Why is strategic HR leadership essential for driving the success and growth of your business?
In this episode of The CEO Project, Jim Schleckser speaks with Dethra U. Giles, founder, and CEO of ExecuPrep, a premier talent and performance management consulting firm, about HR leadership. Dethra shares insights from her extensive experience in conflict resolution and organizational development. Advocating for intentional career mapping and coaching as essential tools for advancing from managerial to executive roles. Together, they discuss the evolving role of HR professionals, emphasizing the importance of adopting a business-oriented mindset to drive strategic decision-making and effective communication with top executives. Dethra offers practical advice on HR leadership – cultivating a culture of recognition, enabling leaders to delegate effectively, and aligning organizational goals to achieve sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:
→ How intentional career mapping and coaching help individuals transition from managerial to executive roles
→ Why HR professionals adopting a business-oriented mindset enhances strategic decision-making
→ How delegating responsibilities and creating systems drive organizational growth and scalability
→ Why praising specific behaviors motivates teams and improves performance, productivity, and profits
→ Why aligning HR strategies with organizational goals is critical for driving business success
Navigating Leadership and HR for Maximum Impact with Deetra Giles
Dethra brings a fresh perspective on how CEOs can leverage HR to drive performance, productivity, and profit—not just manage processes. From her beginnings in nonprofit work to her current role as a thought leader in conflict resolution and organizational development, Dethra shares her journey and practical advice for building high-performing teams.
Must-Listen Timestamps:
- 00:06:35 – Dethra explains the leap in thinking and behaviors required for career advancement.
- 00:09:19 – Insights into breaking habits that no longer serve you as you grow in leadership roles.
- 00:27:29 – Tips for hiring an HR leader who can balance operational efficiency with strategic impact.
Don’t miss Dethra’s humorous and actionable anecdotes, like the importance of systematizing leadership knowledge (00:12:24) and her take on why self-promotion doesn’t have to feel “icky” (00:16:00). Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate your leadership game.
More from Dethra U. Giles
ExecuPrep’s chief CEO and founder, Dethra, aims to architect frameworks that elevate businesses through strategic HR leadership. Her expertise in conflict resolution and organizational development is bolstered by a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, enabling her to forge robust, high-performing teams.
As a transformative keynote speaker, she leverages years of experience to inspire change and drive company-wide growth. Harnessing adept problem-solving skills and a passion for training and development, she is committed to nurturing talent and optimizing employee engagement and retention.