Suzanne Kirk

Job Title:  CEO / Principal Consultant

Current Employer:  Employee Development Strategies,Inc.

Why did you become involved with SHRM SAV Chapter?

I have been a member for over 16 years! I was still relatively new to Savannah and really enjoyed connecting with the membership. I also served on the board for a brief time. As HR professionals, it is so important to continue to learn from each other and share ideas and resources. The email list is a great way to share information and validate our approach to the variety of HR issues we face. I love that we work in an evolving industry where we never know what each day will bring. The chapter connections help us support each other and remind us (especially those of us that work for ourselves), that we are not alone in our ever-changing landscape.

What is some of the best career advice you have been given?

Sometimes you have to slow down to go fast. As a Myers Briggs ENTJ, I try to remain self aware of my tendency to plow through issues, check them off, and look for the next challenge. Learning to slow down, seek and consider possibilities and take a breath once in a while results in much better outcomes and readiness for what's coming around the bend.

What are the words you work by (or what is your motto when it comes to the way you live your career)?

My HR philosophy is rooted in the concept that our profession exists to serve and support the organization and its people - not to create barriers, be the policy police, or reprimand. I strive to guide and counsel clients with strategies that support their unique businesses and company cultures and achieve business objectives by empowering their people. If we're not balancing "the three legged stool" as I call it, (employment law / HR best practices, what's best for the company, and what's best for the individual employees), we're not doing our jobs.

Where do you find the most inspiration?

One of the things I love about being a consultant is that I get to work with clients from all different industries, of various sizes, and organizations that are for-profit and not-for-profit.

Getting to learn about different businesses is fascinating, especially when I uncover a type of business that I didn't know existed - the designer of high-end goods like cashmere blankets for outfitting luxury jets, or how CBD oil is extracted, or the fumigation of shipping containers, or the food-grade bulk sweetener producer, or heavy industrial equipment manufacturer. It's amazing!

It's inspiring to meet so many interesting employees at various companies and really listen and learn from them.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?

I took a leap in 2011 to go out on my own as a consultant and have never looked back. There have been many ups and downs and I have learned so much. I am proud to have an amazing roster of clients and a consulting practice that has survived for nearly 10 years now! I have learned to delegate tasks to professionals and not try and do everything myself (hello taxes), say no to clients and projects that are not aligned with my philosophy, partner with other subject matter experts when needed, and ENJOY the flexibility that this business allows me as a wife, mom, volunteer, and all those other hats we wear.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

I worked for an HR leader many years ago that planted the seed in my head that I could be successful as a consultant if I was willing to take the risk and put in the work (because I hustled big time for the fist couple of years). He hired me for my first project and we are still in touch today. He's an exemplary leader and that manages from the heart while earning the respect of the entire C suite.

What do you love most about HR?

To quote Forrest Gump, every day in HR is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get!