I had some dental work done the other day and as I was sitting there with my mouth wide open, that little suction tube gurgling in my ear, it occurred to me… the dentist and I have a lot in common.

And not just because I’ve had my fair share of dental work done over the years.

But because I’ve regularly heard through the years –

“You never want to be called into a room and then see HR sitting there.”

“You don’t ever want to go see HR.”

“The only time to call HR is when something is wrong.”

Sound familiar?

Just like no one wants to go to the dentist, no one really wants to get called to the HR office.

It usually signals a problem - conflict, compliance issues, maybe even job uncertainty.

But the truth is: both dentists and HR professionals play essential roles in preventing long-term damage.

The earlier you as an HR professional are involved, the healthier the outcome - whether we’re talking gums or teams.

So today, we’re diving into how to transform the perception of HR - particularly in those hard moments - by using your executive leadership skills to build trust, navigate tough conversations, and shift the culture.

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 Personal Branding Strategy Session with Kristen here.

Today’s episode is centered around a quote I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. It’s from Michelle Obama. She said:

“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined.”

Simple. Powerful. And incredibly relevant to HR leaders.

Because let’s be honest - fear is part of the journey.

Whether you're navigating a tough conversation, advocating for a seat at the executive table, or preparing to step into your first C-suite role, fear shows up.

But it’s what you do with that fear that matters.

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 Personal Branding Strategy Session with Kristen here.

Early in my career, I thought success meant being perfectly polished all the time.

You know the look: tailored suit, calm voice, always in control, never showing emotion.

I believed that was what executive presence meant - and honestly, a lot of us in HR were taught to think that way.

But that version of leadership? It’s outdated.

Today’s workplaces are craving something different. Leaders who are real. Leaders who are relatable. Leaders who are human.

The real secret to executive presence? Drop the act.

In this episode, I’m going to talk about how to be a truly authentic leader and why being vulnerable is a game changer.

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 Personal Branding Strategy Session with Kristen here.