Smalls is music to professional women’s ears. She participated in the WICT Junior Board earlier in her career and has remained active endorsing others for leadership opportunities. She served as a mentor for Pathbuilders, an organization that shapes the future for high-performing female leaders. Her HR role has her harmonizing health and welfare benefits for Allen Media Group’s growing number of businesses. She was named an OnCon Icon Top 100 Human Resources Professional this year. In 2012, she chartered a chapter of children’s advocacy organization Jack & Jill of America, Inc. She served as chair of the organization’s “5-Star Chapter of Excellence” committee and currently chairs Debutante Interview workshops, where she teaches female high school students skills from interviewing and resume writing to dressing for an interview. Smalls hopes the younger generation finds inspiration in professional tennis player Naomi Osaka. Not only is she incredibly talented, but Smalls also views Osaka as a role model for “allowing herself to be vulnerable by openly discussing her personal challenges. This is a true sign of strength and character, which is quite admirable.”
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs three years ago?
The most dramatic changes in Human Resources during the last year has been the immediate workplace shift due to the pandemic. I think we have all amazed ourselves in how resilient we really are! The work from anywhere paradigm shift has changed the way HR and all other departments view our corporate culture, employees and our talent acquisition strategy. We are always striving to enrich our workforce and foster collaboration- which can be very complex to navigate. While some projects may be easier to complete in a remote setting, the magic happens when we have the ability to brainstorm (in person).
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
- listen for understanding and perspective
- be kind
Which celebrity do you think is setting a strong example for the next generation?
Naomi Osaka is setting an incredible example for the next generation. Not only from a talent standpoint- representing the result of hard work, but by allowing herself to be vulnerable by openly discussing her personal challenges. This is a true sign of strength and character, which is quite admirable.
