Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacia Harvey-Randall.
Hi Stacia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in raised in a small town called Berwick, Louisiana I always had big dreams. I didn’t know what I wanted to be, I just knew I wanted to be successful. After High School, I moved to New Orleans, La. to attend college and I landed my first job with an 1100-room hotel downtown as a front desk agent. I worked very hard and moved up in various positions with different hotel brands. It took me a while to have a voice because I was still trying to figure out where the hotel path would take me. As I grew a passion to work in HR it wasn’t easy for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first closed door was because of lack of Education. I was applying for roles and had not completed my degree. I also could not move forward because when I was interviewing I was constantly being offered positions in Operations because of my experience and I was not receiving the opportunity that I truly wanted. I realized that I would have to continue down that path by learning new skills that will eventually lead to HR. I also connected with HR professionals and made my desires known so they could keep me in mind for open opportunities and ensured that I followed up. The road was not always easy but the journey was very much valued. I ensured that I did not waver in the field that I wanted to pursue because I did not want to be perceived as the candidate that is all over the place.
When I finished my degree and completed my Master’s program, the doors began to open. I finally landed a HR Manager opportunity. I was developed and transitioned to an Assistant Director and that is when another obstacle came my way. I struggled with not being able to be myself because I knew that I had a different leadership style. I was innovative, passionate when speaking, and very results driven. I received feedback about sounding like a principal when I speak, there were concerns about me possibly being too passionate or having a voice when there were concerns, and also sometimes I dress too corporate and maybe associates will not want to approach me. With all of these things in mind, I started to get comfortable, fearful and settled for being the #2 for 6 years because I just did not know what a Director role would look like for me. I was all about flexing my style, but deep down inside I asked the question do I have to change who I am for this role? I decided to wait it out, pray, and think about allowing the right door to open so my comfortability would leave, I would become fearless, and I could be Me!! It happened and now I am embracing the Director role and allowing what I thought were my weaknesses to become my largest strengths!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my role as a HR Director, I am responsible for driving the culture of the associate environment at the Whitley Hotel. Leadership Development, Team Engagement, and Strategic Planning is what my focus is on daily. I have an HR Manager that focuses on recruitment, event planning, and community engagement. Together we are a team and we think about ways to improve the workplace every day. I spend a majority of my time connecting with associates to determine their needs, empathize, and problem-solve about the necessary tools that may be needed for their departments. Training and Development is also a focus, I facilitate training courses to assist leaders with evolving their weaknesses into strengths. Compliance is also a focus to ensure that we are following the guidelines of the labor laws, practicing integrity, and operating a safe working environment. Recognition is also one of the aspects of HR that I love, and HEI empowers us to recognize our associates as much as possible. We motivate our associates to go above and beyond for their guests and they have the opportunity to be the Associate of the Month and the Year. Our Leaders have the opportunity to be the Leader of the Quarter and the Year. I love what I do, and I challenge myself everyday to be a better and stronger leader.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If anyone is interested in a career in hotel hospitality, you can apply at heihotels.com or email me directly at stacia.harvey@thewhitleyhotel.com. You do not have to possess a background in hospitality. If you are customer-service driven and want to grow with a great attitude, then HEI is the place for you. We have over five great hotels in Georgia with several open opportunities. You can select a focus in Operations, Sales, Events, Food and Beverage, Finance, HR, and Engineering. You can support me by sharing my story that may impact someone struggling with obstacles in their career journey.
Image Credits
Irene Ivanov
