EP02: Reclaiming Your Career & Well-Being w/ Katherine Fry

In this episode of the Beyond HR podcast, Katherine shares her extensive journey in the HR field, discussing her early career, the evolution of her passion for HR, and the challenges she faced, including imposter syndrome and mental health issues. She emphasizes the importance of coaching over directing in HR practices and introduces the concept of thought work as a means to improve mental health and emotional intelligence. The conversation also touches on the impact of personal life on professional performance and the lessons learned from younger generations. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the profound lessons learned from parenting, the importance of self-awareness, and the dynamics of building meaningful relationships in the HR field. They discuss the significance of high-quality questions in fostering connections, the challenges of navigating HR's perception, and the need for empathy and emotional support in the workplace. The dialogue emphasizes the power of reframing burnout and the importance of running towards growth rather than away from challenges, ultimately highlighting the human experience in both parenting and professional environments.

Takeaways

• Katherine's journey in HR began at a young age and has evolved over nearly 30 years.
• She emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and embracing one's flaws.
• Katherine struggled with imposter syndrome and learned to overcome it through self-awareness.
• The shift from directing to coaching in HR practices can lead to better outcomes.
• Mental health is a critical issue for HR professionals, often overlooked in the workplace.
• Thought work can help individuals manage their mental health and improve their performance.
• Personal experiences and challenges can significantly impact professional life.
• Emotional intelligence is essential in navigating workplace dynamics.
• Younger generations can teach valuable lessons about emotional regulation and awareness.
• Katherine advocates for therapy and mental health support as vital for HR professionals. Parenting can be a mirror reflecting our own behaviors.
• Children can teach us valuable lessons about living in the moment.
• High-quality questions foster deeper connections in the workplace.
• HR professionals can combat isolation by building genuine relationships.
• Empathy is crucial in navigating workplace dynamics.
• Reframing burnout can lead to empowerment and growth.
• It's important to recognize when to leave a toxic work environment.
• Self-awareness is key to personal and professional development.
• The battle within our minds is often the hardest to fight.
• Creating a safe space for others can lead to meaningful connections.