HR for HR Event: Why Networking and Having Your Own Crew Matter
On a stunning Thursday evening in October, Sharp & Carter HR brought together HR professionals from south-eastern Victoria for the inaugural event (will link to post)titled “HR for HR: Why Networking and Having Your Own HR Crew Matter.” This special gathering, facilitated by Rebecca Aparo, highlighted the power of connection and community within the HR industry.
The event featured three exceptional panellists: Liz Waldock, CPO at Grill’d; Rita Williams, Head of People at Patties Foods; and Damien Mines, HR Manager – Australia at Assa Abloy. They shared personal stories and insights that underscored the importance of building and nurturing a reliable HR network throughout one’s career.
The Role of a Network: Damien Mines’ Perspective
Damien Mines spoke candidly about the complexities of his career, which included relocating interstate and moving across various roles and industries. These transitions, while rich in opportunity, often left him without an immediate professional support system. Being untethered from a single location or long-term role required him to be intentional in finding his network, highlighting the importance of proactive outreach.
Damien also touched on the vital role recruiters play as network facilitators. “Recruiters can be your network enablers,” he stated, urging attendees not to limit recruiter interactions to job searches alone. Instead, he advised building ongoing relationships with trusted recruitment partners who can connect you with like-minded HR professionals.
Supportive Networks: Lessons from Liz Waldock
Liz Waldock painted a vivid picture of the value her HR network has provided throughout her career. Using the metaphor, “Always look behind you and ensure you have people there supporting you,” Liz described how her HR crew has been her personal cheer squad. This group of mentors, peers, and past leaders not only validated her decisions but also offered encouragement during moments of self-doubt. This ties in wonderfully with Sharp & Carters insights into friendships at work and their positive influence on mental health, which can be found in the “Friendships at Work” article.
Forming Relationships
Liz’s career path to Chief People Officer was paved by the support of her network, which provided feedback and a trusted sounding board during pivotal career choices. She urged attendees to cultivate their networks over time and to recognise that these relationships are reciprocal—as much about giving support as receiving it.
Building Bridges: Rita Williams’ Story
Rita Williams shared her inspiring journey of transitioning from a decade in IT to her first HR role. This shift was made possible by her strategic use of internal networking. Rather than being seen solely as an “IT specialist,” she nurtured relationships across the organisation and offered her skills on a pro-bono basis for added project work. These projects forged connections that sponsored her move into her first HR role.
Networking Within the Workplace
Rita highlighted that an effective network is not just external but internal as well. By fostering connections within her company, she found champions who advocated for her transition into HR. Her story resonated with attendees as a testament to the power of building bridges and creating new opportunities through genuine relationship-building.
Key Takeaways for HR Professionals
After sharing their experiences, the panellists provided actionable advice for early-stage HR professionals. Damien, Liz, and Rita all underpinned the importance of approaching networking with genuine curiosity. A common thread weaved throughout the conversation was that a simple conversation today could open a future door, encouraging attendees to engage meaningfully and authentically. For additional insights on the positives associated with networking, read Sharp & Carters article “The Importance of Networking.”
Actionable Networking Tips:
Form connections authentically
Engage with genuine curiosity
Long term relationships yield long term results
To illustrate the value of these principles, attendees participated in “Network Bingo,” an activity that fostered conversations and connections among 40 emerging HR leaders. The lively exercise demonstrated that building a network starts with small, intentional steps driven by curiosity and shared interests.
Connect with Sharp & Carter's HR Recruitment Agency
At Sharp & Carter HR, we understand that the strength of your professional journey is rooted in your network. Events like “Why Networking and Having Your Own HR Crew Matter” are designed to inspire and empower HR professionals to invest in their own networks. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing circle, our team is here to facilitate connections and support your career growth.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Melbourne HR Team to discuss these themes further and learn how you can improve your own HR team using these insights.
