Welcome to the Higher Version Podcast - the space where HR professionals and leaders like you explore intentional leadership, executive growth, and the messy but beautiful balance between work and life.

Here’s a reflection for you today:

Do you need a break from what you’re supposed to do?

Not because it’s wrong. Not because it’s overwhelming. But because even the good things can become heavy if you never pause.

Today I’m sharing a personal story about family dinners, quiet nights, and how a shift in routine helped me reconnect with what really mattered - and how this applies to you as an HR leader trying to balance your work and your life.

Let’s talk about how breaking the pattern, just once, can actually bring you back to center.

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.

Welcome back to the HR Higher Version podcast! I'm so glad you're here.

Today, I want to talk about something that’s deceptively simple - but incredibly powerful. It's a mindset shift that helped me get through a chaotic week and still feel like I was making real progress.

And I think it’s going to resonate especially well with you - my fellow HR professionals and leaders - who are often juggling a million priorities at once.

Let me start with a question:

What was your win last week?

No, really. I want you to pause for just a moment and think about that. What was your actual win last week?

You might be surprised by what comes to mind. And that’s exactly what today’s episode is all about.

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.

I had some dental work done the other day and as I was sitting there with my mouth wide open, that little suction tube gurgling in my ear, it occurred to me… the dentist and I have a lot in common.

And not just because I’ve had my fair share of dental work done over the years.

But because I’ve regularly heard through the years –

“You never want to be called into a room and then see HR sitting there.”

“You don’t ever want to go see HR.”

“The only time to call HR is when something is wrong.”

Sound familiar?

Just like no one wants to go to the dentist, no one really wants to get called to the HR office.

It usually signals a problem - conflict, compliance issues, maybe even job uncertainty.

But the truth is: both dentists and HR professionals play essential roles in preventing long-term damage.

The earlier you as an HR professional are involved, the healthier the outcome - whether we’re talking gums or teams.

So today, we’re diving into how to transform the perception of HR - particularly in those hard moments - by using your executive leadership skills to build trust, navigate tough conversations, and shift the culture.

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.