the hr bartender

I’m Sharlyn Lauby, SPHR, CPLP - the voice behind hr bartender. First of all, it’s pronounced like “Charlene”.   And, yes, I am an expert with more than 18 years of professional HR experience:

I am president of Internal Talent Management (ITM Group, Inc.), a human resources consulting firm located in South Florida. My last real job was vice president of human resources for one of the world’s largest organizational consulting firms.  I’ve designed and implemented highly successful programs for employee retention, internal and external customer satisfaction, and leadership development.

I’ve earned a reputation for bringing business solutions to reality.  I truly love the business of HR and the impact it has on corporate profitability.  I see human resources as the marketing department for a company’s internal clients.

In addition to consulting, I speak about my HR experiences throughout the country. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been one of the top speakers at HR Southwest for the past three years and was rated one of the top speakers at the 2003 Employment Management Association conference.  My workshop on human resources metrics was one of a handful selected to be featured as an on-line learning program for SHRM.

During my first year in business, I was named a finalist for the South Florida Business Journal’s Business Women of the Year Award.  Since then, I’ve been named one of South Florida’s “Heavy Hitters in Human Resources”, a top ten “Excellence in Human Resources” recipient and the 2005 winner of the Human Resources Professional of the Year Award.  I’m frequently quoted in the media and have published several articles on a range of human resource topics.

My bachelor’s degree is from the University of Central Florida and I’m recognized as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the Society for Human Resource Management, a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) from the American Hotel and Lodging Association and a Certified Professional in Learning Performance (CPLP) from the American Society for Training and Development.

Okay, enough of that.  You probably want to know where the name HR Bartender came from…

I’ve spent much of my career either working in hotels or staying in hotels (my new favorite is Wynn Las Vegas).  Over the years, I’ve developed a real appreciation for the culinary arts (translation:  I’m a foodie.)  After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than going to a nice restaurant to relax and unwind.  And, I cannot help myself by sometimes talking about business.

Over the years, I found that my colleagues and employees wanted me to be like their neighborhood bartender - that friendly face who’s there when you need them.  After a long day at the office, they listen, laugh with you, occasionally offer advice and, when you need it, give you that encouragement to go out and do what you need to do.

HR, like a good steak au poivre with a full-bodied Bordeaux, should be savored, appreciated, and enjoyed.  So pull up a stool and order your favorite beverage…the bar is always open.

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