In this HRchat episode, Bill Banham talks with Karen Simpson, DEI expert, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and founder at Hello Awesome Inc.

Questions For Karen Include:

• You were awarded Canada’s #1 Recruiter in 2019. Why move away from Talent Acquisition?
• Why do you think focusing on strengths is so important right now?
• Let’s get into coaching, you’ve taken a unique approach at Hello Awesome Inc. What's the approach and why did you choose this stance?
• Checking that coaching works: How can HR departments ensure activities are measured and followed through on?
• What do you think is foundational to success for companies right now?
• Do you get pushback from leaders or do they understand the importance of EQ and mentorship?
• You’ve focused significantly on DEI, what do you want to see more companies do in this space? Which companies are currently getting their DEI initiatives right? Can you offer any use cases?

More About KarenKaren has a 30+ year career in HR - spanning both corporate and consulting while raising 4 kids to independence.

She was awarded Canada’s #1 Recruiter in 2019 and has most recently spent 6 years creating diversity and inclusion sourcing initiatives for one of North America’s largest banks. All this while becoming an endurance athlete and global mountain climber through her 50s.

This year Karen launched Hello Awesome Inc and is on a mission to make coaching and expert advice available to everyone.

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