In this engaging podcast, Shelly Morales, founder and CEO of Morales HR, takes us on an inspiring journey—from her early days working at her family’s hot dog stand, “Sandy’s Happy Hot Dogs,” in the Bay Area to holding influential HR leadership roles in top tech companies and ultimately establishing her own HR consulting firm. Shelly shares how grit and determination fueled her path from a receptionist manually tracking resumes to impactful HR leadership positions at companies like LinkedIn, Quantenna, Atlassian, and Cadence Design Systems. Reflecting on her growth from an HR generalist to a strategic business partner, she discusses how her dedication to connecting people with meaningful work, improving employee experiences, and advocating for flexible employment practices has shaped her career.
A pivotal chapter of her career was at Atlassian, where she saw firsthand the power of technology in building connectivity and engagement within remote teams. Atlassian’s early commitment to remote work, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the essential role of tools like Confluence, Slack, and the now-retired HipChat in fostering team cohesion and a strong company culture across continents and time zones. These tools not only allowed dispersed teams to stay connected in real time but also encouraged personal storytelling that bridged physical distances. The onset of the pandemic accelerated the acceptance of remote work and highlighted how blending work and personal life could enhance productivity and work satisfaction, shifting companies’ focus from rigid office hours to outcome-based performance and helping establish a more human-centered work culture.
Through Morales HR, Shelly aims to create a supportive network for professionals seeking roles that align with today’s flexible and dynamic work environments—from remote and fractional engagements to gig work opportunities. Her firm connects members across industries and roles, from CHROs and CFOs to customer support, without relying on traditional job postings.
Kindness is at the heart of Morales HR’s intake process, where prospective members engage in a personal interview to ensure alignment with the company’s values. Shelly firmly believes that kindness and inclusivity are essential yet often overlooked qualities for creating a supportive workplace. By working with companies that value these principles, Morales HR builds relationships that uphold professionalism and empathy, benefiting both employees and employers.
Shelly also highlights Morales HR’s role in the expanding gig economy, a trend she has championed for years. While not all early predictions around the gig economy and digital currency came to fruition, Shelly notes that the demand for flexible, project-based roles has steadily grown.
Shelly Morales’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Her career represents the evolution of HR from administrative support to a people-centered, strategic practice that embraces flexibility, kindness, and the power of technology. Her mission is clear: to build connections between employees and employers that prioritize human connection, work-life balance, and mutual respect, setting a foundation for a thriving future in HR.
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