From My Perspective
The HR profession has been demanding, challenging, sometimes gut-wrenching, but ultimately rewarding. It’s certainly never been dull! I’m blessed to have one of the best HR jobs you could ask for as Chief People & Diversity Officer of Origin Bank. I’m fortunate to have an exceptional team and terrific work partners. We’ve had tremendous growth during the nine plus years I’ve been here and there are always new challenges, new regulations, changing workforce dynamics and HR issues to address. There have been rewarding times of helping others succeed and of finding solutions that create wins for the employees and the company. In the various jobs I’ve had throughout my career, there have also been terminations, plant closures, and reductions in force that literally tear at your heart.
One of my favorite managers, Wayne Parker, challenged and encouraged me to tackle labor relations when we worked for Willamette Industries. Confrontation, though necessary in some situations, is not something I enjoy. So labor relations seemed like a big hairy bear, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to wrestle it! With Wayne’s encouragement, great training opportunities, and the help of several wise mentors, I was the first female at Willamette to act as company spokesperson in numerous contract negotiations. I was definitely stretched in those years and learned so much about myself. Looking back at those accomplishments, I’m grateful I pushed through my fears and ventured down that daunting road.
Significant travel was required for that job, and my two wonderful daughters were young at the time. As a mother, I often stressed over missing school programs, games, or other special events. We had many conversations about the demands of work, and they know they are much more important to me than a career. In addition to the challenges of working motherhood, I realize in hindsight how much the perception of how a “Southern lady” should act resulted in many internal challenges for me in my career. It’s interesting that men and women, especially in my generation and those that came before, expect certain behaviors from each other, and if either steps outside the norm, others often view that behavior harshly. While men are expected to be aggressive and to take charge, assertive women are often viewed as witchy when they offer differing opinions or push back to strongly defend a position or belief. For me, it was often like walking a tightrope as I ventured into primarily male-dominated arenas.
My faith has been a constant source of strength. As beautifully stated in my favorite hymn, Amazing Grace; “The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.” I was richly blessed with parents who had deep faith, patriotism, and an incredible work ethic. They conducted themselves in a manner that reflected honor, integrity and respect for everyone, regardless of their race or station in life. My mother was an amazing woman; strong, competent, an Army nurse in WWII, and a tremendous role model. She had a servant’s heart and instilled a love of reading in her three children. I was raised to treat everyone respectfully and fairly. I was taught to learn as much as I could and to give more than was required of me. That upbringing has served me well.
I would encourage everyone to find a career they can be passionate about. Strive to be the very best you can be at anything you undertake, value others, and learn from your mistakes. Hopefully you can then look back with few regrets.