like, including cost. My project management background is very
helpful in this regard because it allows me to divide the work and
figure it out in terms of how many hours I think I’ll spend on each
component. It’s a nice balance of being able to work out of my
home and then, at times, being in my clients’ offices for interviewing,
information gathering or delivery.
What does a typical day at work for you look like?
LR: I get up at 6 a.m. take my dog for a walk and then read the
paper before everyone gets going. I do check my email a little bit,
but I really try to have some time for myself. And then the kids are
awake and I get them off to school. I come back and respond to
emails or do work I need to do, or I may have a client visit. I have
my days down to about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There may be time in the
evening where I could be working but it’s much more balanced
than it was. I’m a fairly organized person, so I have my day blocked
out in terms of what I need to accomplish.
What do you love about your job?
LR: Having variety in the work that I do. I don’t get bored easily
but I like to always be doing something new. I love meeting with
new people. I like the creative buzz that I get from problem solving
and thinking through what could be, and then actually seeing it
through. I really do like being my own brand and not being slowed
down. If you’re on the client side, there are often organizational
hurdles, whether they’re finances or procurement, for example.
But on my side, I don’t get slowed down. I can just continue to
push through because I’m a business of one.
What are some of the challenges you
experience on a day-to-day basis?
LR: Just that uncertainty that comes with being a start-up and
having the confidence in myself that I can really do this. But as I’ve
gotten more and more wins and clients, I feel it building. The nuts
and bolts of running a business have been a bit of learning curve
for me, but in a good way.
What skills do you possess that make you
a great fit for your position?
LR: I’m a fairly adaptable individual. I’m a relatively quick study so
I can assess situations quickly and creatively think about options
and what we might do. Having a project management and planning
background has been really helpful – I can build out projects
and box them into meaningful chunks of work, which has been
really great on the consulting side. I also think that my written
communications skills have served me well.
What are your ultimate career goals?
LR: Long term, as in the next two to five years, I’d like to become a
certified executive coach because I think that would help my practice.
Also, I’d like to continue partnering with other great coaches
and consultants. Ultimately, I want to build a practice of my own
that has a solid reputation and a client base that looks to me for
good work and counsel. n
“I LIKE THE CREATIVE BUZZ
THAT I GET FROM PROBLEM
SOLVING AND THINKING
THROUGH WHAT COULD
BE, AND THEN ACTUALLY
SEEING IT THROUGH.”
– LEAH REILLY
career paths
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42 ❚ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL