HR Like a Boss Navigating Change with Empathy | HR Like a Boss with Becky Kowall

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John Bernatovicz interviews Becky Kowall, a seasoned HR professional and founder of 22 North HR, a purpose-driven HR firm. They discuss the importance of significance over success in HR, the role of HR in value creation, and the concept of executive presence. Becky shares her insights on active listening, communication, and building relationships in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for HR professionals to be strategic partners and to create trust within their organizations.

22 North HR Resources: https://www.22northhr.com/hr-resources/

ABOUT BECKY KOWALL

Becky Kowall is the Founder and Principal of 22 North HR, where she partners with private equity firms, CEOs, and HR leaders to strengthen leadership alignment, scale people strategy, and navigate high-stakes moments of growth and transition. With more than 20 years of senior HR leadership experience, Becky has served as a Chief People Officer and Global VP of Human Resources in private equity–backed and high-growth organizations. Her background includes leading organizations through rapid scaling, post-acquisition integration, and periods of significant organizational change, with a focus on building leadership credibility, operational discipline, and durable people infrastructure. Becky is known for bringing calm, clarity, and gravitas to complex environments, often serving as the strategic and emotional bridge between executive teams, HR, and investors. At the core of her work is the belief that HR is not a support function, but a critical driver of business strategy and value creation. Becky is especially effective in moments when leadership decisions carry both performance and human consequences. She advises and mentors leaders who are building organizations designed to perform, endure, and scale with integrity.