Denise Hartley-Wilkins DistFHRNZ

What was your first HR role, and where are you today? 

My first HR role was in the UK, working for a publishing company of around 250 people that had no HR function. I was shoulder-tapped to become their first HR Officer. Apparently, I was good at “the people stuff” – which really meant solving people problems. That opportunity set me on a path from generalist HR into senior leadership roles across diverse industries in the UK, Canada and New Zealand, working from the shop floor to the boardroom. 

Today I am the Founder and Director of Shine People Consulting, working at the intersection of leadership, team development, workplace culture and organisational change. Through consulting, coaching and programme design, I partner with leaders and organisations to strengthen leadership capability and build workplaces where people and performance can thrive. 

Tell us about your 'career in HR' story - how did this become your career and what brought you to where are at today? 

My path didn’t start in HR. I began in administration, payroll, sales and marketing before that shoulder tap into a greenfields HR role – building HR from the ground up. 

I accepted on one condition – that the organisation sponsored me to complete my CIPD qualification. If I was going to do the role, I wanted to do it well. One of my earliest lessons was simple: ask for what you need to be successful. 

My career hasn’t been linear. I’ve gone off-piste a few times, changed countries, and worked both inside and outside the HR function. Each step has broadened my perspective and shaped the work I do today. 

What continues to inspire you about this profession? 

I subscribe to the belief that we don’t have great organisations, we have great workplaces – shaped by leaders, teams and culture. That sits at the heart of my “why”. 

The annual HRNZ HR Awards showcase the incredible work people and culture teams are leading across Aotearoa – inspiring stories. 

We are also at a pivotal moment as AI reshapes the knowledge economy. This isn’t only a technology shift; it’s a human skills shift. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2030 report highlights human skills and emotional intelligence as core capabilities.  I’m seeing HR professionals lean into this shift – that’s critical to stay relevant as a profession. 

Looking back across your career, what moments or achievements come to mind? 

Several moments stand out. 

One was leading a large organisation through a complex investigation involving external authorities. It was uncertain and challenging work. I learned to quiet my anxious inner voice by asking, “I wonder what I’ll learn today?” 

I also learned how to operate in the dark when the path ahead wasn’t clear. 

That organisation eventually emerged stronger and transformed, recognised for its service and people excellence. It reinforced a belief I hold strongly: success is never the work of one person; it is always the work of many. 

Another meaningful moment was using my expertise to support former refugees into their first jobs in New Zealand. Those opportunities enabled people to move from state support into employment, buy their first homes, and support their children through university. Seeing that ripple effect across families and generations is a powerful reminder that our work can change lives. 

What wisdom would you share with early-career HR professionals? 

HR is a profession, not just a job. 

Back yourself and ask for what you need to succeed. When opportunity appears and your inner critic tells you to step away, activate your curiosity and courage. Say yes, and ask yourself, “What might I learn from this?” 

You can figure the rest out later. 

At the same time, be discerning. Make sure it’s the right door, remembering that not every door is ours to open.  Finally, seek out opportunities to work outside of HR to broaden your perspective on HR value. 

What difference does HRNZ make for HR professionals? 

HRNZ plays a vital role in developing HR professionals at every stage of their careers.   

The how is HRNZ’s ‘The Path’.  It provides a framework to ensure practitioners are both fit-for-purpose and future-fit in a rapidly changing world. It defines the capabilities and knowledge domains that enable HR to lead with credibility and impact – both in Aotearoa and on the world-stage.   

For me, it also reflects a core personal value: ABL – Always Be Learning. 

Becoming a Distinguished Fellow is a significant achievement. What has the journey been like for you? 

I didn’t set out to become a Distinguished Fellow. My focus has always been on doing meaningful work I enjoy and working alongside people who inspire me. 

As a migrant to Aotearoa, HRNZ became part of my professional settlement journey. I volunteered on branch committees, became Branch President, was later elected to the HRNZ Board and served as National President. 

Being nominated for Distinguished Fellow was both a surprise and an honour. To be recognised alongside HR leaders I respect deeply is inspiring and humbling. 

What are you excited about working on these days? 

I’m grateful to be part of global communities working at the intersection of leadership, workplace culture, change and emotional intelligence. 

My work focuses on inspiring workplace change so people can thrive, flourish and evolve rather than simply endure work. 

Through programme design, facilitation, coaching and advisory work, I work with leaders and people professionals to strengthen leadership capability and workplace culture, sharing knowledge and practice with the next generation of leaders and HR practitioners. 

That possibility – that good leadership and good workplaces can genuinely improve people’s lives – continues to inspire my work every day.