HR Higher Version Podcast

One of my favorite things about summer is spending time around a bonfire at night. There’s something almost magical about watching the flames dance under the stars. But there’s an interesting process that happens when you're making that fire that always gets me thinking about communication. When you build a fire, you start with a few small embers—maybe from a match, or some dry twigs. Then, y...

Welcome back to my HR Higher Version podcast where I want you to become a higher version of yourself. No matter what stage you are at in your career, or what level you want to achieve, you can always strive to be a better version of yourself.   If you’ve been listening to my podcast, you probably know that I have worked in the field of Human Resources for over thirty years. Early on in my career I...

A friend of mine returned from an HR conference the other day. I asked her how it went, and she raved about the breakout sessions, the networking opportunities, and the fresh ideas she came back with.    She was buzzing with excitement about implementing all these new strategies in the office.   But then, something happened. As soon as she stepped back into the office, she was hit with a tidal wav...

When I was about ten years old, I decided I was going to make cookies. Not just any cookies, mind you, but my mom’s famous butterscotch chip cookies.    They are absolute perfection—crunchy on the outside, chewy in the middle, and those butterscotch chips just melt in your mouth.   Now, my mom was the expert baker, and I was just a kid. But that didn’t stop me from thinking I could totally pull it...

Today we’re diving into a theme that might sound simple but carries a powerful lesson for leadership: “I’m OK.” I want to take you back to when my kids were little. You know, those early years when they’re constantly on the go, running around, tripping, falling, and then bouncing back up like nothing happened?  I’m sure you’ve seen it—little ones trip and fall, and before you can even react, they’...

Today I want to share a story that’s a little bit unexpected—about how sometimes the most impactful moments in our lives come from things we weren’t particularly interested in at the time.   It’s all about being open to new ideas and finding opportunities when we least expect them.   I want to take you back to a time when I was working as a Benefits Analyst. I had many different responsibilities—o...

Imagine for a moment that you’re in an art museum. You walk into this beautiful, grand space filled with incredible works of art—paintings, sculptures, installations—each one more impressive than the last. Now, picture this: The lights are off. You’re surrounded by masterpieces, but you can’t see any of them clearly. The beauty is there, but it’s hidden in the dark. Sounds a bit frustrating, doesn...

Today we’re diving into a question that could completely transform how you view your role within your organization: Are you an HR Leader or an HR Follower?   Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify what I mean by this. I’m not talking about your title or your level of authority. I’m talking about your approach, your mindset, and the way you show up in your work every single day.   Are...

If you’re an HR professional, just like many other professionals, I’m sure you've asked your fair share of questions in your career. But, do you know when to ask them—and when to hold back? That’s the question we’re tackling today. If you’ve been around a two-year-old, you know they ask a lot of questions, often starting with ‘Why?’ And while asking questions is crucial for learning and clari...

The other day I was leaving a meeting and the office had a dish of candy at their reception counter. So on my way out the door I grabbed a blue raspberry Jolly Rancher – because they are the best flavor of jolly rancher, right!!!   Later that afternoon, I stuck my tongue out in the mirror to see if it was blue. Of course it was, but I also noticed a black spot on the side of my tongue.   Now I gue...

Happy New Year! A new year is always an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to dream big. As an HR professional, you’re already great at supporting others, but what about your own growth? What if this could be the year you transition from being a key contributor to a strategic executive leader? Do me a favor, as long as you’re not driving, take a minute to close your eyes and imagine that i...

Today I’m tackling a subject that I’ve had experience with, and think many of you probably have too, and that is - fear. Have you ever found yourself hesitating to take that next crucial step in your career because you worried you weren’t good enough or didn’t have all the skills mastered? You’re definitely not alone. Fear can be a powerful force, often lurking in the background and holding us bac...

Dolly Parton once said, “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.” It’s a powerful sentiment, and one that speaks directly to the heart of personal branding. As HR professionals, the path to leadership requires more than just experience or technical skill; it calls for intentionality in shaping how others see you. This begins with a clear understanding of your values—those guiding principles t...

In addition to daily goals, I set three bigger weekly goals that I want to accomplish. I usually set aside a specific time that I can reflect on the previous week and then set my top three things that I want to accomplish for the upcoming week.  This has been a particularly busy couple of weeks for me. And I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t spend as much time as I should have, or be as intention...

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you realize that you’ve made a mistake? Of course you have, we’ve all made mistakes. Mistakes happen.   Maybe it was a missed deadline, a miscalculated decision, or even a miscommunication with a colleague. We’ve all been there.   But there are few things that I hate more than making mistakes. I kick myself and wonder how I could’ve let this happen. I’m...

In the dynamic world of HR, challenges are inevitable—be it staffing issues, employee conflicts, or navigating new regulations. But how you address those challenges can significantly shape your career trajectory.  Imagine walking into a meeting with your boss, ready to discuss an issue, you explain the problem, but when asked for solutions, you’re left speechless. What impression does that leave?...

Wouldn’t it be great if we had more hours in our day? Or would it really be the solution we’re hoping for?   The idea of more time sounds tempting, but would it actually solve our problems, or just add to the chaos? I mean, who among us hasn’t wished for that extra hour to finally catch up on work, dive into that project we’ve been putting off, or even just take a breather?  But let’s be honest—wo...

HR professionals like you are good with people and you love to see them grow. In fact, that may be your #1 favorite part of HR.   But how can you easily create friendly, inspiring environments for your employees? Employees want to be appreciated and validated. A big part of that is feeling seen which helps them feel recognized for who they are. When people feel connected, they feel less isolated a...

So, you want to reach the executive level in HR. You want to make bigger decisions and have a seat at the table. How do you get there from here? With strategy and an occasional setback, you can do it! Let me take you behind the scenes of my personal career path in Human Resources — from an unexpected layoff to eventually becoming an HR Director, which is where I’ve been for the last 10 years.  But...

Introduction to HR Higher Version Podcast Kristen Wade helps HR professionals  who want to reach the executive level, to stop putting out fires and become more strategic with their time. For individual support, apply for Kristen's Signature Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you to a free discovery call. Or if you're ready to ensure your unique values shine, grab a Person...