Bernadette King CMHRNZ

What led you to a career in HR/the position that you are in currently?

My career in HR developed naturally through leadership, recruitment, and operational management roles where I saw first-hand how critical people are to the success of any organisation. Early in my career I worked closely with leaders and teams across a range of industries, and I quickly realised that the area where I could add the greatest value was helping organisations align their people with their purpose and strategy.

Over time, this evolved into senior HR leadership roles across complex, safety-critical, and fast-changing environments. Today, as Director of People, Culture and Safety at King & Co, I have the privilege of working alongside business owners, boards, and leadership teams to build strong, capable organisations by putting people at the centre of decision-making.

What do you love about working in HR?

What I love most about HR is the balance between strategy and humanity. No two days are the same — one moment you might be supporting a leader through a challenging conversation, and the next you’re designing systems that enable people to thrive.

At its heart, HR is about creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and clear about what good looks like. When that foundation is in place, performance follows. I find real satisfaction in helping leaders gain confidence in managing their people well and in seeing teams grow, develop, and succeed together.

Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?

I’ve been fortunate to work across a wide range of organisations — from start-ups to established businesses — often in complex or high-risk environments. Career highlights include building end-to-end HR and health and safety frameworks from the ground up, supporting businesses through periods of significant growth and change, and developing internal HR capability so organisations are well-positioned for the future.

My governance experience has also been a meaningful part of my career. Serving as a trustee and chair across education and tertiary organisations strengthened my understanding of the relationship between governance, leadership and people strategy, and reinforced the importance of long-term thinking when it comes to people and culture.

What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member?

Chartered Membership represents professionalism, integrity and a commitment to best practice. I see it as both a personal milestone and a responsibility. Being Chartered gives confidence to clients, colleagues and boards that my advice is grounded in robust professional standards as well as practical experience. I’m proud to hold Chartered status and to be part of a profession that continues to raise the bar.

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?

Throughout my career I’ve prioritised ongoing learning and professional development. Working towards Chartered Membership was a natural step — it provided an opportunity to formally recognise my experience while also challenging me to reflect on my practice and stay current in a changing people landscape. Importantly, it allows me to model the value of professional development to the leaders and HR practitioners I work with.

What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?

Chartered Membership is not an endpoint for me — it’s a platform. My focus is on continuing to grow King & Co’s impact by supporting organisations to build strong leadership capability, safe and inclusive cultures, and sustainable people systems. I’m also passionate about mentoring HR professionals and contributing to the wider profession by sharing practical, real-world insights that help others navigate complex people challenges with confidence and clarity.