HR Like a Boss 122. HR Like a Boss with Jennifer Watson

Join us on today's episode of HR Like a Boss as we welcome Jennifer Watson! Jennifer's journey from teaching to recruiting and HR has led her to become the Vice President of HR at the tech company LASSO. In our podcast interview, Jennifer delves into the significance of self-awareness in leadership, embracing challenges head-on, and so much more. Don't miss out on this exciting new episode!

ABOUT JENNIFER WATSON
Jennifer Watson is not your everyday HR professional. She's a creative problem-solver who turns the traditional “no” into a resounding “yes,” making her stand out in a field often bogged down by convention. Her journey began in the world of education, where she honed her skills in cat herding (also known as teaching). Jennifer’s transition from teacher to administrator was just the prelude to a dramatic career shift when a Fortune 91 retailer spotted her talent and brought her into the HR realm. This wasn't just a career change; it was more like swapping a bicycle for a rocket ship. Over the next nine years, Jennifer became the Swiss Army knife of HR. From recruitment (matchmaking for professionals) to managing a bustling employee relations department (think air traffic control for workplace issues), she did it all. She was also the go-to person for five distribution centers, each buzzing with over a thousand employees. Amidst this whirlwind of professional growth, Jennifer's personal life was a narrative rich with life's ups and downs. She got married, welcomed two amazing kids into the world, and navigated the complexities of divorce. It was during these transformative times that Jennifer began to craft her own script, focusing on what she truly wanted for her life’s next chapters. Embracing the spirit of adventure, Jennifer leaped into the startup world, becoming the inaugural Vice President of HR at a tech company. This wasn't just a new job; it was Jennifer betting on herself in a high-stakes game of career poker. But wait, there's more! When she's not reinventing the HR wheel, Jennifer is a force of nature. She challenges herself with Olympic-length triathlons, battles it out in Peloton classes, and dives into the complex world of soccer rules to cheer on her kids. She's not just living life; she's setting it on fire (in a good way). Jennifer’s story isn't just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about building a whole new ladder while balancing on a unicycle. It's a tale of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.

ABOUT HR LIKE A BOSS
HR Like a Boss centers around the concept that with the right passion to be and think different, HR and business professionals can do amazingly awesome HR. People who do HR like a boss understand business concepts, what makes people tick, and how to approach HR as more than a compliance or cost center. This podcast builds the foundation for John Bernatovicz's book, “HR Like a Boss.” If you're ready to take your HR career to the next level, this is the podcast for you. Share any comments with bridgette@willory.com.