The other day I was leaving a meeting and the office had a dish of candy at their reception counter. So on my way out the door I grabbed a blue raspberry Jolly Rancher – because they are the best flavor of jolly rancher, right!!!

Later that afternoon, I stuck my tongue out in the mirror to see if it was blue. Of course it was, but I also noticed a black spot on the side of my tongue.

Now I guess I don’t typically look at my tongue, so although I didn’t really know how long it had been there, I know it’s not been there my whole life. I didn’t remember biting my tongue or anything that would have caused the spot.

In about 3 weeks I had a dentist appointment anyways so figured I would keep an eye on it and ask the dentist at that time. The dentist thought it was probably nothing, but consulted with his oral surgeon friend to be safe. The surgeon agreed it was probably nothing and I’ll just keep an eye on it.

Had it actually been a problem though, and had it not been for that blue raspberry jolly rancher – who knows how long it would’ve been before I discovered it.

So, my question for you is – what things in your career do you not look at or think about very often? Let’s talk about how you can regularly monitor your career so that you don’t miss the warning signs that could indicate disaster.

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.

Happy New Year! A new year is always an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to dream big. As an HR professional, you’re already great at supporting others, but what about your own growth?

What if this could be the year you transition from being a key contributor to a strategic executive leader? Do me a favor, as long as you’re not driving, take a minute to close your eyes and imagine that it is December 31, 2025. What would need to be true in order to say that 2025 has been your best year ever? I challenge you to really let that question sit with you for a moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of HR work – the employee concerns, the management challenges, the compliance requirements. But when was the last time you asked yourself, “What does success truly look like for me at the executive level?”

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 I’m tackling a subject that I’ve had experience with, and think many of you probably have too, and that is - fear.

Have you ever found yourself hesitating to take that next crucial step in your career because you worried you weren’t good enough or didn’t have all the skills mastered? You’re definitely not alone.

Fear can be a powerful force, often lurking in the background and holding us back from pursuing the very opportunities we desire. It whispers doubts. It magnifies our insecurities. It can even paralyze us in our tracks.

But what if I told you that fear doesn’t have to be a stop sign? Instead, it can serve as a compass, guiding you toward growth and self-discovery. The world of HR requires us to push past our comfort zones, take risks, and embrace the possibility of failure.

Whether you’re just starting out in HR, feeling stuck in your current role, or looking to make that leap into the executive suite, stay tuned. Together, we’ll turn those fears into stepping stones for success and unlock your potential.

Are you ready to dive in and discover how to turn fear into fuel for your career? Let’s get started!

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.