Kate Westrin’s career in human resources took an unexpected turn when she began working for a hospitality company in the picturesque resort town of Colorado. This initial role lit the spark of her deep appreciation for the cohesive power of a tight-knit organizational community. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years in both the tech and healthcare sectors, Westrin has garnered extensive expertise across a variety of HR functions. These functions include talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. Her multifaceted journey has strengthened her commitment to integrating people with purpose, fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and employee-centric culture within workplaces.
Key Influences and Career Motivation
Westrin’s ascent in the HR world is attributed not to a single influence but to a constellation of remarkable female leaders at Xero, including the company’s female CEO and its leadership team, which boasts 50% female representation. Observing and interacting with these trailblazers has taught her invaluable lessons on balancing the hefty responsibilities of a leadership role with personal life, especially as a mom. This nurturing environment has encouraged Westrin to prioritize her efforts judiciously and seek assistance when necessary. Early in her career, Westrin was initially drawn to organizations with products that held personal resonance. It wasn’t long before she discerned the critical importance of an organizational culture deeply rooted in core values and committed to empowering its employees. This revelation veered her toward Xero, where she discovered a company steadfastly dedicated to cultivating a “beautiful business.” At Xero, the company’s purpose and vibrant culture transcend their products, fostering a workplace driven by purpose and innovation.
Navigating and Learning from Mistakes
Throughout her career, Westrin has learned to adopt a mindset that views mistakes with curiosity rather than self-criticism, transforming errors into valuable learning opportunities. By shifting her perspective, she has managed to overcome the paralyzing effect of mistakes and instead uses them to propel her growth. This constructive approach enables her to tackle future challenges with a more positive and solution-oriented attitude. At the core of Westrin’s passion is her drive to create inclusive and supportive environments where employees feel secure and valued. This passion was a decisive factor in her choice to join Xero, an organization where the concept of “beautiful business” coexists harmoniously with accounting software. Westrin found that Xero’s culture encompasses not just the products they deliver but the very fabric of the company itself. This inspiring environment motivates employees to perform at their best, contributing to the success of small businesses worldwide.
Changing Perceptions in HR
One of the most challenging aspects of the HR industry for Westrin is the entrenched mindset that perceives HR solely as a transactional service provider or a hindrance to business operations. Conversely, what she finds most fulfilling is the opportunity to alter this perception by collaborating with business leaders who understand that prioritizing people directly correlates with achieving business results. When employees are supported and comprehend how their individual contributions align with the company’s broader strategy and goals, they become more inspired to excel, driving organizational success. The increasing recognition of this connection by senior leaders is crucial in transforming HR’s role from a mere transactional function to a strategic business partner focused on people-centric outcomes. Westrin maintains that HR can demonstrate its value most effectively by proactively addressing current and future business challenges. This entails a comprehensive understanding of the business, meticulous monitoring of people metrics, and the ability to devise and implement well-considered solutions to complex issues.
Industry Trends and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Westrin envisions substantial transformations within the HR industry, particularly in harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance the employee experience. The utilization of predictive analytics to foresee workplace changes and the emphasis on reskilling and upskilling employees to meet evolving business demands are emerging as key priorities within HR disciplines. Additionally, there’s a burgeoning trend that underscores the necessity of financial acumen and consulting skills within HR roles to engage senior business leaders more effectively. During her tenure at Xero, Westrin has felt immense pride in her team’s ability to navigate ongoing changes while steadfastly adhering to the company’s core values. A significant area of focus has been fostering a robust performance culture without sacrificing the importance of human-centric leadership. This involves empowering managers to provide specific feedback, which is vital for employee development and growth.
Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals
Kate Westrin’s career in human resources took an unexpected trajectory when she began working for a hospitality firm in Colorado’s scenic resort town. This initial job ignited her profound appreciation for the cohesive strength of a close-knit organizational community. With over 15 years of her professional journey in the tech and healthcare sectors, Westrin has developed extensive expertise in various HR functions. These functions encompass talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. Her diverse career path has bolstered her dedication to integrating people with purpose, creating a dynamic, inclusive, and employee-focused culture in every workplace environment she encounters. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing the employee experience and fostering environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Whether navigating the complexities of tech or the nuanced demands of healthcare, Westrin consistently aims to build strong, purposeful connections within organizations, contributing significantly to their overall success and harmony.
