Session Description

Many HR professionals are exceptional executors but struggle to position themselves as strategic business partners. In this session, attendees will learn how to shift from task ownership to strategic influence by developing a consultative mindset. We will explore how to ask better business questions, build credibility with leadership, and communicate recommendations in ways that resonate beyond HR.

Participants will walk away with practical strategies to elevate their influence, strengthen cross-functional relationships, and position themselves as trusted advisors within their organizations.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the difference between HR execution and strategic consultation
• Learn how to approach business conversations with curiosity and credibility
• Build confidence navigating conversations outside traditional HR topics
• Identify ways to strengthen strategic visibility within the organization
• Develop techniques for influencing leaders without formal authority

About the Speaker

Nicole Roberts is the Founder and Chief Consultant of People Solutions Group, a consulting firm focused on helping businesses build people-first cultures.

With over 20 years of experience in HR leadership, Nicole has worked across various industries, including private equity, M&A, and high-growth healthcare, specializing in leadership development, workforce planning, and organizational transformation.

She is a passionate advocate for resilience and helping organizations navigate transitions thoughtfully, from leadership changes to M&A.

Nicole is also the host of Amplify Your Signal, a podcast dedicated to elevating the voices of job seekers and professionals in career transition.

A breast cancer survivor, she draws on her personal journey to inspire others to lead with empathy and resilience.

Nicole is an active member of the Forbes HR Council and a faculty member at the Human Capital Institute.