paula 3

About Me

Location
Ontario, Canada
Languages
English

Hello, I’m Paula!

I am a senior certified human resources professional with 25 years of experience driving growth, transforming organizational culture, and elevating employee engagement across industries. I specialize in delivering practical, people-focused HR solutions to startups, small and medium-sized businesses across Canada and USA.

My certifications (CHRP, CHRL, PHR, GPHR) and breadth of experience reflect my global perspective, while my passion for aligning people strategy with business outcomes ensures lasting impact. Whether it’s navigating mergers and acquisitions, developing the HR function from scratch, building leadership competencies and high-performing teams, or designing agile workforce plans, I help organizations scale smart and stay competitive.

If you are looking for a trusted HR advisor who combines deep expertise with real-world execution, let’s connect – I’m here to help businesses unlock their full potential through their people.

5.00 rating from 4 reviews
Have you worked with Paula before?
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5.00 rating from 4 reviews
Have you worked with Paula before?
Leave a review

Experience

Recent Work

  • Development for a startup human resources and health and safety functions for medicinal cannabis production facility and providing ongoing fractional support
  • Provide ongoing fractional HR support (including payroll) to various small to medium sized organizations
  • Organizational transformation including organizational design, change management, and Employee Experience/Satisfaction initiative with multibillion dollar government transit project
  • Development and facilitation of High Performing Teams workshops
  • Led restructuring activities, including communication and change management impacting 20% of workforce in Biotech
  • Post-acquisition integration for global pharmaceutical organization (2500 employees across Canada), working with global and International teams
  • Led strategic workforce planning and developed succession programs in production medical CRO packaging plant
  • Led the implementation of HRIS and Payroll solutions in several organizations (manufacturing, construction, education), resulting in savings of over $10,000/year
  • Re-engineered administrative processes saving over $280K and reduction on headcount, Manufacturing
  • Led benefit program changes across the US and Canada, saving $150K annually, Manufacturing
  • Increased employee retention by 32% with improved recruitment and recognition strategies, Construction

Notable Career History

  • President/Lead Consultant, Strategic HR Services Inc., 2006 – Present
  • Organizational Development and Change Lead, Engineering firm consulting for multi-billion dollar transit project
  • People and Culture Lead, Global biotech company
  • Human Resources Director, Construction
  • Human Resources Manager, North America –  Various industries (manufacturing, construction, pharmaceutical)

Qualifications

Education & Professional Development

  • Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
  • Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL)
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
  • Workplace Investigation Certificate
  • Situational Leadership II Certified Trainer
  • 5-Voices Certified
  • DiSC Certified
  • The Five Behaviors®

Knowledge Areas Knowledge Areas are the business domains and areas, or specialties, with which consultants, partners, and experts are most familiar.

Industries These are the industries and sectors in which consultants, partners, and experts have demonstrated knowledge and experience.

Recent Work

  • Development for a startup human resources and health and safety functions for medicinal cannabis production facility and providing ongoing fractional support
  • Provide ongoing fractional HR support (including payroll) to various small to medium sized organizations
  • Organizational transformation including organizational design, change management, and Employee Experience/Satisfaction initiative with multibillion dollar government transit project
  • Development and facilitation of High Performing Teams workshops
  • Led restructuring activities, including communication and change management impacting 20% of workforce in Biotech
  • Post-acquisition integration for global pharmaceutical organization (2500 employees across Canada), working with global and International teams
  • Led strategic workforce planning and developed succession programs in production medical CRO packaging plant
  • Led the implementation of HRIS and Payroll solutions in several organizations (manufacturing, construction, education), resulting in savings of over $10,000/year
  • Re-engineered administrative processes saving over $280K and reduction on headcount, Manufacturing
  • Led benefit program changes across the US and Canada, saving $150K annually, Manufacturing
  • Increased employee retention by 32% with improved recruitment and recognition strategies, Construction

Notable Career History

  • President/Lead Consultant, Strategic HR Services Inc., 2006 – Present
  • Organizational Development and Change Lead, Engineering firm consulting for multi-billion dollar transit project
  • People and Culture Lead, Global biotech company
  • Human Resources Director, Construction
  • Human Resources Manager, North America –  Various industries (manufacturing, construction, pharmaceutical)

Education & Professional Development

  • Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
  • Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL)
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
  • Workplace Investigation Certificate
  • Situational Leadership II Certified Trainer
  • 5-Voices Certified
  • DiSC Certified
  • The Five Behaviors®

Paula's Store

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Services

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Reviews

  • Tom M
    5 out of 5

    Paula was one of the most professional resources on our large (>100 staff) team. She gladly volunteered to undertake assignments that were difficult and unique with great results. I came to rely on Paula for her insights and advice on multiple topic areas but especially when the topic was dealing with people. She’s one of the best I have worked with over my 40+ year career.

  • Fiona H
    5 out of 5

    Paula has consistently demonstrated expertise and resourcefulness in addressing policy development and HR matters.

  • Michael B
    5 out of 5

    Paula is very committed, professional and trustworthy. I really appreciated Paula's feedback on any potential medical department candidates, and would not hire anyone until they had a chance to speak with Paula, and I obtained her assessment.

  • Layla Y
    5 out of 5

    Throughout her tenure, Paula consistently demonstrates a remarkable ability to analyze complex problems and develop strategic solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients and internal stakeholders. Her proficiency in stakeholder engagement has been pivotal in fostering strong relationships, ensuring that all parties feel heard and valued during the consulting process.Paula’s keen insights and data-driven approach not only help the Client streamline processes but also significantly enhance satisfaction metrics. In addition to her technical skills, she possesses excellent communication abilities, translating complex concepts into clear, actionable recommendations. This skill has been invaluable in presenting findings to various stakeholders, ensuring alignment across teams and driving project success.Moreover, her commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends has enabled her to provide innovative solutions that keep clients ahead of the curve. Paula is not just a consultant; she is a trusted advisor who consistently adds value to every engagement going above and beyond to execute excellence in every delivery she takes on.In summary, Paula’s unique blend of analytical acumen, interpersonal skills, and a proven track record of success makes her an outstanding consultant, and I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.

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