Recently, during our HR panel, “What I Wish I Knew Earlier in My HR Career,” one of my former colleagues (and boss) shared something that really stuck with me. She said I brought structure and intention to our team – just by asking for meeting agendas and clarity around why I was being invited.

At the time, I wasn’t trying to change anything. I was just trying to avoid showing up to meetings unsure of what we were doing or how I could contribute. But in a workplace where people often joined calls simply because they were invited, without a clear agenda or purpose, that simple question, “Why am I needed here?” shifted how we operated. It made people think. It helped us prepare better. And apparently, it made a lasting impact.

It reminded me that sometimes the smallest habits – asking for clarity, setting expectations, being intentional – can quietly change a culture.

So whether you’re early in your HR career or well into it, here’s a little encouragement: bring your full self to the table. Set the tone. Ask the questions. Even the quiet things you do might be the thing others remember most.

Warm regards,
Leah ❤️

What We Wish We Knew Earlier
Reflections from the August 2025 Webinar Panel

Our panel turned into one of the most honest and heartfelt conversations we’ve had. Here are a few standout themes that emerged – powerful reminders that are clear, practical, and easy to apply at any stage of your HR career.

Language matters
Acronyms and buzzwords don’t always land. Be as clear and direct as you can, especially across functions, generations, or cultural backgrounds. Speak in plain terms that people actually understand.

You don’t have to know it all
Credibility doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from asking thoughtful questions, listening well, and knowing when to lean on others. Growth isn’t a solo act.

Relationships carry your career
The connections you build, by getting to know people as people, are what create trust, open doors, and support your growth long after you leave a job.

Setbacks shape us
Mistakes happen. And yes, sometimes they’re big. But owning them early, asking for help, and turning them into learning moments is what sets great leaders apart.

Clarity is leadership
Saying yes to everything isn’t leadership. Leadership is setting direction, explaining decisions, and helping others understand the “why”, even when they don’t agree.

Start small and bring people with you
Real change is rarely a big bang. Start small, check in often, and bring others along for the ride. That’s how strategy sticks.

👉🏿 Watch the full replay here.
👉🏿 Read the blog recap here.

Open Enrollment might feel like it’s several weeks away, but the prep work is already in motion. In my 90-Day OE Series on LinkedIn, I’ve been highlighting the common pitfalls that catch HR and benefits teams off guard and, more importantly, how to get ahead of them.

Here are the latest three:
📌 Pitfall #4: Skipping Proper System Testing
📌 Pitfall #5: Not Auditing Your Enrollment File
📌 Pitfall #6: Overlooking a Structured Post-OE Process

I’ll be sharing more lessons each week, so stay tuned or join the conversation on LinkedIn to add your own hard-earned insights.

No worries. you can still plug into the support:

👉🏿Join our monthly Office Hours
👉🏿 Grab the OE Rescue Kit

Our first Office Hours was a success! Leaders came with questions, swapped ideas, and left with practical takeaways they can use right away. We’re keeping the momentum going with another session this month.

🕑 When: Last Thursday of every month at 2:00 PM EST
📅 Next Session: September 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST
📍 Where: Virtual (invite sent upon registration)

Bring your questions, join the discussion, or just listen in. It’s a space to get support and share insights with peers.

Let’s plan better, together.

August Webinar Panel

Every HR professional has those “if only I knew then…” moments. For our Summer 2025 August webinar, I had the chance to sit down with an incredible panel of HR leaders to unpack exactly that; the pivotal lessons, career advice, and best practices that have shaped their journeys.

We covered everything from career-defining moments to the role of relationships, leadership, and influence in shaping an HR career. The conversation was honest, practical, and inspiring for those just getting started in HR or leading at the executive level.

If you missed it, you can catch the replay here

WEB Atlanta Chapter Meeting

August HR Roundtable Recap

Last Month’s HR Roundtable reminded us that sometimes the best insights come from simply being in the room together. From insights on upcoming projects to personal reflections, the exchange of ideas and experiences left us inspired and energized for what’s ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to USI Insurance Services and Caitlyn Hernandez for sponsoring our August session. Your support helps keep these conversations going.

Want to join us next time? We’d love to have you. Click on our upcoming roundtable below to join the conversation.

_{October HCM Tech HR Leaders Roundtable}

Thursday, October 9, 2025

🌞 HCM Tech Summer Webinar Series

Upcoming Webinar: Culture in the Workplace
📅 September 24, 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM EST | 💻 Live Webinar

Culture is more than a buzzword, it’s the heartbeat of every workplace. It shapes how people show up, how they collaborate, and ultimately, how organizations thrive.

This month, we’re excited to welcome Carol Baxter, SVP of HR at Revature and Becky Miller, Chief of Employee Benefits at Florida Sheriff Risk Management Fund, leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with in the past and know firsthand how intentional culture can transform a company. We will share insights on what it takes to create and sustain that kind of environment.

It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Past Webinars

📍 Where to Find Me

🤝 Work With Us

Need help with HR tech, vendor decisions, or benefits admin? We bring strategy, clarity and structure. And we’ll always give you honest, practical guidance based on what actually works for your team. Let’s connect »

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What I Wish I Knew Earlier in my HR Career