Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Jough.
Shawn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am one of the lucky ones. I grew up in beautiful San Diego and completed my undergraduate degree in International Business at SDSU. First in my family to graduate from college! It wasn’t easy, but still one of my proudest achievements. Shortly after college, I discovered my passion for human resources. I went back to school to get a certificate in human resources and landed my first HR Manager position.
For over 15 years, I dedicated myself to growing my career and became the Vice President of Human Resources for a local hotel management company. During that time, I got married and had two beautiful boys who I love more than anything (even chocolate croissants).
In 2018, the company where I worked changed direction which provided me an opportunity to evaluate my life. I wanted more control and work life balance. Then I discovered the Tory Burch Foundation and was inspired by their website which is focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. And I thought, “why not me?”
So, I did it! I took my passion for human resources and my motivation to be independent and started my own company, Strategic HR Advisory. I’m doing what I love and get the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with other business owners.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The first year running my own business has been filled with highs and lows. I’ve learned so much! Here are my top two lessons:
Lesson #1: Being great at what you do is not enough! I love HR and compliance…but accounting and collections, not so much. And don’t get me started on sales. 🙂 With the help of mentors and a business coach, I am overcoming those obstacles. So that leads me to the next point…
Lesson #2: Create a support system. Of course, I have my family and friends, but it has been really helpful to have mentors and meet other women entrepreneurs through organizations like NAWBO San Diego and the North San Diego Business Chamber.
Please tell us about your business.
Strategic HR Advisory provides human resources consulting services for small to medium size companies. Many companies do not have the luxury of having an experienced HR person on staff and this is where I can help. I provide executive level HR experience while understanding the perspective of a business owner, I consider myself a true HR business partner.
A key service offered is the HR Risk Assessment which evaluates a company’s current compliance with labor laws and provides recommendations for improvement. In addition, Strategic HR provides ongoing HR guidance, project assistance, and customized employee handbooks and documentation.
For new employers, I offer customized HR packages which include new hire paperwork, job descriptions, and an employee handbook.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success has changed over the years. I used to think it was about how much money I could make and how far I could move up in a company. But after having a family, losing loved ones, and maybe just growing up, I realized success is about happiness. Happiness for me is working for myself, helping others, and having more time for my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strategichradvisory.com
- Phone: 6199407449
- Email: sjough@strategichradvisory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategichradvisory/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategichradvisory/
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