Recap: From HR Practitioner to People Leader Webinar with Nativo Chief People Officer Mark Putrus

If you missed the live webinar with our CEO/Co-Founder, Haris Ikram and Nativo’s Chief People Officer, Mark Putrus, don’t worry—I’ll give you the cliff notes (and then you can watch it on-demand when you have time, because it’s definitely worth the watch!). 

Like the title implies, this conversation was all about learnings and tips for transitioning from an HR IC/practitioner role to an executive or leadership role in the people space. Haris and Mark explored Mark’s own path to CPO, the evolving landscape of career development, and what the people team at Nativo does to ensure the growth of their employees. The discussion shed light on how HR professionals can grow into impactful leaders by embracing adaptability, fostering cross-functional understanding, and rethinking traditional approaches to skills and performance management.

The Changing Face of Career Evolution

The traditional notion of a linear career ladder is giving way to more flexible and non-linear pathways. Mark described this as a "career lattice" or even a "career jungle gym," emphasizing the importance of lateral moves and diverse experiences. Haris and Mark agreed that adaptability and openness to various career directions are crucial in today’s fast-changing work environment.

“I think we've heard a lot of thought leaders in this space sort of talk about a career lattice or career jungle gym versus career ladder,” Mark explained. “Because I think there are many ways to sort of navigate your career. And quite frankly, depending on your life situation and your personal situation, it could be a scenario for individuals based on their personal situation that their ambitions change. And that's to me fully acceptable.”

This approach allows HR professionals to gain a well-rounded perspective, positioning them to tackle a wide range of organizational challenges. Haris underscored the value of staying curious and embracing opportunities outside of a defined career trajectory, particularly as HR evolves into a more strategic and integrated function within organizations.

Leadership Development in HR

Effective HR leadership requires a balance of strategic vision and hands-on tactical expertise. Mark highlighted the importance of cross-functional experience, explaining that leaders who understand the broader business context can more effectively align HR goals with organizational priorities.

Another critical component of leadership development is the ability to model inclusive behaviors while driving high performance. Mark stressed that this dual focus is vital in fostering trust and collaboration within teams while maintaining accountability and results.

Skills and Competencies for the Modern Workplace

The rapid pace of workplace evolution means traditional skill-building approaches may no longer suffice. Both Haris and Mark advocated for rethinking how organizations develop and acquire skills. This includes leveraging fractional or temporary expertise to address immediate needs without committing to permanent hires.

Mark emphasized that HR leaders must be proactive in identifying emerging competencies and ensuring their teams are equipped to navigate future challenges. Building a culture of continuous learning, supported by the right tools and frameworks, is essential to staying ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“I think this is where having incredible partners like at CandorIQ can be very valuable,” Mark said. “Because you only have so many resources in the people function. And so we've got to really put a lot more tools and resources in the hands of leaders where the relationship actually exists, right? The more we can equip leaders with insight into what is going on with their respective teams, the better.” 

Transforming Performance Management

Gone are the days of static annual reviews. Mark and Haris discussed the shift toward more frequent, dynamic feedback processes and the importance of clear competency frameworks. These frameworks help managers provide actionable feedback and set meaningful development goals.

They also pointed out the need for better tools (like CandorIQ!) and resources that enable managers to make data-driven decisions. When equipped with these capabilities, managers can more effectively support their teams and drive performance aligned with organizational objectives.

Key Takeaways

1. Strategic and Tactical Expertise: Success in HR leadership requires a combination of strategic thinking and practical experience across multiple disciplines.
2. Non-Linear Growth: Career growth often involves lateral moves and diverse experiences that build a well-rounded skill set.
3. Balanced Leadership: HR leaders must balance high performance expectations with caring and inclusive behaviors to build trust and drive results.
4. Data-Driven Tools: Providing managers with tools and resources to make informed decisions is critical to improving performance management.
5. Connective Role of HR: HR serves as the "connective tissue" in organizations, playing a critical role in fostering alignment and resilience, especially during challenging times.

The webinar highlighted the transformative potential of HR when leaders embrace adaptability, prioritize continuous learning, and leverage data-driven insights to enhance performance. As organizations face increasing complexity, HR professionals have the opportunity to lead with agility and foresight, creating meaningful impact at every level of the business.

To learn more about how technology can support HR professionals in their leadership journey, explore CandorIQ’s innovative solutions for workforce planning and compensation management.