Why HR Director is a Perfect Fit for Me

An hr director happily sits with a coworker in an office

Three years ago, I began working with The Get Smart Group in the role of Executive Assistant. Although I had been a business owner for years, I was ready to give up the responsibility that came with the territory. Sleepless nights, client concerns, and that ultimate “buck stops here” feeling that isn’t shared with anyone else. I wanted to spend time in a B position rather than being the A. That’s where I could creatively develop ideas and solutions without the added stress of ownership. And I didn’t plan on becoming an HR Director! However, when opportunity knocks, I answer. Though I knew little of the digital marketing universe, business I know.

What I Bring to The Get Smart Group

I came onto the Get Smart team at a time when the infrastructure needed some attention and, with my business background, I was able to help facilitate the transition from seven employees to almost 40. As we hired for the future rather than for the here and now, the profile of the team became more sophisticated with real-world experiences to contribute to the company’s growth. It was at this point that I had my own a-ha! moment and sensed that my own growth needed some attention.

What I Love About My Job as HR Director

I’ve always been a people person. And having been a business owner, I knew about labor laws, employee development, and the overall requirements imposed upon employers. Blend those elements together and what do you have? An HR Director, of course! This was where I could truly make a mark in our digital marketing firm.

As our COO puts it, I have the least glamorous role on the team. But my level of personal satisfaction is higher than I could have ever imagined it would be. The backbone of any operation is the least visible component, yet those of us who are there know it’s the most critical to providing invisible support to an amazing team.

Now that I’ve found my niche in digital marketing, I can truly make an impact — even if it is “behind the scenes” as an HR Director.

Linda Emerson

I love to organize! I know‚ call me crazy but it is one of those endearing qualities that every business needs. Being the firstborn in my family gave me lots of practice at herding details. As a child, I loved to fly kites guiding them here and there and swooping them around making beautiful patterns in the sky. What I do best today reminds me of those early days‚ holding the string, keeping everything in place, and watching the pieces transform themselves into harmony. After years of corporate management with American Express, I longed for a more creative life so I left the Big City and moved to the Sierra Foothills. Never once did I look back! Opening a coffeehouse in the mountains became my dream. After five years of retail management, I realized that I had a clear picture of the ups and downs of business ownership and knew what my next step would be. I pooled my experiences in finance, retail and marketing and began working with other startups in the area providing them with the guidance needed to create successful businesses. Fifteen years later, here I am working with The Get Smart Group doing everything I love; supporting a business filled with creative people who are like kites in the sky. And on those days of leisure, you might find me kayaking on one of the local lakes, skiing down a mountain or just putzing around in my garden. It's all good.