Gareth Cameron CMHRNZ

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

I have traditionally worked in operations roles throughout my career, that naturally has a large reliance on people. With my love of seeing people develop, thrive, and succeed, when the opportunity to move into leading the Human Resource and Learning and Development team for a large New Zealand employer of youth presented itself 5 years ago, I jumped at the chance. I knew that the knowledge in operations coupled with developing myself in the people space would equipment me well in driving larger change with impact. “Focus on your people, and the business will take care of itself” - Ray Kroc

What do you love about working in HR? 

I love the fact that each and every day you are working in an area that has the potential to impact an individual or many in a positive way. When you are leading people and part of a wider senior leadership team, no two days are the same. One thing for certain is change is inevitable, and the rate of change in the people space continues to accelerate. This gives me great confidence that there will always be something new to learn, challenges to undertake, and paths to forge. 

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

There have been many highlights throughout my career, however there are two significant points that really stand out.

Firstly, nothing is more rewarding than seeing individuals that have worked and developed as part of your team, succeed in replacing you in your role as your career continues. Seeing those individuals take the reins, continuing to drive the success of the business is truly rewarding.  

Secondly, having had a leader that believes in your ability by backing you to move from one discipline in the business to another, was a real highlight and turning point in my career.

In the years following, receiving positive feedback, being rewarded and recognised for the way you conduct yourself, the way you lead, and ultimately the output of your department, from those who are impacted daily by the decisions you make, are many highlights I will cherish.

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

Gaining Chartered Membership was the next logical step in my journey, and an opportunity to support and develop others the way I was. The process of becoming a charted member itself is one that is rewarding in making you step back and focus on the key areas of your journey, what you have achieved in your career, and the many areas of further development that lay ahead. 

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member? 

As I have reached a point in my career where I am sharing my knowledge and experience of Operations and Human Resources on a regular basis, I wanted those that I am sharing with, to have the comfort that comes with speaking to someone who has a charted membership in the profession. 

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

I plan to continue to give back to the profession by sharing my knowledge and experience through speaking engagements at national conferences, through to one-on-one mentoring. I hope my journey moving from one profession to another, helps inspire and gives confidence to others to do the same.