Kyile Stair, with her extensive background in Human Resources (HR), currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Litmos, a global leader in learning solutions. Her professional journey is marked by her deep-seated passion for people, which has guided her to foster a workplace environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired. Her career spans notable positions in HR leadership at major companies like SAP and Target, where she has honed her skills and developed a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable work environments.
Early Career and Education
Academic Foundations and Initial HR Role
Kyile Stair’s journey in HR began early in her academic career, where she pursued numerous HR-focused classes during her undergraduate studies. This foundational education led her to an initial HR role at Target, all while she simultaneously pursued a master’s degree. This early experience was pivotal, broadening her business acumen beyond retail, expanding her professional network, and solidifying her dedication to empowering others in the workplace.
This dual focus on education and practical experience allowed Kyile to develop a comprehensive understanding of HR’s role in organizational success. She began to see how effective human resource management could significantly impact a company’s culture and productivity. Her role at Target was not just a job; it was the launchpad for a career centered on fostering inclusive environments where employees could thrive. The lessons learned during these formative years became the bedrock upon which she built her career, continually reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of a strong, people-focused HR strategy.
Influences and Mentorship
Among her significant influences in the industry are renowned thought leaders like Adam Grant and Dave Ulrich. Adam Grant’s work on organizational psychology has fundamentally shaped Kyile’s approach to building supportive workplace cultures. Meanwhile, Dave Ulrich’s insights into human capital and leadership have provided valuable strategic perspective in her HR endeavors. Additionally, Kyile credits a former leader who saw her potential and championed her for a transformative role. This personal mentorship reinforced her belief in the power of lifting each other up within professional settings.
These influences did more than shape her professional perspectives—they affirmed her belief in the profound impact of mentorship and continuous learning. By integrating the teachings of industry luminaries with the practical insights gained from her mentors, Kyile developed a uniquely nuanced and empathetic approach to HR leadership. This blend of knowledge and experience has enabled her to navigate complex organizational landscapes with a strong focus on both strategic goals and the well-being of employees.
Leadership Style and Learning from Mistakes
Transition from Autocratic to Collaborative Leadership
Kyile reminisces about an early career mistake at Target, where she initially adopted an autocratic management style. This approach strained relationships and earned her a reputation for being unapproachable. It was a humbling learning experience, teaching her that true leadership is founded on collaboration and empathy. Moving into a new role allowed her to reset and build a reputation based on trust and strong relationships, shaping her leadership style to this day.
This transition was not instantaneous, but through ongoing reflection and feedback, Kyile learned the value of listening and active engagement with her team. She saw firsthand how a collaborative leadership style could foster a more inclusive and productive work environment. By prioritizing open communication and mutual respect, she was able to transform her approach and significantly improve her effectiveness as a leader. This lesson underscored her belief that genuine leadership is about empowering others and creating a culture of trust and respect.
The Rewards and Challenges of HR
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kyile’s career in HR is the opportunity to support others in achieving their career goals and success. Whether through learning and development, mentoring, or coaching, she finds great fulfillment in witnessing people grow and thrive. It is this daily opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s professional journey that she finds incredibly gratifying. Conversely, the least favorite part of her job is navigating the ever-changing compliance requirements and regulations. However, working with an organization like Litmos, which specializes in compliance training content, has mitigated some of these challenges.
Navigating compliance issues, while often tedious, has its silver lining as it ensures that the company remains ethical and transparent in its dealings. Partnering with experts in the field has enabled Kyile to focus on her passion for people development, while still maintaining the company’s adherence to necessary standards. This dual approach has optimized her contribution to the company, balancing the complexities of regulatory compliance with the more fulfilling elements of HR work.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
Integrating DE&I into Business Processes
A significant passion and priority for Kyile is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). She advocates for intentional and well-integrated DE&I programs within organizations, emphasizing the importance of embedding these principles across all business processes. At Litmos, they’ve cultivated an inclusive and people-centric workplace, which is validated by consistently high scores in their employee engagement surveys conducted bi-annually.
Kyile’s approach to DE&I goes beyond policy implementation; she seeks to instill these principles into the very fabric of the company culture. By ensuring that DE&I is a fundamental part of business operations and decision-making processes, she fosters an environment where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. This holistic approach involves continuous training, open dialogue, and a commitment to ongoing improvement, ensuring that all employees feel valued and included.
Connection Between Learning and Development (L&D) and DE&I
Kyile highlights the vital connection between Learning and Development (L&D) and DE&I. Litmos offers a comprehensive suite of DE&I training courses covering a wide range of relevant topics, from neurodiversity and inclusive behaviors to unconscious bias and LGBTQ+ inclusion. These courses are integral to the company’s culture of continuous learning and are included in various programs such as onboarding, compliance training, and manager enablement.
This integration of DE&I and L&D illustrates Kyile’s strategic vision for a cohesive and inclusive workplace. By embedding DE&I training across all levels of the organization, she ensures that every employee has the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment. This commitment to continuous education and development is a cornerstone of her HR strategy, reflecting her belief in the powerful impact of a well-rounded and inclusive learning culture.
Demonstrating HR Value and Future Trends
Aligning HR with Business Goals
For HR to effectively demonstrate its value to the leadership team, Kyile stresses the importance of understanding the business and financial metrics that support a healthy organization. HR professionals must showcase how their processes and programs align with the organization’s vision and goals, emphasizing how these initiatives lead to a more engaged workforce and, ultimately, better business outcomes. Proactively participating in change management initiatives can further illustrate the integral role HR plays in an organization’s success.
By aligning HR strategies with broader business objectives, Kyile bridges the gap between employee engagement and organizational performance. She highlights the necessity of HR professionals to speak the language of business, to quantify and present the value of HR initiatives in terms that resonate with leadership. This approach not only strengthens the role of HR within the company but also ensures that the needs and contributions of the workforce are given due importance in strategic planning.
Emerging Trends in Employee Training and Edtech
Looking ahead, Kyile identifies three major trends in employee training and Edtech: hybrid training programs, microlearning, and upskilling and reskilling. Despite the rise of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person learning remains valuable due to its direct interaction and immediate feedback. The solution lies in hybrid training programs that cater to varied employee needs and circumstances. Microlearning is becoming increasingly popular as it allows employees to engage in bite-sized learning sessions, which can be more easily integrated into their busy schedules. Additionally, upskilling and reskilling are critical in addressing the growing skills gap driven by technological advancements and economic shifts.
Kyile’s focus on these emerging trends reflects her proactive approach to HR and employee development. By staying ahead of the curve in training and development, she ensures that employees are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving workplace. Embracing these innovative learning strategies not only supports individual growth but also enhances organizational agility and competitiveness. This forward-thinking approach underscores the strategic importance of investing in continuous learning and development.
Building Strong Teams and Personal Well-being
Establishing HR Processes and Policies
Kyile Stair, an accomplished professional in Human Resources (HR), is currently the Chief People Officer at Litmos, a leading global provider of learning solutions. Her career has been driven by a profound passion for people, leading her to create workplace environments where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired. Over the years, Kyile has held significant HR leadership roles at renowned companies such as SAP and Target.
While at SAP, she played a pivotal role in cultivating a diverse and inclusive work culture, ensuring that all employees had equal opportunities for growth and development. At Target, she was instrumental in developing talent management strategies that emphasized employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction. Through these roles, Kyile has refined her expertise in fostering workplaces that are not just productive but also equitable and welcoming to all.
Kyile’s dedication to inclusivity and equitable work environments is evident in her various initiatives, which aim to support a harmonious and thriving workplace culture. She has consistently focused on employee well-being, ensuring that the workplace is not only a place for professional growth but also for personal development. Her unwavering commitment to these principles has made her a respected leader in HR, and her efforts continue to shape positive workplace experiences at Litmos and beyond.
