International Women’s day - An interview with Sandra Phelan

Sandra Phelan - HR Consultant Kinder Humans Ltd

1. Can you tell me about what you do?

I am currently a HR consultant. I set up my company about 4 years after a career in human resources spent in global companies famous for their leadership practices. I love putting into practice what I’ve learnt over my career to help teams grow and make organisations engaging places to learn and develop for employees. 

2.What are your main responsibilities and achievements at Kinder Humans Ltd?

I run my own business and tend to get new projects through my contacts or recruiters. I love the variety of the challenges ranging from creating a compensation structure & philosophy for a start up to better recruit & retain their talent to supporting senior executives with a culture transformation programme to re-establish their brand in the market.

3.Did you always want to work for a Technology/Fintech/FS Firm?

I discovered HR though sociology and social sciences when I was at university, I started my career in FS in London very randomly to be honest and I’ve always worked in the FS ecosystem since. This is a sector that has deeply mutated since the financial crisis, there is never a dull moment for sure!

4.Do you think there is a lack of women in senior HR positions?

HR is traditionally a career more dominated by women but it is not uncommon to find more men at the top of the tree. The HR function has professionalised itself over the past 2 decades or so moving away from a back office & admin function.  I’ve worked with amazing HR colleagues coming from a range of backgrounds such as consulting, project management, coaching etc. Equally, I see more & more HR leaders moving into business or revenue generating roles, this is a brilliant testimony of the quality of HR professional as business leaders.

5.What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?

Each new situation will bring challenges, an ability to listen, be observant, create strong relationships and ask lots of questions is essential to succeed wherever you are.  

6. Is there anyone (male or female) that inspires you in your career?

I worked with a HRD who came from a client services background, she taught me to think about the customers of our own internal customers and ensure that our policies & initiatives would inspire the end users. HR needs to be more externally focus & be in tune with the pressure and challenges of the markets in which we operate.

7.How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Humour and deflating situations are really important. Also, some aspects of working with “humans” can be heavy & intense. It’s important to bounce ideas with your colleagues in those moments. 

8.On International Women’s Day what is the most important message you want to send out to young women starting their career today?

Don’t be fooled by an employer brand, we live in the age of social media fickleness, make sure you research the organisation properly and ask lots of questions when you meet your prospective employers. Once you are in the role, always be resourceful, create connections beyond your team and love to learn. No-one will take away your learning, this will belong to you no matter what.