ever worked for a week... ever.

Cutting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs is like removing the foundation of a building because you can't see it... short-sighted and structurally unsound. Yet, some companies are doing just that, jeopardizing years of progress. How to Do Better: ?? Maintain and even double down on DEI initiatives, even when they're not in the spotlight. ?? Regularly assess and report on DEI metrics to demonstrate value and areas for improvement. ?? Hold leaders accountable for fostering inclusive environments. Reaffirm your organization's commitment to DEI. Evaluate your programs not as expendable extras but as essential to your company's integrity and success. And if you don't know how, we can help. #NotTheHRLady #DEI #Accountability #DoTheRightThing

Meritocracy" is the corporate fairy tale we tell ourselves to sleep at night. Biases, old boys' clubs, and systemic barriers are the monsters under the bed and on our screens, right now. It's time to wake up. Here's how to do better: ?? Recognize that unconscious biases influence decisions. Implement blind recruitment processes to focus on skills, not stereotypes. ?? Define clear, measurable performance metrics accessible to all employees. ?? Ensure hiring and promotion panels represent varied backgrounds to counteract groupthink. Challenge the myth of meritocracy in your own organization. Audit your practices, listen to marginalized voices, and commit to equitable change. If you don't know where to start, we can help. #NotTheHRLady #Meritocracy #Bias #Leadership

Spring cleaning isn't just for closets. Declutter outdated policies and make room for innovation. Need help? #PolicyUpdate #NotTheHRLady

Hiring for 'culture fit' often means cloning your biases. Seek 'culture add' to enrich your team. And as a bonus, you'll probably make more money too. #Diversity #NotTheHRLady #ROI Photo of Tara's twins on their 1st birthday. Not clones, but close enough.

Your company's values mean nothing if they don't align with your actions. Walk the talk or expect the walkouts. #Integrity #NotTheHRLady

Diversity isn't a quota; it's a catalyst for creativity. Homogeneous teams make stale decisions. #ThinkDifferent #NotTheHRLady Photo is of Tara's very diverse high school's PAL (Peer Assistance Leadership) group, class of 1999 John F. Kennedy High School. She's on the right with that Gwen Stefani blonde hair and peace sign.

People tried to break my Dad’s spirit, telling him to “go back to Africa” and of course, far worse. But, no matter what they said… He met them with kindness and usually humor, on purpose. Not because they deserved it or because what they said was funny… … But because hate doesn’t know what to do when it’s outclassed or outwitted. And my Dad was the classiest and wittiest. Kindness is a power move. Humor can shift the dynamic. Use both accordingly. Like my Dad taught me to do. Like I'm trying to teach you. #Leadership #Kindness #Influence #NotTheHRLady ** Photo is of me and my Dad in 2014, I am very blonde and very pregnant with Nico (my 3rd kiddo) who came just months later on 9/11 **

If your idea of innovation is a ping-pong table in the break room, think again. Invest in your people for real progress. And, pay them. #EmployeeDevelopment #NotTheHRLady #Pay