Next up in our Connection series, is our resident ‘people’ person – HR specialist, Susan Earle.

• Hi Susan! Let’s start with the basics, what’s your role at Connect Three and what do you do?

I am the resident HR specialist at Connect Three and I also support some of the L&D activity. My role is diverse which I love and can be challenging at times which also makes it super rewarding. I tend to do most of the transactional HR support work with our clients and I also get involved with developing and creating best fit people practices for their businesses.

• What moment in your time at Connect Three makes you the most proud to think about?

This may sound a bit soppy but every time I get together with the Team at Connect Three, I feel extremely proud to be part of it. Unfortunately we have not had the chance to get together face to face over the past 6 months but even on our monthly catch ups and updates in between, I always feel inspired and really proud and privileged to work with such a fantastic group of like-minded but at the same time, diverse group of professional people.

• Awww, that’s so nice! Can I ask, what are you reading right now?

Engage! by Karin and Sergio Volo. This is a book that I picked up pre-lockdown but then put down due to the demands of working from home with 2 small children but I really wish I had kept it going as the ethos is even more important now than ever before. I have always been a champion of the power of employee engagement – no matter how big or small your business is and this book lays out a simplified road map to help create a business that not only your customers but your staff love.

• Brilliant, thanks for the recommendation! Back to business, which leader would you like to have a cup of tea with?

She isn’t exactly a business leader but is certainly a leadership figure – Michelle Obama. I watched ‘Becoming’ again recently and I just love how she can capture such a diverse audience due to what I believe to be her sincerity, empathy and ability to build trust amongst people. She is a very charismatic figure who has worked hard and kept focussed but grounded over the years, even as First Lady. She also has a great sense of humour and tons of humility which I think are particularly important traits to have in a leadership role as it helps to balance yourself and cope with the daily challenges faced in business.

• That’s a great choice. OK, finally, if you could only give one piece of advice to the leaders and future leaders reading this, what would it be?

Look after your people and the rest will look after itself.

Love it – thank you Susan! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you a little better. Look out for our next ‘Connect with’ interview in a few weeks time.