Authenticity in leadership is often encouraged, but rarely modeled at the top.

And in HR, the pressure to stay polished can make vulnerability feel off-limits.

In this episode, Nicole DuBois joins Karina Young to reflect on what happens when people leaders stop compartmentalizing and start leading from their full selves.

Nicole, CHRO at Graham Windham, opens up about publishing a memoir under a pseudonym, sharing her story publicly, and how that decision impacted her team and her career.

Together, they talk about how HR teams can influence culture by showing up as humans first, what it looks like to embed compassion into strategic planning, and why trust with employees hinges on transparent follow-through. Nicole also shares how her team is building programming around vulnerability, leadership coaching, and belonging across the organization.

For HR leaders looking to lead with more intention and impact, it's a reminder that honesty isn't a liability but a strategy.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Nicole DuBois

(01:25) The pressure to stay polished as an HR leader

(03:18) Nicole's journey from policy enforcer to strategic people partner

(06:22) What to do when HR needs HR

(08:15) Writing a memoir while hiding behind a pseudonym

(10:11) The moment Nicole chose to show up fully

(12:31) How authenticity changed her team relationships

(16:28) The loneliness of leading HR without peer support

(21:25) Building an annual plan rooted in compassion

(23:20) Supporting employees in emotionally demanding roles

(27:20) Coaching leaders stuck in outdated management styles

(33:23) Turning engagement survey feedback into visible action

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five's Employee Engagement Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/engage-to-excel-15fives-employee-engagement-playbook/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=Employee

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Nicole DuBois 's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-dubois-24568510/