Connect with ConnectedHR: Consultant Sarah Ewing
Our seasoned consultants are the driving force behind our success. It’s their work that turns our clients into “Employers of Choice.” Here we profile Sarah Ewing, who carries a true passion for the HR profession.
1. How did you first get interested in working in Human Resources?
While pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology, I took an intro to business class that I really enjoyed. When I talked to my advisor about programs or professions that incorporate both, she introduced me to Human Resources. The rest is history.
2. What has surprised you most about working with Cleveland businesses?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how many innovative and thriving organizations are in Cleveland. I think our region is grossly underestimated regarding its ability to provide services and products that compete with national or global markets. Additionally, there is an immense pool of talent in Cleveland, due largely to the number of outstanding colleges and trade schools/programs throughout Northeastern Ohio.
3. What do you find most challenging about the HR field?
Every organization is different when it comes to their HR needs, level of compliance and desire to implement new programs for their employees. There is no, “one size fits all” model for Human Resources and programs. The challenging (and exciting) part of my job as a consultant is determining which HR components and programs will work best with each client and then proposing, implementing and seeing those efforts through to fruition.
4. What’s the best thing to happen since you started working with CHR?
The depth and breadth of my knowledge as an HR practitioner has expanded even more since becoming a consultant. I had been a part of a corporate HR team for a large part of my career. Those teams were typically siloed by subject matter area of expertise or by business unit. At CHR I get to be on a team of wildly talented HR professionals, but I also get to work directly with several different organizations, all of whom have unique cultures and challenges they are facing as a business. I wear several different hats and interact with employees at all levels of the organization. I enjoy seeing the positive impact I can have on our clients and the impact they have on me as a HR professional.
5. What do you wish other people knew about their HR department?
HR is so much more than processing payroll, managing company benefits, hiring employees, etc. Those are the daily mechanics of HR that must happen in all companies. A strong HR professional or team can also work in tandem with managers and company leaders to create a workplace culture that is both people- and business-centric.
6. What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about how HR supports a business?
While it is important to have solid practices and processes in place for the daily functions of HR, it is equally (if not more) important for business leaders to have an HR professional they partner with to help keep the “people strategy” of the company in alignment with the strategy and vision of the business.
7. What might someone be surprised to know about you?
When I started college, I aspired to become a forensic psychologist for the FBI.
8. What would you tell someone who is thinking about hiring CHR?
What are you waiting for? Just do it!
9. What do you do when you aren’t working?
When I am not at work, I am enjoying time at home or out and about with my husband and kids. I also love to listen to music and read.
10. What prompted you to want to work at ConnectedHR 4 years ago?
It was the flexibility that the job offered that initially attracted me, but now it is the nature of the consulting position itself and the experiences I have gained working with various clients that keeps me highly motivated, engaged and on top of my HR game.
