13/09/2024
It’s been a while since I’ve been active here, so I thought I’d take this chance to (re)introduce myself!
I started writing this post with “I’m Louise McGeady,” but realised two things: 1) You can see that from my profile, and 2) That’s just my name—it doesn’t define who I am or what I do.
For over 30 years, I’ve worked in HR, and I’m now proud to own that experience! My career started in the food industry, where I spent much of my employed life in both corporate and family-run businesses. While I loved those experiences, I wasn’t sure I was growing professionally or making the difference I wanted.
My last role, in logistics, was a real eye-opener. I learned the importance of great leadership and how essential teamwork is. My boss was clear: HR is your business—if you’re not delivering, we’ll talk! I had the autonomy to tackle the tough issues, and once we turned the business around, I realised I needed a new challenge.
That’s how Opal People Solutions was born. My goal was simple: to support small businesses that wanted to do the right thing but didn’t have the resources or expertise to do so. While small employers remain at the core of my business, I also work with larger employers, offering impartiality and expertise in employee relations. I didn’t achieve overnight success, and the idea of "sales" was terrifying. In fact, all my business has actually come through referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of my clients. Through an invaluable coaching conversation with Lisa Strutt, I realised my passion lies in employee relations—grievances, disciplinary processes, and more. That’s where I can really make a difference.
Now, I’m proud to say I’m fulfilled. It’s not just about the work I do but the relationships I build and the trust I earn from my clients.
I’ll be sharing insights over the coming weeks and would love to know: What topics would you find most valuable for me to cover?
