Hayley Wright CMHRNZ

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

I started my career in HR in agency recruitment then gained my first role in-house at the Christchurch City Council. This experience gave me an awesome grounding in HR, and I was surrounded by a large team of exceptional practitioners who I could learn from. That experience was instrumental in shaping my career. Over time, I discovered a particular passion for the cultural and engagement aspects and how they can truly elevate business performance. I am fortunate in my current role as GM People at Inde Technology that I get to do this every day.

What do you love about working in HR?

There’s a huge amount of variety and therefore always something new to learn. I also really value the collaborative spirit within the HR community. People are generous with their ideas, open to sharing what they’re working on, and keen to experiment with new approaches. I love that.

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

There are a few defining moments that stand out. One was being shortlisted for my first HR Manager role as a bit of a wild card with only six months of advisory experience. The CEO and founder saw a strong cultural fit and backed me to take on the role. Since then, I have tried not to let imposter syndrome creep into my belief in taking on things just because I haven’t had the experience yet, and this has also shaped how I have led people in my teams. Another highlight were two incredible mentors I worked with early on in my career. They introduced me to culture, engagement and thought leadership in a way that shaped my view of HR far beyond a world of policies and process. Their influence continues to guide my thinking and leadership today.

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

I was definitely nervous heading into the panel interview, but someone told me to enjoy the journey and take the opportunity to reflect on everything that had led me to that point. That advice was spot on. The support I received from my team, referees, and peers was incredibly humbling, and revisiting the experiences that shaped my career was a great reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much more there I’d like to do. I’m proud to be a Chartered Member and see it as a meaningful way to add credibility to our profession. I’m committed to making the most of the opportunity.

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?

At Inde, learning and development is a core part of our culture. We have mandatory training hours each quarter, which has been a great way to ensure I prioritise my own development alongside everything else. It had been a while since I’d had a structured development plan of my own, so when my CEO suggested I pursue Chartered Membership, I set the goal and didn’t look back.

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

I’d love to carve out more time to mentor others who are starting their HR careers and connect with fellow Chartered Members to share ideas and learn from their experiences. One area I’m particularly curious about is AI, how it’s shaping the future of work and HR. It’s high on my agenda to explore, experiment, and exchange insights with others in the field.