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Heather McLinden
Chief People Officer at HoneyBook
Professional Background
Heather McLinden is an innovative and results-oriented human resources leader with an impressive career spanning over 18 years. With a strong ability to drive organizational and talent strategies that align with business objectives, Heather has established herself as a pivotal figure in human resources. Her experience encompasses leading HR teams in diverse, matrixed, and global environments, allowing her to develop an exceptional understanding of the critical aspects of HR management. As a strategic partner, Heather possesses the unique capacity to influence executives effectively, collaborating with all levels within an organization to produce meaningful results.
Heather has had a remarkable trajectory in her career, currently serving as the Chief People Officer at HoneyBook. Her role involves not just managing but innovating HR practices that empower individuals and foster a thriving workplace culture. Prior to this, Heather was the VP of People at Sauce Labs, where she implemented strategic initiatives that enhanced employee engagement and drove talent development. Her earlier career includes significant roles, such as Senior Director, HR Business Partner at Twilio Inc., and Director, HR Business Partner at Altera, where she worked tirelessly to enhance the HR infrastructure and drive performance initiatives.
Throughout her career, Heather has worked at renowned organizations such as Hewlett-Packard, where she played a vital role in driving people strategies for HP Helion (formerly HP Cloud) and contributed to Talent Management Operations. With a robust foundation in leadership development from her past positions at Baxter Healthcare and various academic roles at Illinois Institute of Technology and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Heather blends practical HR strategies with academic insights. This unique combination empowers her to lead with both empathy and data-driven decision-making.
Education and Achievements
Heather McLinden's educational background is rooted in psychology, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She then pursued her Master of Science and is currently ABD (All But Dissertation) in PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her academic focus has honed her research interests in leadership, employee work engagement, diversity and inclusion principles, all of which significantly impact workplace effectiveness.
Throughout her professional journey, Heather has held numerous positions that have deepened her understanding of human behavior in organizational contexts. She has also contributed to academia as a professor, sharing her insights and shaping the minds of future HR leaders at several institutions, including Elmhurst College.
Heather’s commitment to professional development and talent management is evident in her role as a Learning and Development Consultant at MP Consulting and as a consultant at Stanard & Associates, Inc. She has also served on the Leadership Academy at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she nurtured leadership capabilities among emerging leaders.
Achievements
Heather McLinden has achieved notable recognition throughout her career as a thought leader in human resources. Her expertise in employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion has allowed her to make significant contributions to creating inclusive workplace environments. By leveraging her extensive HR experience, Heather has been instrumental in orchestrating strategies that ensure individuals feel valued and included within their organizations.
Her research interests reflect her passion for leadership and the impact it has on organizational success. With a keen understanding of the principles governing employee engagement, Heather has effectively designed programs that not only attract but retain top talent, driving organizational performance to new heights.
In addition to her executive roles, Heather continues to advocate for progressive HR practices that foster a culture of engagement and high performance. Her ability to influence and collaborate with organizational leaders has not only shaped HR functions in particular companies but has also contributed to wider industry trends advocating for more comprehensive HR strategies.
tags':['Human Resources Leader', 'Talent Strategies', 'Employee Engagement', 'Diversity and Inclusion', 'Organizational Development', 'Psychology', 'Chief People Officer', 'VP People', 'HR Business Partner', 'Learning and Development', 'Training and Development Consultant', 'Leadership Development'],
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