Becoming HR Director: all you need to know before jumping in

Being HR Director can be a lonely position. I arrived there by accident. And never thought about my learnings in this journey until a friend changed job and asked me to share my experience.

I worked most of my professional life in business (sales and marketing). When I received the invitation to join RH, I thought it would be a good learning experience for a few years. To bring the business view to the HR and to improve employee experience.

I had been in the company for 10 years, so I had proven my value and I had my network. My manager, peers and team were very supportive of my learning phase. Despite it was a BIG challenge, it was equally exciting.

The truth is: it was really tough. Especially because everyone took me as enough for the challenge. A company of 600 souls, with a dispersed organization, a complex business operation and a non-structured HR function. And everyone assumed I would be able to do it. And I did but would have been much easier with the guidance of a coach or a mentor. My manager was very supportive and inspiring. I must thank her for the opportunity and the credit. But she also gave me room to test and learn, so I had to find my way.

Starting on personal learnings:

• Without me anticipating that, I became an…