Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony P. Howard.
Hi Anthony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in HR wasn’t a straight shot. Like many, I fell into it. After leaving my dream of being a teacher behind, a job readiness program opened the door to a corporate career. Starting as a file clerk at an accounting firm, diversity initiatives gave a young Chicago inner-city youth with potential a chance. That was 2000, and my love for the impact of employee benefits began.
Five years in, a coworker saw my potential beyond numbers. “Why not HR?” they suggested. It sparked a passion for the bigger picture. But the early 2000s HR scene was tough. Entry-level roles were scarce, and despite my transferable skills, experience was the magic word.
Facing constant rejection, I made a bold move: relocating to Atlanta for opportunity. There, I landed at an HR tech company, leveraging my benefits strength while gaining exposure to other HR facets. The company’s acquisition by a larger organization presented a golden opportunity. I thrived, becoming a subject matter expert and supervisor of peers.
Remembering my initial goals, I capitalized on the company’s certification program, self-studying for the HRCI PHR exam. This strategic move aimed not just for certification but to become a more well-rounded HR professional.
However, a lack of a bachelor’s degree hampered my internal promotions. The decision to leave for a client company as an HR associate was tough – a 15k pay cut for a shot at the pivot I craved. It was the best move. I excelled, receiving a promotion and exceeding my previous career earnings.
By 2014, my strategic HR career was flourishing. But after five years, I felt stagnant. This experience underscored the truth: HR varies greatly between companies. The next phase of my career was a quest for the perfect fit, making significant contributions at each short stint. In hindsight, I was unknowingly channeling an entrepreneurial spirit.
Another life-changing question came from a colleague: why not teach HR certification classes? What began as a side gig blossomed into a full-time passion. A personal loss of my grandmother pushed me to re-evaluate my purpose. Now, as founder and CEO of HR Certified and Co-founder of my newest venture, Passion Role, my vision has grown beyond teaching. I’m a change agent, promoting inclusivity and representation in the HR industry and empowering leaders to create a more diverse and equitable workplace.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The entrepreneurial journey has been anything but smooth. Many passionate founders, myself included, initially believe they can go it alone. But that’s simply not the case.
Entrepreneurship is a crash course in self-development. Suddenly, you’re juggling business development, navigating the tax code, forging strategic partnerships, and mastering the art of networking. Time becomes your most precious resource as you carve out your niche and establish your brand’s value proposition.
Prepare to redefine your relationships. Both personal and professional circles will be impacted. Finding your “tribe” of fellow entrepreneurs or mentors who understand the unique challenges you face is crucial. This might involve building a network from scratch, but it’s worth the effort.
Securing resources is an ongoing battle, regardless of your funding situation. There will be moments of self-doubt and setbacks. But your ability to bounce back, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward is the ultimate key to success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about HR Certified?
HR Certified, LLC was incorporated in December 2019 and provides comprehensive virtual test preparatory courses for those looking to pursue and earn Human Resources credentials from HRCI (Human Resources Certification Institution) and SHRM (Society of HR Management). The credentials include aPHR, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP.
The U.S. HR industry has a diversity problem, and our vision is to increase representation in corporate HR departments nationwide by upskilling existing underrepresented talent and to attract and develop our next generation by breaking down barriers in entering the profession.
HR Certified, LLC prides itself in activating its students’ highest level of potential through its signature learning journey (the HR Masterclass), in which knowledge, best practice solutions, and strategies can be applied in the real world while preparing for the exam.
We were honored, during our 5-year anniversary celebration, to win (2) Best of America Small Business Awards:
Best Startup – Education & Training for our HR Masterclass
Best Campaign – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative Of The Year for our work towards increased representation and inclusive workspaces that include reducing the barriers of information and extending scholarships to underserved potential.
HR Certified made it become a 🌟 Toplist Company 🌟 as one of the entries with the highest number of votes from the public across ALL ✔️ categories in the 2023 U.S. BASA Awards!
We are 5 stars in Google, and as of Nov 2023, we have a perfect NPS score, our brand is important to us. We are values-based and purpose-driven. This is what sets us apart.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m writing my first book on my journey as a non-traditional candidate, and I feel like George R.R. Martin (the author of the Game of Thrones series) in journey in finishing it. 😂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gethrcertified.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gethrcertified
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrcertified/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-certified/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hrcertified
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4MbsgQFpST-BDeQLHEW4ig
- Other: https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Anthony-Howard-Founder-CEO-HR-Certified-LLC/fd47b212-d172-457d-8699-a1a0a0c14756
