The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is HR Executive of the Year in the Private & Public Companies category (Annual Revenue Greater Than $250M) Jamila Taylor, who is chief HR officer for corporate services at Guidehouse. Here, Taylor shares proud organizational and career moments.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
I’m extremely proud of three key points. First, leading the human capital and enterprise transformation and growth journey for Guidehouse, including the foundational infrastructure build following the initial carve out, through multiple integrations, and the astronomical global growth track we are on. We have seen extraordinary enterprise revenue growth of 444%, with headcount growth at 1070%.
Second, creating a human capital culture of purpose and connection. And third, leaving a legacy with the creation of the CHRO Excellence Award (commander coin) and being a thoughtful, caring and transparent leader. I am incredibly proud to be able to be a part of this amazing organization, getting to build our HR function from scratch, watching it evolve, and now taking it to the next level into the future.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I remember when I graduated and was interviewing for my first job. I came home and shared the details with my dad, a 45-year HR leader, and he said, “Can you get off your high-horse long enough to get a job so I don’t have to support you the rest of my life?!” We laughed. Why? Because I chose to stay true to who I am and have continued throughout my professional journey. It’s easier said than done. Staying true to oneself means being unapologetically you. It means acknowledging and accepting who you are (both positives and flaws), understanding what you bring to the table, and going for what you want.
It especially means staying the course even when others may not understand. It means saying no to opportunities or experiences that don’t align with your goals or interests. It means finding your passion and doing what excites you rather than focusing on a title, level, money, or what others may have.
The challenge in doing so is recognizing the consequence of your decisions, holding the belief that there is an organization and culture out there where you can lead with your authentic self and still achieve your dreams.
And as a dear colleague told me once I achieved the pinnacle of an HR professional’s career – a CHRO – she said, “Although it may have taken you longer to achieve than your peers, I’m proud of you for doing it your way and remaining true to yourself.”
Lastly, for me, it’s about owning your own success and failures and choosing to pursue happiness above all else.