It is my birthday next week and I am turning 63. I find myself standing at the intersection of experience and reinvention, reflecting on a career that has defied expectations and pushed boundaries. My journey, marked by highs and lows, showcases the resilience and determination required to embrace change and redefine one’s professional narrative.
Breaking Retail Shackles
Having successfully led the HR functions of three organizations, I had become a seasoned professional known for innovation and leadership in the field. However, this success was not without its challenges. After dedicating 14 years to the retail industry, I was told that I would never find success outside its confines. Undeterred, I decided to challenge this notion head-on.
Transitioning from the familiar terrain of retail to the uncharted waters of manufacturing was a bold move. It required me to adapt, learn, and leverage my HR expertise in a completely different context. This leap of faith not only broadened my skill set but also laid the foundation for a career characterized by resilience and an unyielding spirit.
Leading HR: A Triumphant Trilogy
Over the course of my career, I had the privilege of leading the HR functions of three distinct organizations, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. These roles allowed me to implement innovative HR strategies, reshape organizational cultures, and drive impactful change. The result? Three national awards from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Executive magazine for HR leadership and innovation – accolades that validated the transformative impact of my work.
Ageism: A Hurdle in the Path to Reinvention
As I embraced the role of an HR consultant late in my career, I encountered the harsh reality of ageism. The belief that professional value diminishes with age is a pervasive myth that I confronted head-on. Despite the wealth of experience and expertise I brought to the table, navigating ageist attitudes proved to be a formidable challenge. This experience highlighted the need for a shift in societal perceptions and an ongoing commitment to challenging stereotypes about aging in the workplace. I now speak at HR conferences on the topic of Ageism to challenge the notions that older workers are not able to contribute to the workplace.
Navigating Uncharted Waters: The Doctoral Dilemma
A pivotal moment in my journey was my decision to pursue a doctoral program in strategic leadership at an evangelical school. Little did I anticipate the storm it would stir. The challenges weren’t limited to academic rigor but extended to unwarranted accusations that threatened to tarnish my professional reputation. Facing allegations of being a white supremacist due to the institution’s religious affiliation, I stood firm in my identity as a moderate Democrat, emphasizing the importance of separating personal beliefs from professional achievements. Adding that I am not evangelical or even of a catholic affiliation has reinforced my rigor towards not making assumptions about individuals and the need for inclusitivity in the workplace.
Reinvention Amidst Achievements
Reinventing oneself becomes a unique challenge when you’ve achieved the goals you set out for in your career. Success can breed complacency, but true reinvention requires a willingness to step out of the comfort zone and explore uncharted territories. The key lies in embracing change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat to past accomplishments. I am now faced with this daunting challenge in my last few years in the workplace.
The Democratic Spirit of Reinvention
In the face of adversity, whether ageism or baseless accusations, I remained resolute in my commitment to personal and professional growth. The experiences that could have defined me instead became catalysts for a more profound transformation. My journey reinforced the importance of resilience, authenticity, and a refusal to be confined by societal expectations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Wisdom and Giving Back
As I stand at the crossroads of reinvention at the age of 63, I am not just closing a chapter but opening the door to a new era of contribution. My 40 years in Human Resources and Operations, marked by successful leadership roles and overcoming unforeseen challenges, have bestowed upon me a treasure trove of experience, wisdom, and skills.
My focus now shifts from personal achievements to a commitment to giving back. With a profound desire to mentor and guide the next generation of HR professionals, I embark on a journey to share the insights gleaned from a career rich in triumphs and tribulations. The reinvention isn’t solely about personal transformation; it’s about leveraging a lifetime of learning to cultivate a legacy of wisdom, fostering growth and innovation in HR communities for years to come.
In tandem with my fulltime career, I’ve embraced the role of an educator for over 14 years, imparting knowledge on Human Resources and leadership in an MBA program at Adelphi University. Serving as a college professor has been my way of investing in the next generation, bridging theory and practice while nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. My classroom has been a canvas where I paint not just theoretical concepts but real-world experiences, infusing the academic journey with practical insights gained through decades of leading HR functions. It’s a profound joy to witness the spark of understanding in the eyes of eager learners, knowing that I am playing a part in shaping the future of HR and leadership. This commitment to education stands as a testament to my belief that the best way to reinvent oneself is to guide others on their transformative journeys.
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