Susan Lowe CFHRNZ

What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently? 

I haven’t always worked in HR; I started in People Management roles, and I loved the people part of my role, especially coaching and developing people so moved across into HR. I am driven to make a difference and whilst leadership enables this, as an HR practitioner you can make a difference at an organizational level which ultimately changes the employee experience for a greater number of people. I think it is this passion and drive, as well as my desire to see businesses be sustainably successful that has led me into Executive HR roles.

I was fortunate moving into my ‘second career’ that I was given lots of great opportunities and had lots of great leaders to learn from and who supported me and helped me to get to where I am today.

What do you enjoy about working in HR?

My personal purpose is to make a difference, so my favourite part of the job is the opportunity to support businesses to create workplaces where people thrive – where they can truly be their best! As humans, most of us spend a significant amount of time at work, I truly love my job, and I want that for everyone. So, I feel incredibly fortunate that in my role, I get to live my purpose and can influence the world of work for others in a positive way.

Also, unlike other functions HR works across the whole organisation, and I really enjoy working with my peers and understanding deeply how the business works, and sharing insights on different ways of thinking to support our business to grow.

Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share? 

I have worked for some amazing organisations, I am very proud of those businesses and the impact they have on the people who work there and the communities they represent.

Working in an organization that people love being a part of and knowing that the people strategy has had some impact on creating sustainable businesses that people want to work for makes me very proud.

Equally, helping support others and their careers, I take every opportunity to pay it forward and support those earlier on in their HR career to help shape their organizations into the future, hopefully this support has made a difference to the world of HR more broadly across Aotearoa.

What career advice would you give to someone early on in their career in HR? 

Know your why, and what you are passionate about within HR and then find your tribe. HR roles and People & Culture organizations can differ greatly, if you find one aligned to your values and the impact you want to have, this will make a difference to your learning and your own employee experience.

Never stop learning – be curious, ask questions, read (lots), network, and invest in your professional development.  

Please describe your journey towards becoming a Chartered Fellow. How was the experience? 

I have been involved with HRNZ since I moved to New Zealand over 16 years ago, I have supported the work they have led as our industry body to evolve and professionalise HR. As someone who was privileged to be part of the working group involved in the development of the new competency framework The Path, I thought it was the right time to sit down and work on my application for recognition as a Chartered Fellow.

The process is very robust, quite involved, but a valuable exercise, I found the experience of reflecting across the criteria and documenting my achievements and evidence really gratifying. It also sparked the excitement and drive inside to push the boundaries further.

What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Fellow? 

To continue to support and help shape the HR industry, to be an advocate and voice for the value that HR brings to organisations and to continue to pay it forward and support others in their careers. Employee experience is a critical foundation and driver for organisational success, I will strive to be a voice for best practice HR which ensures the commitment to Te Tiriti and brings manaakitanga principles to life for all New Zealanders.