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Interview
with an HR
Hero:
Jennifer
Laidlaw,
MA, SHRP
DIVERSITY AND PERSPECTIVE IN HR
By Lisa Gordon
Jennifer Laidlaw believes that success in human resources is
a matter of perspective.
She’s talking about the kind of perspective gained from
her successful 17-year career in the field, during which she
accumulated a wide range of experiences from both private and
public sector business roles. Those experiences have left her well
equipped for her new position leading gender diversity and inclu-sion
at CIBC.
HR Professional invited Laidlaw to reflect on her career, and to
share her thoughts on diverse experiences and how they enable
HR practitioners to excel in strategic business roles within their
organizations.
HRP: How and when did you decide upon an HR career?
JL: I never made an actual decision to focus my career on HR. I
was finishing a master’s degree and managing a group home for
people with developmental disabilities at a community living orga-nization.
I was confronted with a lot of labour issues, and they got
in the way of my ability to manage the program. The opportunity
to create solutions was rewarding, and I saw the impact HR and
labour relations can have on your ability to deliver service. I start-ed
to focus on labour and HR issues.
42 ❚ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL
