HR Fireside Chat Series!

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our HR Fireside Chat Series, a unique segment of our 'Breakaway for a Takeaway' initiative. This monthly series is dedicated to featuring prominent HR professionals, and we couldn't be more excited to kickstart this journey.

Today, we have the immense honor of featuring Martha Ayerdis, an extraordinary individual who exemplifies the true spirit of a servant leader. Martha is someone I deeply admire and respect for her relentless passion for personal and professional development and her commitment to consistently adding value to the lives of those around her.

Martha's journey in HR is a testament to her passion for nurturing talent and fostering inclusive workplaces. Her approach goes beyond the traditional confines of HR, focusing on holistic development and the well-being of employees. Her tireless efforts in advocating for equitable practices and her empathetic leadership style have not only shaped successful teams but have also inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence.

In our chat today, we will delve into Martha's inspiring career, her insights on the evolving landscape of HR, and her strategies for cultivating a positive and productive workplace culture. Her experiences, challenges, and triumphs are bound to enlighten and motivate HR professionals and leaders alike.

As we sit down with Martha Ayerdis, let's look forward to uncovering valuable takeaways, gaining new perspectives, and being inspired by her remarkable journey.?

Join us as we explore the depths of HR through the eyes of a leader who truly embodies the spirit of service and continuous growth.

Welcome to the HR Fireside Chat Series!

Martha, what led you to this field? Well, you see, I'm originally an attorney back in my home country, and I even have a master's in industrial business. But when my family and I moved to the United States, the closest fit for me was human resources, specifically in the Labor Law field. I managed to complete my Executive MBA at the University of Miami and earned my BA from Saint Thomas University. My initial dream of attending law school had to take a back seat due to financial constraints.

Now, let me share a memorable career challenge and how I tackled it. Like many HR professionals, one of the big hurdles we face is earning the respect of others, especially our male counterparts. It's common for them not to take our opinions seriously, often dismissing them as emotional responses. My very first HR role was as a Labor Relations Specialist, working under the supervision of a gentleman who knew labor laws inside out from his time in New York with a union. To prove myself, I decided to take a significant risk and memorized every labor law and regulation I could find. It paid off, and I soon became his right-hand person, a role I continued with my next supervisor who also became a friend. The key was not just knowing the law but knowing how and where to apply it effectively. It was a risky move for me, but it was a game-changer. During that phase, I even received the Davis Productivity Award.

Can you share some highlights from your career journey in HR??

Change is inevitable in any organization, and I've learned that it's not just necessary but vital. We all need to reinvent ourselves to reach our goals as leaders and professionals. I once worked for a company that lost its Public Relations department. The CEO asked me if I could temporarily fill the role. I took the opportunity head-on, and it turned out to be a great success. I even organized a human resources seminar that involved television. My involvement grew, and I found myself helping the homeless and individuals in need, including children with mothers who were victims of domestic violence. After two years in that position, I recommended the company hire a Public Relations manager. These activities earned me the Minority Women of the Year award and the Carol Glassman Donaldson Award from the American Society of Public Administrators (ASPA).

Mentorship can play a crucial role in career development. Could you talk about a mentor who influenced your career?

Mentorship is a cornerstone of career development, and one person who made a significant impact on my journey is Stacey S.H. Hipsman. She was my supervisor during my time as a Labor Relations Specialist. Stacey trusted me from the start, and her leadership skills were instrumental in mentoring employees eager to learn. She has left an indelible mark on my career.

How do you define leadership in HR, and what qualities do you think are essential for HR leaders today? And how do you nurture potential leaders within your organization??

Speaking of leadership in HR, it's evolved with the changing world. Maintaining that human touch remains essential. A good HR leader, in my view, should be an adept listener, maintain a positive attitude despite challenges, inspire and coach others to become leaders themselves, possess a sense of humor to ease tense moments, and handle pressure effectively.

Now, when it comes to nurturing potential leaders in an organization, it's personal for me. I keep a positive attitude and engage in meaningful conversations with potential leaders to understand their dreams and goals. Coaching is my way of helping them create a plan that aligns with their expectations within the company.

What advice would you give to individuals who are just starting their careers in HR?

For those just starting their careers in HR, my advice would be to embrace the changes happening in the world. Expanding your knowledge beyond traditional HR roles is essential. Understand budgeting, operations, accounting, and even artificial intelligence, as the future is full of new knowledge and changes. In executive staff meetings, be ready to grasp the company's budget and offer ideas for cost reduction or process improvement. Gaining insight into the company's overall operations and earning the respect of male executives is key.

Now, before we wrap up, let me add that I believe coaching should be a top priority in any company. Without proper guidance, employees may feel lost while trying to follow instructions. Effective communication between supervisors and employees is crucial, as it can significantly impact productivity and teamwork. So, let's remember that as we continue our journey in HR.

As we bring our enlightening conversation with Martha to a close, we'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable insights and the inspiring stories she shared with us today. Martha's dedication to servant leadership, her commitment to growth, and her tireless efforts to enrich others' lives have left an indelible mark on all of us.

I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to our readers. Together, let's keep the flame of learning and sharing alive in our HR community. We eagerly anticipate more sessions filled with engaging conversations and insightful perspectives, aimed at equipping you with the understanding that leadership is a skill that can be learned, one behavior at a time. Your contributions could spark transformative discussions in our upcoming chats.

Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to your participation in the next edition of the HR Fireside Chat Series, a key feature of the Breakaway for a Takeaway Newsletter. Until next time, keep growing and keep leading!

Yours in growth,

Leyda

P.S. If you're keen on being featured in our future sessions, click here.