HR Unequivocally

08/04/2025

"We're like a family here" — sound familiar?

For years, many companies have leaned on the “family” metaphor to signal closeness, loyalty, and care. But here's the hard truth: not everyone’s family experience is healthy, safe, or inclusive.

In today’s diverse, trauma-informed workplaces, it’s time to rethink the language we use to define culture.

What if we reframed our workplaces not as families, but as communities?

Why it matters:
Families can imply obligation, emotional labor, and blurred boundaries.
Communities are chosen, diverse, and grounded in mutual respect.
Communities invite difference, support healthy boundaries, and foster psychological safety.

Shifting from "family" to "community" leads to:
✔️ Increased employee trust
✔️ Better conflict resolution
✔️ More inclusive language
✔️ Clearer work-life boundaries

Still want to use “family”? That’s okay - be intentional.
✅ Define what “family” means in your context
✅ Make belonging optional, not conditional for inclusion
✅ Train leaders to lead with empathy, not obligation
✅ Offer alternative narratives for connection

Words shape culture. When we evolve our language, we evolve our workplaces.

How does your organization talk about culture and how does it feel for your people? Have you ever thought about it this way? I'd love to read your feedback in the comments

05/20/2025

What if we stopped calling them "difficult conversations" and started calling them "transformative conversations" instead?

The language we use to frame a challenging interaction often determines our approach to it. When we label a conversation as "difficult," we're already creating resistance.

We're telling our brain to prepare for discomfort, conflict, or rejection. Our amygdala activates, and we immediately go into fight-or-flight mode before we've even begun speaking.

But when we reframe these same conversations as transformative, the focus shifts to the outcome. It's now about how this exchange can lead to positive change. Deeper understanding. Stronger relationships. We pride ourselves on looking for opportunities rather than obstacles, and enter the conversation with curiosity instead of defensiveness.

Of course, the conversation itself doesn't change. The conversation might very well still be a hard one to have. That said, when our mindset changes around the conversation, it makes all the difference in how effectively we communicate and what we achieve.

The next time you're dreading a tough conversation, consider it in your mind as "transformative" instead. Notice if the level of dread around it changes. Notice if your approach and what you're saying changes.

What conversation have you been avoiding that might benefit from this mindset shift? When your organization is challenged with avoiding conversations, contact me today and let's talk about how we can partner together to equip your team with the tools to engage in these "transformative conversations" confidently!

03/24/2025

We are hiring a Payroll Associate for a Tax, Accounting, and Payroll Processing Firm! If you or someone you know is interested, email me directly and attach your resume for consideration.

Please like, share, and tag for greater reach. This is an immediate opening and we are in the process of interviewing candidates.
You know that feeling when you crush a payroll run and every check is spot on? That’s the kind of precision and pride we live for. We don’t just process payroll—we make sure businesses run smoothly so our clients can sleep easy knowing their teams are paid correctly and on time.

We are looking for a Payroll Associate who thrives on accuracy, enjoys helping others, and loves the feeling of a job well done. Our team understands that payroll is more than numbers—it’s people’s livelihoods. In this role, you are not only processing checks, but you’re also making sure families, businesses, and employees can count on every payday being correct and on time, every time.

We believe in relationships over transactions, trust over shortcuts, and excellence over good enough. You won’t be another cog in the payroll machine here. We’re a team that works hard, laughs often, and takes pride in what we do. If you’ve ever wished payroll jobs had more team spirit and less robotic button-pushing, you’ll love it here!

If you are detail-oriented, self-motivated, and know your way around payroll taxes, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat you will be a great addition to our growing team!
What You Will Do:
● Accurately process payroll for clients while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
● Review payroll data, including wages and deductions, to catch and correct errors before processing.
● Assist clients with payroll-related questions and troubleshoot any payroll issues that arise.
● Handle payroll tax reporting and ensure timely payments.
● Guide new clients through the onboarding process and set up their payroll systems efficiently.

This role is located in Mooresville, NC and you will join the team in office Monday – Friday from 10am – 2pm. You’ll enjoy a casually business atmosphere, competitive compensation, and the chance to grow in a company that feels more like a community.

If you’re the kind of payroll pro who sweats the details, thrives on solving problems, and wants to work where you’re valued—not just paid—let’s talk. Apply today and let’s build something great together!

02/25/2025

I’m officially a speaker!

This past weekend, I had the incredible honor of stepping onto the TEDx stage to share a message that has been close to my heart for years. My talk explored how society places us in boxes from an early age—through school, career paths, relationships, and beyond—and how breaking free from these expectations allows us to truly define success on our own terms.

Standing in front of that audience, I felt the weight of this moment—not just for myself, but for everyone who has ever questioned the path they were told to follow. The energy in the room was electric, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a conversation that challenges the status quo.

I couldn’t have done this alone. A huge thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues who encouraged me along the way, to the team for their support and vision, and to everyone who has ever pushed me to think bigger and bolder.

This experience was just the beginning, and I can’t wait to continue these conversations. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more soon!

01/11/2025

“We couldn’t have our retreat last December, so I guess we’ll have to skip it.”

Sure, many organizations default to the end of the year, or the beginning of January to have these deep discussions—but the truth is that the best time for a retreat is when your team needs forward momentum in one of these critical areas:

Strategic Alignment: Does your team need to move beyond day-to-day operations and align on bigger-picture goals and priorities? That’s a great time for a retreat.

Team Cohesion: Is your business or team growing at a rapid pace? Has there been a large-scale change that requires a reset? Have you brought on new team members? Any situation where building stronger relationships can impact performance is also a good time to consider a retreat.

Organizational Evolution: Another reason for a retreat: Anytime you’re navigating significant changes in structure, leadership, or market conditions that require thoughtful discussion and planning.

New Initiatives: Are you launching a new project or program? A retreat can bring focused attention and diverse perspectives to your planning and decision-making processes.

Silo Breakdown: This one’s self-explanatory—but if you’re looking to establish better patterns of communication, collaboration, and information sharing among your team and other departments, a targeted retreat for that specific work might be needed.

There’s NO wrong time for a retreat. After all, all the situations I listed above happen all year round!

01/06/2025

I am ecstatic to announce that I am a speaker!

This has been a dream of mine for several years and it’s finally coming true. I look forward to taking the stage with an incredible lineup of speakers.

I hope to see you on 2/22/25 as we take a deep dive into next year’s theme, Collective Will.

11/28/2024

Today is both my birthday and Thanksgiving!

I have double the reasons to be thankful- as today reminds me to slow down and reflect on all the blessings in my life!

Last year, I celebrated a milestone, turning 50, and it was such a memorable time surrounded love and joy. This year, I’m keeping it low-key, but my gratitude is as full as ever.

I’m thankful for:
• The relationships that continue to inspire and enrich my life.
• The opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
• The chance to serve and support others in their journeys.

Birthdays and Thanksgiving are perfect reminders that every day is an opportunity to show appreciation for the people and moments that make life meaningful.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and good food.

What are you thankful for this year?

10/13/2024

Join me at the Millie CEO Summit this Tuesday and Wednesday, October 15-16th, presented by Bobby Robinson!

Our panel topic is “Building Your Millie Team”

Location: Luxe Event Venue is located at 10213 John Adams Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262

Get your ticket today https://www.millieceosummit.com/register

I look forward to seeing you there!

10/05/2024

09/21/2024

Me - on the phone telling anyone who will listen that I have been selected to join the 2024 Goldman Sachs National Cohort!

This truly is a testament to persistence and determination - I applied for this program twice and wasn’t selected but I did not give up. Being a part of Goldman Sachs prestigious programs is an honor, and I’m ready to dive into the work, learn from others, and share my knowledge when I can.

Thank you to Christine Edwards, MPA for your support and to Goldman Sachs for your unwavering commitment to create equitable opportunities for small businesses!

09/03/2024

Thank you BMW Purchasing and Supplier Network Americas BMW of North America for continuing your commitment to and for the honor of presenting Interrupting Unconscious Bias in Supplier Diversity!

I learned from, and met so many amazing speakers and attendees. This experience is one I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams. Precious L. Williams “RainmakingSpeaker” Terrell A Turner, CPA Monique Russell Marco A. Ríos Carl Gould Kathy McAfee Ronald Harvey, MBA Ramon Nieves-Lugo were all so helpful, engaging, and fun!

💫 Thank you to everyone who attended one of my sessions and engaged with me!
💫 Thank you to everyone who stopped by my table to get a copy of my book!
💫 Thank you to Jennifer Moxley and her team for being on deck to capture video and photos!

Here are a few of the photos from this ‘red carpet’ event! More to come!

08/18/2024

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT: I hope you will join me at BMW's Supplier Diversity Xchange on Thursday, August 29th in Greenville, SC!

As DEI initiatives are still being threatened and many are pushing back on even using the term, Diversity - BMW is doubling down on it, which is why I am honored to present: Interrupting Unconscious Bias in Supplier Diversity. We all have biases, and in this session, you will learn how to identify them, mitigate them, and make bias aware choices in supplier programs.

Let's build long lasting relationships together, while advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion!

⏰ Join me at 9:15am or 10:15am in Room 202C. This session is for corporations, suppliers, vendors, and community partners.

📗 Book signing at 11am in the conference hall. Receive a complimentary copy of my award-winning book: The Leader Who CARES

🌐 Register at: https://www.bmwsupplierdiversity.com

"BMW Manufacturing believes that the inclusion of disabled, minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBT-owned companies in our procurement adds value throughout the organization. Our mission is to actively seek out and partner with a diverse range of suppliers that reflect our customers. We believe that supplier diversity is not just the right thing to do, but also a strategic imperative that drives innovation, reduces risk, and fosters economic growth for all. By prioritizing supplier diversity, we commit to building strong, long-term relationships with our suppliers, promoting equity and inclusion in the broader business ecosystem, and creating sustainable value for our customers, shareholders, and society at large."

📸 Photo: Ebony Stubbs of Rae Images
📚 Publisher: SPARK Publications Fabi W. Preslar Fabi Preslar