For years, organizations have leaned on the idea of “culture fit” when making hiring decisions. The intention was good: find people who align with the company’s values and ways of working. But in practice, “fit” often narrows the lens, leading to consistency, missed opportunities, and blind spots. That’s why I encourage leaders to shift the conversation to culture add . Instead of asking, “Does this person fit in?” we ask, “What unique perspective, skill, or lived experience

How HR can help recalibrate leadership dynamics to drive performance Leadership misalignment isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always show up in conflict or confrontation. Sometimes, it’s quiet—missed cues, competing priorities, decisions made in silos. But over time, the cost is real: stalled initiatives, eroded trust, and a culture that feels more fragmented than focused. If you’re a CEO sensing friction at the top, it’s not just a people issue—it’s a performance issue. And HR

What Thanksgiving reminds us about culture, connection, and the power of being seen As HR leaders, we often talk about engagement, retention, and performance. But beneath every metric is something more human: the need to feel valued. Thanksgiving offers a timely reminder that gratitude isn’t just a seasonal sentiment—it’s a leadership practice. And in times of change, uncertainty, or growth, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have. Gratitude Builds Culture Culture isn’t b

A roadmap for CEO's ready to re-engage their teams post crisis or turnover When the dust settles—after a leadership shakeup, a painful layoff, or a season of uncertainty—what remains is the culture. Not the posters on the wall or the values on the website, but the lived experience of your people. Their trust. Their energy. Their belief in the future. If you’re a CEO emerging from a tough year, now is the time to rebuild—not just operations, but connection. Here’s a roadmap to

How HR supports M&A, leadership changes, and organizational pivots with clarity and care Change is inevitable—but transformation is intentional. Whether navigating a merger, welcoming a new CEO, or realigning your business strategy, the way your organization moves through transition can define its future. At the heart of that journey? Human Resources. HR isn’t just a support function during change—it’s a strategic partner, translator, and steward of culture. When leveraged we

What CEO's and CFO's overlook and how strategic HR protects your business from the inside out Most business leaders don’t ignore HR risks—they just don’t know where they’re hiding. They assume their policies are “fine.” Their managers are “doing their best.” Their culture is “good enough.” But here’s the truth: The biggest risks in your organization aren’t always loud. They’re quiet. They live in outdated handbooks, inconsistent practices, and unspoken team dynamics. And they

Why investing in early-career professionals isn’t a gamble—it’s a growth strategy When budgets tighten or growth slows, emerging talent is often the first to be deprioritized. Internships get cut. Entry-level roles go unfilled. Development plans are shelved. But here’s the truth: Early-career professionals aren’t a risk—they’re a return. And companies that invest in them now will outperform those that wait. The ROI Is Real Emerging talent brings fresh perspective, adaptabili

Why reactive HR costs more—and how strategic HR builds stability, agility, and trust When the unexpected hits—a resignation, a compliance issue, a morale dip—HR often gets called in to “fix it.” And we do. But firefighting isn’t a strategy. It’s a symptom. If your HR function is constantly reacting, it’s time to ask: What would it look like to build resilience instead? Reactive HR Is Expensive Quick fixes—like overpaying for a rushed hire or scrambling to rewrite policies mid

Why CEO's and CFO's should treat culture like a strategic asset, not a side project Most CEOs I meet don’t ignore culture—they just underestimate it. They’re focused on growth, margins, operations, and risk. Culture? That’s often seen as a “soft” concern. Something HR handles. Something that will hopefully take care of itself. But here’s the truth: Culture is not soft. It’s structural. It’s the invisible infrastructure behind every strategic win—or loss. Culture Drives Perfor

A few weeks ago, I met up with a group of longtime professional friends for happy hour. The kind of gathering where you expect laughter,...

Every fall, inboxes fill with reminders: It’s time to enroll in your benefits. HR teams scramble to update documents, host webinars, and...

It’s one of the most repeated phrases in business: hire slow, fire fast . But in practice? Most organizations do the opposite. They rush...

Too often, companies treat HR as a catch-all function—an administrative landing pad for high-performing support staff or a promotion path...

Attracting top talent. Retaining top talent. Developing the next generation. They sound like three separate initiatives—but they’re...

For many, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer—a time for barbecues, travel, and one last long weekend before fall routines kick...

Not long ago, I sat in a meeting with a leadership team that had been struggling to connect. The goals were clear. The skills were sharp....

A few years ago, I was leading an engagement survey debrief with an executive team. One finding stood out like a beacon: Employees craved...

Workplaces thrive on trust, fairness, and psychological safety—but what happens when a leader’s response to a serious issue isn’t just...

Organizations thrive when leaders are united in their vision. But strategic success isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about ensuring...

Strong leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated, nurtured, and refined over time. Yet, too often, organizations focus on short-term...