Otisa Eads, HR Systems Strategist and Consultant
Meet Otisa Eads, HR Systems Strategist and Consultant Uplifting People within Business Practices
This feature is part of our #WeAreHere series highlighting Black, Indigenous and people of color who provide professional-level services in the podcasting industry. At a time when it has become essential to the success of any company to build multicultural teams and reach diverse audiences, this series is designed to make it easy for any company or individual to find the diverse talent they need to support their projects or build their organizations.
These are people in our community who have demonstrated experience in their respective fields, and a commitment to providing quality services to their clients. Some of the professionals within our directory are also open to freelance opportunities or long-term contracts.
Let’s get to know Otisa Eads, an HR systems strategist and consultant who uplifts people within business practices.
Q: What is your area of expertise?
I am an HR & Systems Strategist. My areas of expertise are People Operations, Employee Engagement, Onboarding, Training, Leadership Development, Organizational Structure, and creating strategies (strategic planning). I enjoy working with small to mid-sized teams who are in need of internal systems, staff development, and fostering an inclusive culture in their organizations.
Q: How long have you been doing this type of work?
Seven years. I got my start in human resources in 2016 when I worked for a small catering company and supported a major transformation to their overall growth and success with innovative onboarding and operational strategies. It was at this catering company that I realized I had a knack for creating human resources strategies, and where I put a name to the role I had created for myself—HR Systems Strategist.
Q: What piqued your interest in podcasting?
Since I was in college! I just loved listening to stories and learning about various cultures, topics, and music, and podcasting was easily accessible.
Q: What's an audio project you've really enjoyed working on, and why?
I am working on a podcast as a hobby. It’s taken longer than I anticipated, but I am enjoying every part of the process.
Q: What products or services do you offer?
Human Resources Consulting, Coaching, Staff/Leadership Retreats, and Training.
Q: What makes you or your services unique?
I would say what makes my services unique is the fact I want to learn more about a business's company culture and how to align its systems accordingly. I tell my clients that I consider myself a staff advocate and want to make sure I am taking into consideration the thoughts, ideas, and concerns of staff when I am working with a client. (You will be surprised how much a company can learn from listening to their team or putting systems in place to consistently gain their feedback).
Q: What are you particularly proud of about your work?
I have been able to help over a dozen clients find the gaps in their people operations, educate teams with tools and strategies to help them show up better in the workplace, offer space for entire teams and Boards to come together through retreats, and most importantly support folks in creating and achieving impactful goals.
Q: What would you like to see happen in the podcasting industry within the next five years?
I would like to see more BIPOC podcast shows and hosts (and their teams) receive more accolades and recognition for their work.
Q: What kind of businesses or clients do you like working within podcasting?
I have not had a chance to work with a business within the podcasting industry yet, but it would be a pleasure to do so. I care more about alignment when bringing on new clients. Alignment with core values, mission, goals, and workflow. Here are a few questions I like to ask when working with potential clients: What is the essence of your business? What are your core values, what are your goals, and how do you like to work with others?
Q: What motivates you to keep growing in your career or business?
The world is changing quickly and organizations are learning that they ought to change with it. I want to keep supporting businesses with this challenge! Also, I believe that there is a paradigm shift in what it means to be an employee in the workplace. I want to be a guide for those employers ready to look at a variety of ways to provide a work environment where employees are safe, seen, heard, and able to be themselves (in addition to being productive).
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a creator in the podcasting industry, what would it be?
Be gentle with yourself in every part of the process. Remember your why for getting into the podcasting world. Being a creator may not always be fun, but you can have fun doing creative things (yes even with the mundane tasks).
Learn more about Otisa’s work here. You can also find other experienced professionals within our BIPOC Verified Service Provider Directory.