In 2013, I blew up my agency by creating a Credo. It magnetized the team and both repelled, and attracted, talent. Over the next 90 days, I experienced 85 percent employee turnover. Through the difficult process of rebuilding my company, I learned a great deal about myself, my teammates, clients, and business. In the end, […]
Category: Blog
The 5 W’s of a Winning Startup
It’s been a pleasure advising startups at a group leader with EO Portland’s Ignitor program. While advising the enthusiastic entrepreneurs, I’m discovering patterns. My OCD/anal-retentive nature drives my need to identify, organize and communicate new discoveries. I’ve developed best practices for startups, taking inspiration from the classic “5 Ws” of strategic planning: Who, What, When, […]
Hire for Talent and Traits, not Skills, Knowledge or Experience
As founder of career community pdxMindShare, I’ve met thousands of professionals over the last decade and heard their unique stories. Over that time, I’ve had the opportunity to identify trends in what an ideal employee (and employer) should look like. As the former owner of a digital marketing agency, I’ve also been in the unique […]
The Balanced Tail: How To Properly Integrate AI Into Your Company
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reached an inflection point. What began as an experimental playground for technologists is now a competitive necessity for every organization. Yet, many business owners still struggle with a key question: how much is too much? The answer lies not in the tools themselves but in how leaders integrate them ethically, strategically, […]
Tips for a Successful Internship from a Former Intern
A few years ago, I had lunch with a former intern and was able to gain valuable insights into improving our company, from a fresh perspective. It also gave me an opportunity to share my tips for recent graduates looking to ensure a successful internship or entry-level position. My perspective is based on 20 […]
Fake It Till You Make It: Navigating Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur
Ever stood at the helm of your own creation, surrounded by people who trust your vision, while a voice inside whispers, “You have no idea what you’re doing”? Welcome to the world of Imposter Syndrome – my constant companion throughout 26 years of entrepreneurship. When I launched pdxMindShare with nothing but determination and a hunch […]
Why Does Your Business Need Anti-Harassment Training?
Originally Published on HR Annie Consulting Website, by Cindy Free, CEO Do your managers know their legal obligations when an employee shares a concern or lodges a complaint? Do they know what to do next and how to compliantly document it? Employers are obligated to make sure the workplace is safe and free from […]
HR Annie Consulting Forms Strategic Partnership to Lead pdxMindShare
Originally Posted on HR Annie Consulting Website The Alliance will Continue a Legacy of Professional Networking and Growth HR Annie Consulting is thrilled to announce that it is taking over as the new host of pdxMindShare, Portland’s premier networking and professional development community. Founded in 1999 by Kent Lewis, pdxMindShare has grown into a dynamic LinkedIn […]
Combatting Compassion Fatigue in our Frontline Workers
Originally Published By HR Annie Consulting By Cindy Free, CEO We know the past couple of days, the past few weeks, and the past few years have been tough. You’ve been dealing with a divisive and uneasy political climate, national natural disasters, and coming out of years of a health pandemic. We’ve all been through […]
Navigating 2025: Key Compensation Trends & Strategies
Originally Published on HR Annie Consulting by Michelle Franco 2024 introduced a lot of changes and new challenges that affected the way employers think about compensation. We saw a continuation of layoffs, federal policies offered a new landscape for workplace inclusion and belonging, return-to-office efforts have faced many obstacles, and it appears that the market […]
