When technical skills meet heart – my career journey
My first job was picking up golf balls. The second? Carving up charcoal chickens. Fast forward to today, and I’m partnering with incredible business owners to help their teams thrive, creating fulfilling workplaces where people feel engaged, supported, and motivated.
I founded Kath Harris Human Resources, a boutique HR consultancy that draws on my many years of experience in the ‘people’ side of organisations. From small startups to large businesses, I’ve had the privilege of working with teams of all shapes and sizes. My consultancy focuses on bridging the gap between your people and your vision, ensuring your business reaches its goals while maintaining a thriving workplace culture.
And honestly? I couldn’t love my job more.
How it all began
My passion for HR sprouted early. During my Bachelor of Business degree, HR was my major. But what really sparked my love for the people aspect of business was my first professional role at AMP.
Here’s how it happened. Back then, email wasn’t standard, so I sent actual letters to HR managers! Six to be precise, and one response turned into an informal chat - a chat that landed me the role.
At AMP, I learned the ropes from incredible HR professionals who challenged me and pushed me to think strategically. From there, I grew into various HR functions across a range of industries, honing my skills and expanding my expertise, both locally and abroad.
A global adventure and career-defining moments
Like many Australians in their 20s, I took a working holiday to the UK. While the experience gave me valuable insights, the bleak weather and bad coffee rubbed this Mid North Coast girl the wrong way. After a short stint in HR there, I spent the last of my savings travelling across Europe before heading back home and hitting the grindstone again.
Returning to Australia, my career took an exciting turn in 2009 when I joined a program built around the then-fresh concept of remote working. This role was the perfect combination of innovation and challenge, as I worked with teams of over 600 across multiple locations using now-basic tools like teleconferencing. Remote work felt groundbreaking then - and 11 years later, during the pandemic, it became a crucial lifeline. Guiding businesses through those tricky years was one of my proudest career highlights.
The birth of Kath Harris Human Resources
Today, as the Founder and CEO of Kath Harris HR, I collaborate with leaders who are ready to take their businesses to new heights. Typically, these are growth-stage businesses with at least 10 employees - organisations that have a strong vision and a deep commitment to their people but lack the HR expertise or capacity to bring that vision fully to life.
What I do is simple yet powerful. I focus on linking people to purpose, culture to outcomes, and strategic HR practices to sustainable business growth.
My work revolves around building employee engagement, shaping thriving workplace cultures, and implementing HR practices tailored to specific business needs. It’s all about creating workplaces where people excel and where businesses can scale confidently.
What sets my HR consultancy apart
At Kath Harris HR, I bring a unique combination of experience, adaptability, and a personal touch to every engagement. Here are some of the principles that shape my consultancy:
1. Tailored HR solutions
I understand that no two businesses are the same. That’s why I take a personalised approach, considering your specific goals, challenges, and team dynamics.
Whether it’s navigating compliance or boosting employee retention, I align my HR consultancy services to fit your business, ensuring both cultural alignment and practical improvement.
2. Values-driven expertise
My consultancy is built on strong values - courage, integrity, growth, and creativity. These are more than words; they’re lived experiences that influence how I guide clients to align their organisational values with daily practices.
When values are deeply embedded into your workplace culture, they become the backbone of success.
3. Commitment to growth
Helping others grow energises me. I find pure joy in developing HR strategies that empower leaders to inspire their teams, create career pathways, and achieve their business goals through people-centred solutions.
4. A human-first approach
While my solutions are rooted in compliance and strategy, they’re always delivered with empathy and understanding. HR isn’t about ticking boxes - it’s about creating meaningful connections between people and their work.
A consultancy shaped by unique experiences
Reflecting on my career, it’s been a mix of hard work, opportunities, and plenty of life lessons, sometimes in unexpected places. My time at the charcoal chicken gave me an appreciation for hard work, while my stint as a golf-ball picker taught me resilience. And yes, those early jobs still influence the way I approach leadership and teamwork.
Today, whether it’s designing strategic recruitment processes, crafting workplace policies, or shaping company culture, my work is about helping businesses fully harness the potential of their teams.
Time for a conversation about your people
Running a business and managing people can feel complex at times, but HR challenges don’t have to slow you down.
If you’re ready to elevate your workplace culture, hire strategically, or enhance employee engagement, I’d love to chat. Together, we can explore tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your business and ensure your people are optimally aligned with your vision.