Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Porter.
Hi Gina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I always wanted to be a choreographer, a kindergarten teacher or a pediatrician. I loved to dance and loved kids. Being born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents who migrated to the United States when I was 3 months, I only had a few options…travel down the MD, RN, or JD path. Grade school was a breeze, now college that’s another story. How could I be a doctor, pharmacist, or a nurse when I despised science (like taking Oceanography over Anatomy despise)? I talk a lot so I could be an attorney, maybe? After finally graduating with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education after being in college long enough to be a doctor, I knew that I loved teaching but the timing wasn’t right. I took several career matching questionnaires and they all led me to human resources. I searched our career services page to find an internship in the field and landed an internship with Target. I stalked the Human Resources manager every time we worked a shift together to make sure this was truly what I wanted to do. I had never done something that had come so natural and the rest is history. I began my career as a Human Resources Associate in one of Georgia-Pacific’s southeast regional paper mills where I supported over 1,100 unionized employees. In 2013, I joined professional services firm, Aldridge Pite as a Human Resources Generalist and quickly advanced to Human Resources Manager. Most recently, I was the Human Resources Manager at Cobb Pediatric Therapy Services where I supported over 400 employees including licensed therapists, school psychologists, and office staff. I currently serve as Vice President of Human Resources for a SEC registered investment advisor enriching the strength and performance of the organization by fostering a thriving organizational culture, while fulfilling their unique human resources and compliance needs. I started The HR Hotspot to live out dreams of owning my own business and being able to help people everywhere with human resources needs. Whether it’s benefits, payroll, small business services, or human resources advice I am here to help.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely had some struggles. Fear and doubt were the biggest struggles. I questioned myself for at least the past 5 years. Is this the right time? What if my logo looks weird? Will I have any clients? All of these questions held me back from living out my dream. Believe it or not the pandemic and being quarantined really helped launch The HR Hotspot. I had time to really focus on what I wanted it to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Human Resources Consultant. I specialize in human resources advice, resume review and construction, interviewing training and small business services such as strategic planning.
I am most proud of my ability to handle several things at once. I am a wife, a mom, sit on several committee, work full-time and run 3 other small businesses.
The HR Hotspot is unique in that our business is built on integrity. I want to see my clients thrive in their careers and businesses. I am their biggest cheerleader.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t let social media or the way that other people lives their lives dictate how you live yours. Your time is just that…yours. You have to get up every day and do it for you. Forget about what everyone else is doing or saying. This is your life.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@thehrhotspot.com
- Website: www.thehrhotspot.com
- Instagram: TheHRHotspot
- Facebook: The HR Hotspot
- Twitter: @TheHRHotspot
