Type Of Business:
Independent Human Resources Consulting Firm
Expertise:
Conflict resolution; Coaching managers on how to deal with employee issues but also to ensure the correct documentation is provided; Training
Major Product/SVS:
Consulting on human resource issues for a variety of industries including banking, engineering, software, printing and providing human resources hot line support to the clients of two benefits brokers
Favorite Business Publication:
Harvard Business Review. HR Magazine
Hobbies/Sports:
Interior design; Gardening; Landscaping; Getting together with friends often inviting them to dinner since she enjoys cooking; Spending time with her dog and cat; Going to the movies
Education Degrees:
Certificate Program in Human Resources, University of California, Irvine (1980)
Affiliations Awards:
Personnel and Human Relations Association; SHRM
Place of Birth:
Tankerton, Kent, United Kingdom
Industry:
Human Resource Consulting
State/Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Date of Distinction:
6/23/2011
Work History:
Ms. Poole came to the U.S. in August, 1968. Started work as Administrative Assistant in the electronics industry. In 1976 was given the opportunity to transition into Human Resources. Spent 3 years working for a Workers' Compensation insurance company in Los Angeles. Spent 12 years as HR Director for printing company, was laid off in 1999. Decided to try Human Resources Consulting and has successfully continued her consulting business ever since.
Career Achievements:
During her tenure with the Workers' Compensation Insurance company was awarded a trip to Hawaii because she volunteered to not only to provide HR support to the Los Angeles office but also to provide HR support to the company's San Diego office.
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Having an English accent is both a blessing and a curse! Seriously a direct but compassionate approach to problem solving, honesty and having the courage and persistence to address often sensitive issues.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Having the courage to start her own business and have established a strong reputation that has resulted in a loyal following of clients who know that she will always have their best interests at heart.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
Ms. Poole is compassionate, fair and always tries to balance the needs of the business with those of the employees.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
The economy both in the U.S. and globally
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Margaret Thatcher because she was ahead of her time, and as a woman was greatly respected as a world leader. She was not afraid to deal with tough issues.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
Tremendous satisfaction gained from helping employees/managers improve their performance and/or helping them through difficult situations
Number Of Years In Profession:
34
Number Of Years In Current Position:
12
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her personality and to her appreciation of all types on individuals, her desire to help as well as a view that she is not only Human Resources but more importantly is a business partner to her clients.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
Ms. Poole became involved in her profession because she was working for a small organization that needed assistance with affirmative action in 1976. She took the initiative to start a vacation accrual program, and her bosses asked her to transfer into personnel. Later, she completed a two-year certificate program at University of California, Irvine.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Poole is diplomatic, but direct, and willing to deal with challenging issues, which is appreciated by her clients. Sometimes her job requires a great deal of courage.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Working for various small organizations that may not need a full-time human resource representative; Functioning as a human resource director for companies regarding employee or policy issues; Traveling to offices or working with clients over the phone
Awards/Honors:
Ms. Poole was awarded the Paul J. Connolly award The award was named after the founder of the company and was given to a member of the management team who best represented, by their actions, leadership and dedication to the organization.
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Poole hopes to continue helping people and fixing human resource issues but probably on a part-time basis.