I studied psychology because I was drawn to understanding people and wanted to do work that could make a meaningful difference in their lives. When it was time to start my career, HR felt like a strong fit for my people skills and a chance to learn the business side of how organizations work.

Over the next decade, my HR career took me from consulting with organizations across a wide range of industries to working inside a growing company, where I eventually became a senior HR leader and executive. Along the way, I consulted with more than 50 organizations on their people and workplace needs.

But the part of the job I kept gravitating toward was the people.

I found myself drawn to the moments when something wasn't working and there was a real person behind it. Sitting down with someone to figure out what was going on, helping a manager through a conversation they really didn't want to have, working through conflict, or helping someone see something they hadn't seen before. Those were the parts of the work I found most meaningful.

Over time, people development became a larger part of my work. I took on responsibility for professional development and pursued formal training as a coach, building on the years I had already spent helping employees and leaders navigate the human side of work.

Growth has been a constant throughout my career and my life. I’m a lifelong learner by nature, and I believe that being good at what you do means continuing to learn, evolve, and challenge your own thinking and your perception of what’s possible. I think that's part of what allows me to challenge other people with directness and care. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that challenge, too.