Meet Nanette Richelle | Change Agent & HR Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nanette Richelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nanette, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success, is my faith. There is peace in knowing what your purpose is, what you’ve been called to do and that it will all work out for your good. That’s where success lies. For me, it started with understanding my “Why” and leaning into that. From there I understood that I defined my own success. It’s not defined by likes, followers, how much revenue is generated, etc. – I’m successful/MaximizHER is successful because we know who and what we stand for and what we bring to the world, and that’s enough.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began my career in Human Resources in 2008 in my hometown of Syracuse, NY. I always tell people when they ask “How did you get into HR?” I really just fell into it. I was on summer break from my Alma Mater Howard University after my Junior year and I attended a job fair in which I was looking for employment to be able to pay my first car note. I came across two recruiters for a Long-Term Healthcare Facility who saw on my resume that I had clerical Work-Study experience. They asked if I ever considered working in Human Resources? I told them not really, and they proceeded to offer me a paid internship at the organization. The rest is history, I’ve never worked in any other field.

The funny thing about never having worked in any other field besides Human Resources is that I never had to. HR is so multifaceted, and goes way beyond just hiring and firing. I’ve been fortunate to work in every area that falls under the HR umbrella; Recruitment, compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, policy development, training, employee/labor relations, payroll, strategic planning, and so much more!! I’ve been blessed to work across industries to include healthcare, manufacturing, and government.

I’m certified as an HR professional through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). I also hold a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Obtaining my credentials was no easy task but has proven to be well worth the journey.

What sets me apart from other HR professionals is that I base my career and strategies around being a change agent, problem solver and people person. I tell colleagues and candidates all the time, I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence, whether it be in an interview or a mediation or court hearing. I’ve been laid off twice in my career. I’ve had to sue an organization for wrongful termination and turn around and represent a company in a case. I know what it’s like to be on either side of the fence and I whole-heartedly believe in being an advocate for both employers and employees. I stick to my morals and base my career on being diplomatic and fair.

After being laid off the second time, I set out to start my business MaximizHER which is a LIFE/work brand that teaches 9-5ers how to get paid their professional worth and achieved balance in all areas of their life. I don’t believe everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur, there was a point in my life where I never wanted to be one. I enjoyed the stability of knowing every two weeks I had a pay check coming. It wasn’t until I got laid off that I decided to “Hire my Boss” and start a business that taught people just like me how to do the same. I am also a huge advocate for self-care. Professionally, I don’t believe in working harder, but working smarter. That means taking off for mental health days, to attend your children’s sporting events or recitals, taking long weekends to unplug- I advocate for all of it! I’ve even made it a part of compensation packages. I launched an aromatherapy line under the MaximizHER brand because I believe that one cannot pour from an empty cup. Your mental and emotional well-being have to be made a priority, it’s the only way to become your best self in any area of life.

My areas of expertise include compensation and salary negotiation. I thoroughly enough giving people that opportunity to be innovative and transformative at work! I’ve learned that’s It’s okay to want stability in a job and it’s okay to own and run a business. I believe in total life balance and intrinsic happiness – it’s what I strive for every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and Foremost, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without my Heavenly Father. I am nothing without Him. My family and closest friends are my biggest supporters and push me to be my greatest self, I cannot thank them enough for their support. My mentors in HR and in Business (there are too many to name) but thank you for seeing me through very hard times and pouring into my professional development. Your time and efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last and certainly not least, I want to shout out my love, my best friend and business partner, my fiancé. You are and will forever be my muse and the creative visionary that sees this brand for its authenticity, for that I am forever grateful. Thank you for loving all that is me.

Website: www.maximizher.com

Instagram: @maximizher

Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/Nanette-r-Gregory-mba-PHR

Facebook: @maximizherthebrand

Image Credits
LLMG Design Group