Kyile Stair, a dynamic HR leader, currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Litmos, a global leader in learning solutions. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to human connection and a passion for empowering individuals in the workplace. Known for her advocacy for inclusive and equitable work environments, she leverages her rich background in HR roles at renowned companies such as SAP and Target to champion workplace cultures where employees are valued and inspired. She also actively supports women in leadership and underrepresented groups, emphasizing authenticity and encouraging people to bring their whole selves to work.
Professional Journey
Kyile Stair’s professional journey in HR began during her undergraduate studies, where she strategically chose HR-focused classes. Her early career commenced at Target in an HR role, while she concurrently pursued her master’s degree. This dual approach expanded her business acumen and professional network, laying a fortified foundation for her HR career and reigniting her passion for workplace empowerment.
Considering Target’s early influence on her career, she gained invaluable experience and insights into the intricacies of HR management. Understanding the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment was a critical realization during this period. Her subsequent roles at SAP further honed her skills and solidified her reputation as a forward-thinking HR leader capable of implementing progressive HR strategies.
Influence and Philosophy
Kyile Stair’s perspectives in HR have been significantly influenced by thought leaders like Adam Grant and Dave Ulrich. Adam Grant’s work on organizational psychology profoundly impacted her approach to building supportive workplace cultures and understanding the importance of employee well-being. Alternatively, Dave Ulrich’s insights into human capital and leadership have been instrumental in shaping her strategic HR approach.
Additionally, Kyile holds in high regard mentorship she received from a former leader who recognized her potential and recommended her for transformative roles. This positive influence underscored her belief in mutual upliftment, highlighting the critical role of mentorship and support in individual thriving. It is this foundational belief that drives her commitment to fostering environments where employees can grow and achieve success.
Key Learnings and Leadership Evolution
Recalling a pivotal moment early in her career, Kyile describes a significant learning experience during her tenure at Target, where she initially adopted an autocratic management style. This approach strained work relationships and earned her a reputation for being unapproachable and harsh. A humbling realization that true leadership is about collaboration and empathy transformed her approach when she transitioned into a new role.
Her focus shifted towards building strong, trusting relationships with her team. This shift in leadership style not only improved team dynamics but also enhanced overall productivity and morale. At this juncture, Kyile learned that authentic leadership involves understanding and addressing the needs of those she leads – a lesson that continues to influence her leadership style today. The importance of empathy and collaboration has become paramount in her approach to leading diverse and dynamic teams.
Passion and Challenges in HR
Kyile Stair finds immense fulfillment in supporting others to achieve their career goals through learning and development, mentoring, or coaching. The HR space allows her to witness people grow and thrive, making a tangible impact on their professional journeys over time. However, she also acknowledges the intricate challenges of navigating ever-evolving compliance requirements and regulations, which is a constant aspect of HR responsibilities.
Working with Litmos, a company specializing in compliance training content, provides her with resources to stay informed about regulatory changes. Partnering with experts is critical to remaining proactive, ensuring that her organization remains compliant while also fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. This proactive approach underscores the strategic importance of HR in guiding companies through complex regulatory landscapes.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
Kyile Stair’s dedication to DE&I is a central tenet of her HR philosophy, emphasizing the need for intentional DE&I program-building within organizations. Integrating these initiatives into all business processes and ensuring employees understand the value of diversity through clear metrics and data is a priority at Litmos. The company has cultivated an inclusive and people-centric workplace, demonstrated by high scores in bi-annual employee engagement surveys.
Moreover, Litmos offers extensive DE&I training programs covering many topics, such as neurodiversity, inclusive behaviors, unconscious bias, violence, bullying, and harassment prevention, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. These courses are embedded into the company’s culture of continuous learning, becoming integral to onboarding, compliance training, and management enablement. This comprehensive approach to DE&I fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees.
HR’s Value to Leadership
Kyile emphasizes the importance of HR professionals understanding the business and financial metrics that support a healthy organization. HR professionals need to comprehend their company’s revenue streams and understand how the HR budget impacts overall profitability. It is crucial to align HR processes and programs with the organization’s vision and goals, presenting recommendations that illustrate how these initiatives lead to a more engaged workforce and better business outcomes.
Taking a proactive role in change management further demonstrates HR’s integral role in organizational success. By aligning HR strategies with business objectives, Kyile ensures that HR remains a vital component of the organization’s overall strategy. This alignment not only demonstrates the significance of HR within the company but also enhances the organization’s ability to achieve its broader goals.
Future Trends in HR and Edtech
Kyile identifies several key trends in employee training and Edtech, with hybrid training programs being a notable trend. Despite the rise in online learning during COVID, in-person learning remains vital. Therefore, a balanced approach, achievable through hybrid training programs, caters to varied employee needs and circumstances while maintaining flexibility.
Another significant trend is microlearning, a strategy that allows employees to engage with content in short, manageable blocks of time. This flexibility aids in delivering training across various devices, accommodating diverse learning preferences. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements and economic shifts necessitates upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2028, nearly 44% of the global workforce will need reskilling, underscoring the strategic role of learning and development in bridging skills gaps and fostering company growth.
Proud Achievements
Kyile expresses pride in the exceptional teams she has assembled over her career, prioritizing both hard work and personal well-being. She is particularly proud of the progress achieved at Litmos following its divestiture from SAP, where she played a key role in establishing HR processes, policies, and learning and development programs from scratch. This foundational work has been instrumental in positioning Litmos as a successful, independent global entity.
Her achievements at Litmos reflect her broader impact on organizational success. By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration, Kyile has contributed significantly to the company’s overall success. Her dedication to creating environments where employees can thrive is evident in the positive outcomes she has achieved throughout her career.
Advice for HR Professionals
For those entering the HR profession, Kyile advises embracing every day as a learning opportunity and keeping an open mind to diverse perspectives and unique needs. Problem-solving and adaptability are critical skills, as is learning continuously from colleagues and mentors. In the face of challenges, such as the abrupt transition to remote work or navigating AI-driven changes, staying curious and proactive in professional development is essential.
Kyile’s advice underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-changing professional landscape. By remaining open to new experiences and perspectives, HR professionals can position themselves to make meaningful contributions to their organizations. This approach not only enhances their own professional growth but also supports the broader goals of fostering inclusive and empowered workplaces.
Conclusion
Kyile Stair is a prominent HR executive who currently holds the position of Chief People Officer at Litmos, a global leader in providing learning solutions. Her career distinguishes itself through a profound dedication to human connection and a fervent drive to empower individuals within the workplace. Renowned for her strong support for inclusive and equitable work environments, she utilizes her extensive experience from significant roles at top-tier companies like SAP and Target. Her efforts are focused on cultivating workplace cultures where employees feel valued and motivated.
In addition to her broader HR initiatives, Kyile is an ardent advocate for promoting women in leadership positions and supporting underrepresented groups. She places a strong emphasis on authenticity and the importance of individuals bringing their whole selves to their professional roles. Her leadership style is not only about maintaining effective HR practices but also about fostering environments where innovation and employee engagement can thrive.
Kyile’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects her belief that a multifaceted workforce is essential for organizational success. Her dedication has earned her recognition as a leader who prioritizes people and fosters environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Through these endeavors, Kyile helps organizations navigate the complexities of today’s working world while maintaining a focus on the human element in every aspect of business.
