26. The Pleasures and Sorrows of Working in HR with Marija Andacic and Prina Shah

HR is an important function, yet still disliked by many…

That is just one (of many) statements I posed to HR Leader, Marija Andacic. 

HR practitioners, this one is especially for you! 

I ask Marija all the questions that are on the tip of your tongue. 

Whether you are a HR veteran or a HR newbie, this episode is going to give you clarity on you, your brand, your career and your network as a HR practitioner. 

If you are not in HR, this is a great one to listen to – one of the first pieces of advice I received from a mentor was to have good relationships with Admin and HR people as they hold many keys to the success of your career. 

About today’s episode:
 
Today I chat with Marija Andacic. Marija is a HR Leader with significant experience over many industries. I met her last year and love her style! 

I speak with Marija about: The Pleasures and Sorrows of Working in HR.
 
We discuss: 

• HR is an important function in every organisation, yet still disliked by many, why so?
• Often HR are used for the organisation’s interests vs. the employee’s interests. How can HR practitioners address this issue so they can be the employee advocate too?
• What to do when you fundamentally disagree with the decision the leader has taken as the HR practitioner. 
• How to establish trust and credibility as a HR practitioner.
• HR workers tend to put off their own development and working on their professional brand in my experience, what advice would you give to those looking to break the mold?
• When I worked in HR, I tried my best to be neutral, and be the employee advocate for all – as I think HR should be impartial. Often HR are used for the benefit of the org’s interests vs the employee’s interests – how can one handle this if they are in that situation?
• We haven’t worked together yet, what is your opinion of working with consultants? Reason I ask if there is often debate going around about using consultants vs HR trying to do it all. 
• How to build and nurture your HR (and beyond) network.
• Any practical tips you have for up-and-coming HR stars?  
• I ask Marija, what is one way you would change the workplace if you had a magic wand – her answer is fab!

About today’s guest: Marija has significant experience in all things relating to people. She is an energetic and passionate Leader who wants to bring the focus of people back into organisations. She believes that if you don’t focus on your people, your people will not focus on you. She is a game changer, a mentor with WA Police, as well as an active mum of 3 boys and an advisory council treasurer.

Resources and links

Connect with Marija on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

More about your host, Prina Shah:

We spend more time of our waking day at work than with loved ones, my mission is to make your workplace a good place to be!
  
Sometimes I speak to amazing thought leaders, sometimes the podcasts will be solo episodes. 

I am Prina Shah, I am a Coach, Consultant, Trainer and Speaker with 20+ years of experience in developing Executives, Leaders and Teams.
 
My specialty is in developing your people and working with you to optimise your organisational cultures.

 Thank you for tuning in!
 
Prin

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Prina (Helping you find GREAT ways to change your workplace) Shah