Senior HR professional Lori Almeida is a valuable asset with vast knowledge of organizational design, employee relationships, change management, talent acquisition and retention, conflict resolution, and leadership development. Her HR policies support her overall business goals. She provides cutting-edge coaching techniques that improve management skills, leadership, and employee engagement.
The following list of interview highlights:
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your history.
I stumbled onto the HR field. My first employment out of law school was at a non-profit, where I had two hats to wear: legal and human resources. The HR work was considerably more enjoyable for me, and my legal training accelerated my advancement.
What motivated you to pursue a career in human resources?
Once I had my legal training and took the bar exam, I started to grow my career quickly. Armed with legal skills, I was able to offer a unique skill set to companies needing HR guidance. I can avoid legal issues in the workplace while growing a profitable business. Your people are your most valuable assets.
Tell us more about Siegel+Gale?
At Siegel+Gale, we believe in the power of simplicity. We own it, defend it, and live by it. We’re a brand strategy, design, and experience firm. With unlimited imagination and dedication to the facts, we build brands that cut through the clutter and unlock success for our clients. We are part of the Omnicom Brand Consulting Group.
What advice would you give someone just starting to build their career in human resources?
I would say to try it in several different industries. I have worked in some that I have not enjoyed as much as in the creative industry. The work is the same, but the environment is key to finding happiness in your career.
Follow industry leaders for thought leadership and stay on top of current events that impact the workplace and its people.
Join networking groups; these can be valuable for day-to-day knowledge and help you navigate your career. Always continue to learn. I am taking a course at Wharton Executive Education right now, and it has infused me with energy to keep learning.
What gets you up in the morning? What are your responsibilities as Global Chief Talent Officer of the company?
What gets me up each morning is a big cup of coffee and the chance to make a difference each day. As Global Chief Talent Officer, I oversee our talent across the globe. I know what works in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) may not be appropriate in China or the US. I sit on the SG Executive Leadership Team, SG DEIB Committee, Omnicom Talent Leaders, Omnicom Mentorship Program for women, and Omniwomen. I identify, develop, and retain best-in-class talent.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I think my ability to be empathic has made me successful in my career. I genuinely care about our people. With the war for talent being what it is, I understand that people have choices. I want their choice to be Siegel+Gale, so I need to maintain a center of excellence in all we deliver.
What is the best way to build a great team?
The best way to build a great team is to look for bright and driven people. I have a solid group of high-level performers. They consistently deliver above my expectations. I set the tone for the team, and I need to bring my A game every day to continue to inspire them. I give them stretch assignments whenever I can to keep them engaged and excited. I make it a point to know what their career aspirations are. My job is to help them get there by giving them opportunities to challenge them.
What advice would you give to the next generation female leaders?
Ask for everything. When looking for your next adventure, make sure you have a boss you can learn from, a company with values that align with yours, and a place that will give you opportunities to learn and grow in your career. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and speak up. Take that seat at the table; you’ve earned it!
What are your future plans to sustain your and the company’s success?
My future plans are to continue to maintain Siegel+Gale, Omnicom Brand Consulting Group, and Omnicom as best-in-class employers. There are so many opportunities within our network; you need to ask.