Tracey Bryant CMHRNZ

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

Human Resources was landed on by circumstance. I’ve always had a sense of equality and justice, wanting to study law from an early age, however, chose a different path. I entered the accountancy field and led corporate teams for several years. When one of my roles within a large organisation presented the opportunity to oversee the human resources functionality, I was hooked. 

I continued leading corporate finance teams whilst undertaking my major in Human Resources. During this time, I met a truly inspirational human resource leader who shared her extensive knowledge and wisdom with me, further shaping my career choices. 

In my current role, I undertake a broad range of human resource services for the clients of Tandem Group Chartered Accountants. My role is varied, with no two days the same. 

What do you love about working in HR? 

I have a centric belief system, that between employers and employees there is this bubble of central understanding and mutual benefit. With my experience in business and accountancy, I am able to approach situations with a broad vision from multiple viewpoints, often introducing new or out of the box solutions. 

I absolutely thrive in teaching people, watching them learn and bring their own experiences to situations/learnings. Coaching and introducing employers and employees to new ways of thinking, or how to simply follow correct process, helps achieve my sense of justice and equality. 

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

A not-for-profit organisation I led needed realignment to its main strategic purpose. The management team and I set about developing a “Pathway”. This was a four-level learning pathway to allow employees to embrace their own careers and life goals. It was designed for employees (and in conjunction with employees) who may have found learning difficult or were discouraged from learning during school years. 

The big achievement for us was receiving external funding to implement the Pathway within our organisation, validating our work and the opportunities for our employees. 

What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member? 

Humbled! Chartered Membership validates my knowledge and the life-long journey I’ve taken to get here. It is also a credit to every manager and leader I’ve encountered; they have shaped my knowledge and experience that I draw on as a Chartered Member to uphold the human resources profession. 

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member? 

As a consultant validation of knowledge and experience is crucial. Chartered Membership provides our clients the confidence that they are interacting with a qualified and ethical professional who values remaining up to date. 

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

I’m currently working on exciting new endeavours within Tandem Group Chartered Accountants and mentoring team members through human resource basics, which will be my focus for some time. From there we will see ....