HR Career Advice: A HR Leader’s Journey

The HR Leader Spotlight with Fiona Keane

Sometimes the best HR career advice can come from those whose paths were unexpected. HR Business Partner, Fiona Keane, never planned for a career in HR, but a natural pull to develop others led her to a deeply rewarding profession. In this week's HR Leader Spotlight, Fiona reflects on her HR journey and shares the lessons she learned from her early beginnings in the hospitality industry to finding her calling in HR. Fiona shares her reflections on career development, the importance of communication and adaptability and the value of embracing challenges along the way. Her HR career advice offers inspiration for anyone looking to build a meaningful career in HR.

Q1. Was this the career path you had always planned? What avenues did you take to bring you to where you are today?
My career did not follow the path I initially envisioned. I began in the hospitality sector, studying Hotel and Catering, with the ambition to build a long-term career in hotel management. Working in hotels, I found the operational side and the service industry to be both rewarding and challenging, with an invigorating atmosphere that I thoroughly enjoyed. I moved from Hotel management into Operational management roles. However, as I took on more responsibilities related to staff training and development & recruitment, I realised how much I enjoyed supporting colleagues in their professional growth. This experience sparked a genuine interest in the people aspect of work and inspired me to pursue a role in Human Resources. My transition into HR was unplanned, but it became a natural progression as my passion for helping others develop professionally grew. Reflecting on these changes, I recognise that this unexpected shift taught me the value of flexibility and opened my eyes to new opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. Embracing this journey has shaped my professional values, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Q2. What was the best piece of career advice you ever received?

The most valuable career advice I have ever received is to stay curious and continually strive for personal development. It is easy to become confined by our existing knowledge, but maintaining a mindset of constant learning and openness to new ideas allows for ongoing growth and improvement. By continuously "sharpening the saw," we ensure we do not limit ourselves and can continue to evolve both personally and professionally.

One of my proudest achievements has been returning to college to upskill. Initially, I was apprehensive and doubted my ability to succeed, but I persevered and accomplished my goals.

Q3. For those considering a career in Human Resources, what is one piece of career advice you would give them?

For those considering a career in Human Resources, I strongly recommend seeking opportunities within companies that are experiencing growth and fostering a culture of learning. Such environments provide invaluable experience, especially where nurturing culture and embracing a growth mindset are central. This exposure will help you develop a broad understanding of HR, discover your niche, and provide the flexibility to pivot as your interests evolve.

Q4. In your view, what are the top 3 strengths that define a successful HR professional today?

Effective Communication: HR professionals act as a bridge between the business and its employees, making clear and concise communication essential.
Excellent Listening Skills: Truly listening is fundamental to understanding and addressing the needs of both individuals and the wider organisation.
Ability to Drive Change: By fostering a positive attitude toward change and providing guidance, HR plays a pivotal role in ensuring that change efforts are successful and sustainable.

Q5. Over your career, what would you consider to be your best memory or achievement?

One of my proudest achievements has been returning to college to upskill. Initially, I was apprehensive and doubted my ability to succeed, but I persevered and accomplished my goals. This experience was so rewarding that I have chosen to embark on further studies once again.

Q6. If you were entering the workforce again, would you do anything differently?

If I were to start my career over, I would be more outspoken and inquisitive, ensuring I asked more questions and made my voice heard. Looking back, I realise that if I had spoken up more often, I would have gained confidence earlier and built stronger professional relationships. Embracing a more proactive approach in sharing my thoughts and seeking clarification would not only have accelerated my personal growth, but also positively influenced my career trajectory.

Q7. If you weren’t in your current profession, what possible path would you have chosen?

If I were not working in my current profession, I believe I would have pursued a career in teaching. The prospect of fostering curiosity and nurturing the development of others strongly appeals to me, as I find great satisfaction in helping individuals realise their potential. Engaging with people in a meaningful way, whether by facilitating learning or supporting their professional journeys, aligns closely with my personal values and strengths. Ultimately, the ability to make a positive impact, whether in human resources or education, remains at the heart of my career aspirations.

A sincere thanks to Fiona Keane for sharing her HR story with us. Fiona's insights show that career journeys rarely move in a straight line, and sometimes this can be a good thing!