In addition to daily goals, I set three bigger weekly goals that I want to accomplish. I usually set aside a specific time that I can reflect on the previous week and then set my top three things that I want to accomplish for the upcoming week.

This has been a particularly busy couple of weeks for me. And I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t spend as much time as I should have, or be as intentional as I should have, on setting my goals for this past week.

I knew I wanted to focus on some healthier eating habits, but was in a hurry and didn’t take the time to think through what that would look like. Instead, I simply wrote “eat healthier breakfasts” as one of my weekly goals.

So, guess what happened? When it came time to reflect on the past week, I had no idea whether or not I had accomplished my goal. Did that granola bar I grabbed as I ran out the door on Tuesday count as a “healthier breakfast”? And “healthier” than what?

How do you know if you have accomplished your goals? Let’s dive into 3 strategies to make sure that you do know.

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.

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you realize that you’ve made a mistake? Of course you have, we’ve all made mistakes. Mistakes happen.

Maybe it was a missed deadline, a miscalculated decision, or even a miscommunication with a colleague. We’ve all been there.

But there are few things that I hate more than making mistakes. I kick myself and wonder how I could’ve let this happen. I’m embarrassed. And though I work on correcting the mistake immediately, I often dwell on the fact that it happened for days!

What I have to remind myself of though, is that while mistakes can feel daunting, they can also serve as powerful catalysts for growth and improvement.

Everyone makes mistakes. And if we’re honest, you probably aren’t making any progress or pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, if you don’t make a mistake or two at some point.

But what you do after those mistakes, is what truly sets you apart. It’s in these moments that your character is revealed and your leadership potential is tested.

So, what should you avoid doing when mistakes happen, and what proactive steps should you take instead? Let’s dive into four key areas.

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.

In the dynamic world of HR, challenges are inevitable—be it staffing issues, employee conflicts, or navigating new regulations. But how you address those challenges can significantly shape your career trajectory.

Imagine walking into a meeting with your boss, ready to discuss an issue, you explain the problem, but when asked for solutions, you’re left speechless. What impression does that leave?

A lack of solutions not only demonstrates a passive approach but also signals to your boss that you might not be fully engaged or proactive in your role.

As we get started today, think about the moments when challenges arise in your workplace. Are you the person who simply points out the issues, or do you step up to provide actionable solutions?

Let’s explore the power of being proactive and how you can transform problems into possibilities.

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.

Wouldn’t it be great if we had more hours in our day? Or would it really be the solution we’re hoping for?

The idea of more time sounds tempting, but would it actually solve our problems, or just add to the chaos? I mean, who among us hasn’t wished for that extra hour to finally catch up on work, dive into that project we’ve been putting off, or even just take a breather?

But let’s be honest—would more time actually make things better, or would we just fill those extra hours with even more of the same things that keep us overwhelmed?

Today, we’re diving into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of time management: not just how we spend our hours but how we can strategically reclaim our time, set boundaries, and prioritize what really matters.

Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about having more time—it’s about making the most of the time we already have.

Let’s talk about the one thing that can break you free from the overwhelm, work smarter, and finally take control of your schedule instead of letting it control you.

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.

HR professionals like you are good with people and you love to see them grow. In fact, that may be your #1 favorite part of HR.

But how can you easily create friendly, inspiring environments for your employees?

Employees want to be appreciated and validated. A big part of that is feeling seen which helps them feel recognized for who they are. When people feel connected, they feel less isolated and more understood.

With over 30 years in the HR field, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of workplace culture — and let me tell you, it’s been a fascinating ride.

Remember the days when personal lives were left at the door? Well, things have changed. Today, we’re expected to create environments where employees can bring their whole selves to work.

It’s a great shift, but it raises some tough questions:

How do you foster real, human connections without crossing professional boundaries? And how do you build trust while respecting privacy?

Let’s talk about strategies to strike that balance in order to create a happy and productive workplace.

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.

So, you want to reach the executive level in HR. You want to make bigger decisions and have a seat at the table. How do you get there from here?

With strategy and an occasional setback, you can do it!

Let me take you behind the scenes of my personal career path in Human Resources — from an unexpected layoff to eventually becoming an HR Director, which is where I’ve been for the last 10 years.

But here’s the thing — my journey was not a straight line. It was filled with twists, tough lessons, and career-defining moments I never saw coming.

I’m about to share the highs, the lows, and how I strategically navigated each step, turning rejection into opportunity.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a significant leap, the lessons I’ve learned will help you along the way. Listen for insights to build your deliberate and intentional career.

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.

Introduction to HR Higher Version Podcast

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.