Yolanda
Human Resources
Q: Where you are from?
Kilgore, TX but I currently live in Round Rock (Austin) TX
Q: If you knew it was going to be your last meal, what would you eat?
Pancakes.
Q: What led you to pursue a career in your current field, and how has your professional journey evolved over time?
Being a first-generation college student, it was suggested that I become an accountant. It sounded good, but it was not for me. As I was looking for another major, I took an HR course, and 30 years later, I am still surprised at how relevant my education is to my professional journey.
Q: What was the most challenging project you worked on in your career?
The most challenging was my first large-scale layoff at a tech company. It was heartbreaking to see the range of emotions. At that moment, I decided that I would not be a robot, but a listening ear. I pride myself on my ability to empathize and point employees toward their next opportunity.
Q: How did you overcome any obstacles to achieve a successful outcome?
I found that being authentic is my “superpower.” This allows me to work in an open and transparent manner. It also increases trust in relationships.
Q: What motivates you to come to work every day, and how do you stay engaged and enthusiastic about your job?
The opportunity to partner with leaders to ensure their most important assets — employees are successful excites me.
Q: Can you share a defining moment in your life or career that has shaped who you are as a person (rather than a worker)?
I had the pleasure to be raised by my dad and mom at a time when black families were not supported. They taught me to value my education, be honest, and know that what you say should align with what you do.
Q: How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I love nurturing my mini garden.
Q: What do you hope the future of work looks like? (Please give an example of a challenge you see today, and what a solution might look like, or a specific thing you hope for in the future workplace)
I hope the future of work is built on the premise of Inclusion and ChatGBT simplifying our work. I hope that companies stay focused on the culture of the future and leave the distractions behind.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field or looking to grow to their utmost potential?
My advice is for them to understand their “why” and the non-negotiables in their life. These are the basis of the principal centered leaders that will be able to steady the ship in turbulent times.
Q: Where you are from?
Kilgore, TX but I currently live in Round Rock (Austin) TX
Q: If you knew it was going to be your last meal, what would you eat?
Pancakes.
Q: What led you to pursue a career in your current field, and how has your professional journey evolved over time?
Being a first-generation college student, it was suggested that I become an accountant. It sounded good, but it was not for me. As I was looking for another major, I took an HR course, and 30 years later, I am still surprised at how relevant my education is to my professional journey.
Q: What was the most challenging project you worked on in your career?
The most challenging was my first large-scale layoff at a tech company. It was heartbreaking to see the range of emotions. At that moment, I decided that I would not be a robot, but a listening ear. I pride myself on my ability to empathize and point employees toward their next opportunity.
Q: How did you overcome any obstacles to achieve a successful outcome?
I found that being authentic is my “superpower.” This allows me to work in an open and transparent manner. It also increases trust in relationships.
Q: What motivates you to come to work every day, and how do you stay engaged and enthusiastic about your job?
The opportunity to partner with leaders to ensure their most important assets — employees are successful excites me.
Q: Can you share a defining moment in your life or career that has shaped who you are as a person (rather than a worker)?
I had the pleasure to be raised by my dad and mom at a time when black families were not supported. They taught me to value my education, be honest, and know that what you say should align with what you do.
Q: How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I love nurturing my mini garden.
Q: What do you hope the future of work looks like? (Please give an example of a challenge you see today, and what a solution might look like, or a specific thing you hope for in the future workplace)
I hope the future of work is built on the premise of Inclusion and ChatGBT simplifying our work. I hope that companies stay focused on the culture of the future and leave the distractions behind.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field or looking to grow to their utmost potential?
My advice is for them to understand their “why” and the non-negotiables in their life. These are the basis of the principal centered leaders that will be able to steady the ship in turbulent times.
