Five minutes with Karen Meredith
Karen is an experienced HR and People & Culture professional and a certified Executive Coach - a true HR generalist with key strengths in human-centred organisational design and reshape, strategy development, change management, employee relations, and stakeholder engagement. Karen was proudly born and raised in Australia, but don’t hold that against her! She now loves her home in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Here's five minutes with Karen.
Why did you start PeopleEX?
I have always had a dream of starting my own business. I just needed to build up the courage to do it! My goal was for a business built around the belief ‘people for better’ as I know people and organisations can positively impact the world (whilst delivering on the bottom line!). I am proud that we created that.
My daughter starting school was also one of the biggest catalysts for creating PeopleEX. I wanted all the flexibility to be at the school gates to pick her up and see her smiley face. This desire led to the creation of our PeopleEX ‘moments’ policy. It is a directive at PeopleEX not to miss the moments that matter regarding our whānau. Whether that be the end of school smiles at pick up or waiting at the finish line at the school cross country.
What are your predictions for the future of HR?
The overwhelming impact of AI is rising with incredible speed.
As HR Practitioners, we need to get prepared and understand what this technology can and can’t do for the people we are here to serve – our teams.
AI can add value to HR, for example, we can use algorithms to streamline work processes, but I am not convinced it will overrun our profession. Technology can never replace the power of social connection, empathy, kindness and trusting relationships - all essential pillars of successful organisations and society as a whole. As powerful as AI is, a machine cannot duplicate the human heart.
I believe the true power will be the ability for human innovation and creativity to be amplified by AI bots (not the other way around!). And, always, with the intention of leaving the world a better place.
On that note, I also predict that businesses will need to advance their sustainability efforts (consumers and employees will demand it). HR must be at the forefront of this by realigning the employee value proposition with ESG objectives to meet growing demands.
What are your outside interests?
Spending time with my kids, taking them to sports and social activities is a lot of fun. As a family, we love to cook and entertain at our house. I like a good book and TV series and going for walks. Come winter, you’ll see us at the slopes - we love to ski!
