5 Strategies to Succeed in Human Resources

Navigating a career in Human Resources (HR) can be both challenging and rewarding. To rise through the ranks requires not just technical knowledge but also the ability to adapt, build relationships, and assert yourself in a myriad of situations.?

For Gloria Ngooi, now the HR Director at IKANO Retail (IKEA), the path to success took a blend of resilience, strategic thinking and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her rise within IKEA is a testament to her ability to constantly evolve her skill set and prove her value at every stage.?

On a recent episode of the Rewrite The Rules podcast, Gloria shared what it took to carve out her path to leadership and ensure her voice was heard in a global organisation like IKEA.?

In this article, we’ll delve into five strategies for success in HR, inspired by Gloria’s journey from recruitment consultant to HR director. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, these insights will help you on your path.

5 Things To Do to Onboard Success in Your HR Career

1. Gain Diverse Experience

Gloria’s rise to HR Director at IKEA wasn’t a straight shot.?

She began her career not in HR but as a recruitment consultant with Adecco, where she first honed her skills in talent acquisition. But Gloria didn’t stop there—her career has mainly been built on the power of diversifying experience. After recruitment, she jumped into retail operations and even took on the challenge of running an employment agency.?

These roles didn’t just add another line to her CV; they broadened her expertise and gave her a multifaceted approach to HR, blending operational insights with people management strategies that have been crucial in her role at IKEA.

Gloria's career journey highlights a critical lesson for anyone looking to make their mark in HR: don’t box yourself in. To stand out, explore different roles, even if they seem unrelated at first glance. Whether you’re shifting between departments, taking on a new industry or stepping into a challenging project, the varied experiences you gain will set you apart from the crowd.

Pro Tip: Early in your career, create a “skills map” outlining the specific competencies you need for your dream leadership role. For each new opportunity, identify at least one skill it will help you develop. Track your progress by updating your skills map every six months, ensuring each role adds a new, relevant tool to your arsenal. This way, you’re not just building a resume—you’re strategically crafting a path to leadership.

2. Embrace Opportunities for Change

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, adaptability isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must.

Gloria’s career is a prime example of how embracing new opportunities can be a game-changer. When the chance to shift from operations to HR presented itself, despite her background in recruitment and retail, she didn’t hesitate. Instead of sticking to what she knew, Gloria saw this as a strategic move—a step that ultimately paved the way for her to become HR Director at IKEA.

“One day, I chanced upon a role looking for an HR manager with some retail operations background. I thought, hey, you are looking for me.”?

Gloria’s leap wasn’t just about taking on a new job; it was about embracing a role that would stretch her skills, broaden her horizons and push her closer to her long-term career goals.

Her story is a clear reminder that the most significant growth often comes from stepping into the unknown. When an opportunity feels a bit daunting, that’s usually a sign you’re on the right track. The roles that challenge you the most are the ones that build resilience, sharpen your strategic thinking and set you apart from the crowd.

So, when faced with a new challenge, don’t just think about the immediate discomfort—consider how this move can catapult you closer to where you want to be.?

Pro Tip: When a new opportunity presents itself, map out the specific skills or experiences you’ll gain that directly align with your long-term career goals. Write down three concrete ways this role will push you out of your comfort zone and how each will enhance your value in the future. Then, commit to tackling one of these growth areas within the first 90 days in the role. This focused approach ensures you're not just stepping into a new position but strategically advancing your career.

3. Build Strong Professional Networks

In HR, as in any field, your success is often tied to the relationships you cultivate. For Gloria, networking was a cornerstone of her rise to HR Director.

But building a network isn’t just about collecting business cards—it’s about understanding people, their needs, and how you can collaborate effectively.

“I established relationships. You know, not only a relationship in the bigger team but the one-on-one relationship and understanding the business needs of each person's perspective.”?

Her approach highlights the power of deep, meaningful connections over surface-level interactions. In HR, where decisions can ripple across the entire organisation, having a solid network isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. It gives you a clearer view of the business, helping you make informed and impactful decisions.

If you want to build and sustain a robust network, action these tips:

• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for networking opportunities to come to you. Go out and create them. Whether it’s attending industry events, joining professional groups or simply grabbing coffee with a colleague, make it a point to connect regularly.
• Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Make sure you’re bringing something to the table, whether it’s sharing insights, offering help or just being someone others can rely on.
• Maintain Relationships: Building a network is just the start; nurturing it is where the magic happens. Regularly check in with your contacts, provide support when needed and stay engaged in their work.?

Pro Tip: Instead of just aiming to meet new people, set a goal to deepen ‘x’ number of key relationships every quarter. Focus on understanding their challenges and finding ways to add value, whether through advice, resources or connections. This focused effort will transform casual contacts into a strong, supportive network that opens doors and drives your career forward.

4. Work on Your Confidence and Assertiveness

Navigating the boardroom can be daunting, especially when you’re the only woman at the table. Gloria knows this all too well.?

Her career path is a powerful reminder that confidence and assertiveness are skills you develop through experience, preparation and persistence. As a woman in leadership, she has faced the challenge of making her voice heard in predominantly male environments. But instead of shrinking back, she learned to assert herself, understanding that confidence isn't just handed to you—it’s something you build, brick by brick.

“Once you are in a senior role, I think many times your immediate colleagues are male. And how do you actually have a voice in the boardroom?”?

This is a challenge that many women leaders know all too well. Gloria’s strategy for overcoming it involves more than just speaking up. She focuses on building strong relationships, deeply understanding the business and being exceptionally prepared to contribute meaningfully in every discussion.

Confidence, as Gloria demonstrates, comes from knowing your stuff inside out. It’s about walking into a meeting armed with data, insights, and a clear understanding of the business landscape. But it's also about practising assertiveness—starting in smaller meetings, honing your voice and gradually building up to larger, more formal settings.?

And if you find yourself struggling, seek out a mentor. Someone who has been there can offer invaluable advice on how to assert yourself and navigate those tricky situations for professional growth.

Pro Tip: Before each meeting, prepare one key insight or question that you’re ready to share. Then, challenge yourself to be among the first three people to speak. This proactive approach not only boosts your confidence but also positions you as a leader who is engaged and unafraid to contribute.?

5. Define Personal Success and Happiness

In a world where success is often equated with promotions, pay rises and material gains, Gloria offers a refreshing alternative.?

For her, true success isn’t about ticking off career milestones or accumulating possessions; it’s about finding genuine contentment and nurturing meaningful relationships. This perspective comes as a breath of fresh air, especially in the high-pressure environment of HR, where the focus is usually on helping others achieve their potential.

“To me, success is a mindset. It is being contented, being happy. I don't think it is about material possessions. It's not only about what we have accomplished in our career, but what we have gained in our friendships and the relationships that we have made.”

Her approach reminds us that, in the rush to climb the corporate ladder, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. For HR professionals—and anyone else—it’s crucial to define what success looks like for you personally, not just professionally. Success, as Gloria defines it, is deeply personal and goes beyond what’s written on a CV or displayed in a bank account.

Think about what genuinely makes you feel successful by considering these steps:

• Reflect on Your Values: What matters most to you? Is it your career, your relationships, your personal growth? Define what success looks like based on your values.
• Set Personal Goals: While career goals are important, also set personal goals that align with your definition of success.?
• Stay True to Yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in societal expectations or externally impressive goals. Remember that your definition of success is unique to you, and it’s okay if it doesn’t align with others’ views.

Pro Tip: Write down three non-work-related goals that authentically resonate with your personal values—such as dedicating time each week to a hobby, setting aside uninterrupted time for family or committing to a regular self-care routine. Schedule these activities into your calendar with the same priority you give to work meetings. This intentional approach ensures that your personal fulfilment doesn’t take a backseat to professional demands

So, there you have it. Gloria’s journey from a recruitment consultant to an HR Director offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to succeed in the field of human resources. Here are the key takeaways for streamlined career development:

• Gain Diverse Experience: Explore different roles and industries to build a versatile skill set that enhances your value in HR.
• Embrace Opportunities for Change: Take strategic risks and seize opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone to advance your career.
• Build Strong Professional Networks: Develop deep, meaningful relationships within and outside your organisation to better understand and meet business needs.
• Develop Confidence and Assertiveness: Practise voicing your opinions and contributing confidently in discussions, especially in challenging environments.
• Define Personal Success and Happiness: To define your true success, focus on achieving personal fulfilment and balance, not just professional milestones.

By applying these strategies in your career, you can not only advance professionally but also find fulfilment, balance and happiness in your work. Remember, success in HR isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the people and organisations you serve, while staying true to your values and goals.?

So, as Gloria advises all women in leadership roles, “Be confident in yourself. Voice out your point of view.”?

Ready to build the right mindset to achieve great things in your HR career and beyond?

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To get more of Gloria's proven insights, watch the full episode linked here . If you want to hear and share inspiring stories of women across Asia, reach out to me by email or on LinkedIn .