HR Maverick
Ben Cardenas
Ben is an action-driven, strategic, talent development leader and change management practitioner with expertise in adult learning, project development, cross-functional team leadership, and delivering positive outcomes with sustainable gains. He is able to identify and implement strategies that support team member engagement and development. With broad-based management skills combined with strong planning, communication, organizational, and decision-making ability he can direct concurrent projects successfully. Ben’s professional mission is to empower every professional to embrace their authenticity so that they can communicate with confidence, recognize their strengths, and add value to their organization.
What words of advice and encouragement would you give to someone just starting out in HR?
Find a mentor and build meaningful relationships. Mentoring is a wonderful give-and-take experience. You can learn new skills, strengthen existing skills, and obtain new knowledge while helping your mentor evolve their leadership capabilities. When you grow your network, make sure that you invest in your network by reaching out to check in or sharing thoughts and ideas. Remember that you don't have to do this alone. As HR professionals, we are looked at to provide solutions and guide senior leaders. So, embrace the lifelong learner mindset and learn with a purpose! Don't just learn something for the sake of learning. It will do you no good if you can't apply it. Have intention as you learn and formulate how to apply your knowledge as you lead others and help to transform cultures. Lastly, think about what will make you stand out. Challenge yourself to take the lead on a project that will make a positive impact. Don't be afraid to make some mistakes along the way. Mistakes are opportunities to learn valuable lessons and strengthen your skills. The key is to learn, apply, and keep moving forward.
HR Maverick
Ben Cardenas
Ben is an action-driven, strategic, talent development leader and change management practitioner with expertise in adult learning, project development, cross-functional team leadership, and delivering positive outcomes with sustainable gains. He is able to identify and implement strategies that support team member engagement and development. With broad-based management skills combined with strong planning, communication, organizational, and decision-making ability he can direct concurrent projects successfully. Ben’s professional mission is to empower every professional to embrace their authenticity so that they can communicate with confidence, recognize their strengths, and add value to their organization.
What words of advice and encouragement would you give to someone just starting out in HR?
Find a mentor and build meaningful relationships. Mentoring is a wonderful give-and-take experience. You can learn new skills, strengthen existing skills, and obtain new knowledge while helping your mentor evolve their leadership capabilities. When you grow your network, make sure that you invest in your network by reaching out to check in or sharing thoughts and ideas. Remember that you don't have to do this alone. As HR professionals, we are looked at to provide solutions and guide senior leaders. So, embrace the lifelong learner mindset and learn with a purpose! Don't just learn something for the sake of learning. It will do you no good if you can't apply it. Have intention as you learn and formulate how to apply your knowledge as you lead others and help to transform cultures. Lastly, think about what will make you stand out. Challenge yourself to take the lead on a project that will make a positive impact. Don't be afraid to make some mistakes along the way. Mistakes are opportunities to learn valuable lessons and strengthen your skills. The key is to learn, apply, and keep moving forward.
