This week, we’re celebrating six years since Elizabeth Scott joined Nua Group — a decision she calls one of the best she’s ever made. Moving from Corporate America into consulting was a big step, but it allowed her to focus on what she does best and what she loves most: solving problems and making a meaningful difference.
In her own words, Elizabeth shares reflections on her journey—what she’s learned, what she’s found most rewarding, and what might help others thinking about their own next step. Here’s to six wonderful years and many more to come!
It's been 6 years since I joined the ...the best decision ever! I increasingly have more and more people ask me how and why I made the decision to leave Corporate America and go into consulting. So, here are a few reflections on my journey that might help others as you contemplate your own career trajectory....
✏️ Figure out what you DO best (and don't do best)
After 20 years in Corporate America working in all aspects of HR, including as the Global Head of HR, I concluded that the area I am best at is HR Operations & Technology. After implementing HR Shared Services multiple times, outsourcing HR Services, bringing HR services back in house from a vendor, and implementing & managing Workday in multiple different companies, I realized that I have a unique depth of experience and a really strong toolkit when it comes to HR Operating Models, process optimization and systems. So, this is where I should focus.
❤️ Figure out what you LOVE (and don't love)
At the heart of it, what I truly love is solving problems and leaving something better than I found it. What I don't love is managing the day to day and dealing with the inevitable politics of Corporate. So, I knew that the right job for me needed to be challenging, but in an environment that is collaborative and always evolving and changing.
🛠️ Figure out what people NEED
When I moved from more established companies to a mature start-up, I was amazed at the lack of depth in HR experience, the absence of operational rigor and compliance and the mistrust and disrespect for the HR function. I realized that there are many companies in the mid-market space who have grown so fast that they simply didn't take the time or prioritize establishing an HR function to help them grow and scale effectively and efficiently. Over the last 6 years, my hypothesis has been proven that there is a huge need in the mid-market space for HR Operations talent that cannot always be solved by hiring internally. Mid-size companies typically cannot afford to hire the strategic HR resources they need to set them up for success.
👫 Find the PEOPLE you want to be with
After working at 4 different companies, I found that – without a doubt – the most important aspect of any job is the people you work with. While it sounds obvious, I found it harder than you would think to find the people who want to do high quality, interesting work with a focus on collective vs individual success. I knew that, above all this was the most important thing to me. I am beyond grateful to be working with a group of people who adamantly share this belief.
If you can do what you are good at and what you love, while meeting the needs of your customers and working with amazing people...that's the secret sauce!
Comments