Danielle Tait CMHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/the position that you are in currently?
My journey into HR began with a genuine interest in people-centric roles within business. I’ve always been motivated by the idea of making a meaningful difference in a company’s success while helping employees thrive. Early in my career, I saw HR as the ideal way to contribute to a positive, productive workplace culture, and that initial interest grew as I moved into roles focused on strategic initiatives and transformation. Each step has reinforced my passion for HR’s unique impact, where supporting both people and business goals can truly drive meaningful change. Today, in my HR leadership role, I’m committed to building environments where organisations and employees can flourish together.
What do you love about working in HR?
What I love most about working in HR is the opportunity to create a powerful, lasting impact on both individuals and the business. HR uniquely combines people-focused strategies with business goals, allowing me to shape culture, enhance employee experiences, and drive meaningful change across the organisation. It’s incredibly rewarding to design initiatives that boost engagement, empower leadership, and build a culture that supports both personal and organisational growth. The dynamic nature of HR means there’s always room to innovate, learn, and take on new challenges, which keeps the work both exciting and deeply fulfilling.
Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?
One of the most meaningful highlights was being a key part of a large-scale organisational transformation across Australia and New Zealand. This role allowed me to support our teams through significant changes, ensuring that communication was transparent, and that people felt informed and supported every step of the way. It was deeply rewarding to see how a clear change strategy, combined with empathetic leadership, could help both the business and its people adapt and grow.
Another major highlight has been the launch of Peak HR Coaching and Mentoring. After completing a coaching qualification and earning my Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), I was inspired to combine my 20 years of HR experience with my coaching expertise to launch Peak HR Coaching and Mentoring. Peak HR Coaching and Mentoring empowers HR professionals at both senior and mid-career levels, supporting them to sharpen their strategic focus, fast-track their expertise, and maximise their impact within their organisations.
What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member?
Chartered Membership is an incredibly meaningful milestone for me, validating the expertise and commitment I’ve brought to HR over the years. It’s also a recognition of my dedication to the profession and a reminder of the importance of upholding high standards. Being a Chartered Member feels both empowering and humbling, and it’s an achievement I’m proud to have earned.
What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
My motivation was twofold: I wanted to formalise my professional standing in HR and challenge myself to reach new heights. Chartered Membership felt like the next logical step in my professional journey, allowing me to demonstrate my commitment to best practices and continuous development. It was also a way to honour the work I’ve done over the years and set a benchmark for my future goals.
What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?
Moving forward, I’m focused on establishing Peak HR Coaching and Mentoring, as it’s just getting started. Alongside my part-time role as an HR leader, my goal is to support the development and growth of other HR professionals by providing mentorship, guidance and coaching. I’m committed to helping both senior HR leaders sharpen their impact and mid-level professionals transition to more strategic roles. I'm grateful for this journey and am eager to see the positive impact we can create together.