Where do HR leaders draw inspiration from? What are their worst nightmares? How did they stand the test of the changing times? In this segment, we will trace your journey to the top. This is your story - a story that is made of extraordinary accomplishments, methods that helped you overcome adversity, innovative programs that you led, and fundamental changes that you brought in. It's your chance to inspire the next generation of leaders.

 

Paaras Parker joined Paycor in 2022 from Kroger, where she most recently served as Head of HR for 84.51°, Kroger’s technology & digital and alternative profit unit. Paaras is a seasoned leader with deep experience in talent acquisition, organizational and leadership development, diversity, equity & inclusion and learning and has held high-level HR roles at Macy’s and Global Novations. In an exclusive interview with HR.com, Paaras talks about her HR journey and shares some insights on the current HR challenges, how to build the HR team of the future and so on

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What has your HR journey been like, and what influenced you the most to positively impact your career?

Paaras: I am so thankful for my journey. Specifically, my journey helped me learn early on how important people are to any business. A group of engaged, motivated employees can accomplish more than many can imagine. Having positive, badass influential women leaders early in my career made the impossible feel possible. The presence of great male leaders and mentors helped me see and jump obstacles more effectively.

Q: What were your challenges during the early days of your career compared to those of today?

Paaras: In the early days, I was figuring out what doors to unlock early, how to create meaningful networks, and how to never lose the relentlessness to learn. Now, it’s all about finding ways to do this for others, in ways that are meaningful to them. The learning hasn’t changed though. I can learn something from everyone, everything, and each interaction. If I don’t – that’s a miss on my part.
 

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from? What do you have to say to those who are still struggling to find a place in the boardroom?

Paaras: I love what I do so much that I find inspiration every place I go. I’m constantly observing how team members are treating each other, the impact one employee can have on a “room” and when I see something, I always stop to ask the person about their journey, story, what makes them so engaged, etc. It’s always a great learning opportunity to hear what’s made an impact on others.

Q: What are your best tips on how to lead during a crisis, uncertainty, or change?

Paaras:: I think being a point of certainty in uncertainty drives confidence. I think people are more understanding of making a decision and having to change it vs. living in what may seem like uncertainty to them. Declare, redeclare and communicate as often as you can.

Q: What according to you is one of the most overlooked issues facing HR today?

Paaras: In business in general, we need to continue to focus on leaders and empower them to empower and enable their teams. Great people leaders make a huge difference in any organization. We tend to invest more in technical skill development but the ability to lead and motivate others is going to continue to rise. Ensuring that leaders have great tools to take care of administrative tasks and ensuring they refocus that time on getting to know what motivates their team members is key.
 

Q: Do you see any new job roles being created by the transformation?

Paaras: We will continue to see growth with strategic business partners, talent development and a refocus on diverse employee experiences and communication.

Q: With so many changes happening, how do you build the HR team of the future?

Paaras: I am constantly seeking out people who aren’t satisfied with the status quo. People who like to challenge their own thinking and are obsessed with learning about the business they are working in. The more you really know and love the work, the easier it is to be constantly looking for ways to do and support it better. When someone has worked someplace for a long time and can appreciate what got them there while being excited about how to make it better is the special sauce. Doesn’t mean you don’t value what you did, just means you have the ability to see that we can always improve. That’s even more important now than ever before.

 
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