1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?

I am the President/Owner of a small boutique Human Resources and Operations Consulting practice. I have been in business since 2008. I work with small to midsize organizations to help them achieve their goals in the areas of transformation and culture. This past year has been a challenge providing ongoing support to organizations who struggle in the areas of Work from Home, Performance and Culture, Return to Office, Compensation.

2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?

In 2008, when the bottom fell out of the market due to a recession, I made the difficult yet easy decision to start my consulting practice. Prior to 2008 I held senior Human Resources roles in global organizations. From 2008 - 2013 I worked with organizations and leaders and built skills repositories, transformed cultures and implemented many HR initiatives. In 2013 I made the decision to return to corporate as the VP HR in a large global technology organization leading the human resources function; working in all aspects of human resources. . When that role was eliminated, I joined another large global CPG organization until that position was eliminated as well. I led the Canadian HR operation in that business, leading all aspects of HR, building a shared service environment in North America. When I left that company, I made the decision to rebrand my consulting practice, release a website (albhrsolutions.com). My areas of expertise include all aspects of transformation, working with leaders to help them achieve their growth potential and ensuring a sustainable culture.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I am at my computer by 8:30 a.m. and work (depending on assignments) until I have completed my to do list for the day. I am constantly networking, speaking with people, attending webinars, sessions and continue to hone my skills and knowledge. I believe in continuous learning as our world changes very quickly. I spend valuable time with my husband in the evening relaxing, watching TV, zooming with friends and family.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

This year has taught me 2 things:
1. I am exactly where I need to be.
2. There are 2 important days in our lifetime - the day we were born and the day we discover why.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I am a voracious reader. I am constantly reading books on self-development and growth. What is important to me is that leaders understand their worth to not only their organization but also to themselves. I read all different types of books, genres, and topics. The one book that stands out is Great Mondays - How to Design a Company Culture Employees Love by Josh Levine.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?

I am a strong believer that when I hire or work with someone, I trust they will do their job to the best of their ability. I have always told my team members that they need to trust themselves and their knowledge. Come to me with solutions to discuss and we will find the right one for the company. I build leaders all the time. I want to see my colleagues succeed and grow and be the master of their own destiny.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?

Oh there are so many and hard to pick just one. I worked with a colleague who was having personal life issues and couldn't fully concentrate on the day to day. During numerous discussions I provided a number of recommendations. Always be true to yourself and follow through on your commitments. Lead people the way you want to be led. I provided the colleague with paid time off to deal with their personal issues. When they returned to work a week later they were more engaged, worked harder and better and knew that I as their leader would always have their back. Lesson learned - trust, listen, advise when asked, provide the right solutions, do what you say you will do.