Meet your Human Resource Guru
Tell us about how you came to be a Human Resource Guru?
I’ve worked as a practitioner in the Human Resources Technology arena for more than 35 years and am a certified Human Resources Information Professional (HRIP). I’ve assisted companies in structuring their HR systems and technology since the early 80s when there were just a few choices (and I had a lot less gray hair!). I started Collective HR Solutions, Inc. in 2004 to help companies solve business needs. I partner with other small businesses, like Nine Peaks Solutions, to bring the best minds together to provide high-quality service and innovative solutions. Today, there are numerous options, and I focus on keeping a strong working knowledge of the majority of HR software vendors on the market.
You forgot to mention your prestigious International Association for Human Resource Information Management Summit award! They aren’t passed out lightly and recognize significant, long-term contributions to the HRIM industry. That shows passion. So, what do you enjoy most about your job?
Learning about clients’ needs and concerns, and developing a plan of action to help them migrate to a better environment, not only technologically, but also in their programs and practices. It’s fascinating to learn about so many different industries and their competitive environments.
With all that HR and technology knowledge, what’s the biggest change you see coming in the technology industry?
The augmentation of systems using Artificial Intelligence. It is showing up in areas of recruiting and team matching. For instance, chatbots or computer algorithms are designed to simulate human conversations. You know those pop-up windows on websites that ask you if they can help you. Well, they are being used to recruit employees and answer HR related questions too. Artificial Intelligence will quickly move into the information and analysis sectors to help us understand all the data we’re collecting and compare it to other factors to help make better decisions.
You’ve worked with dozens of companies on evaluating and implementing HR solutions. What’s one piece of advice you can give our audience?
As HR professionals, really understand the business of your company. What are the company’s main objectives? Then provide the best tools to manage the workforce. After all, it is PEOPLE who create the business, and it is HR who manages the PEOPLE.
People are the foundation of Nine Peaks also! We asked Nov a few fun questions to get to know him a little more.
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be and why?
My twitter handle is #HRTECHXPERT. It is what I consider myself and where my passion in consulting lies.
What’s your favorite piece of technology and why?
The Internet. It is the world’s library, elevating people’s knowledge, connecting us globally, and affording us the ability to “crowd-source” problem-solving. We just have to learn to work better as a world population.
What is your favorite movie quote?
“Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” (Blazing Saddles – 1974)
What personal trait has gotten you in the most trouble and why?
My curiosity. I never leave things alone; I have to know what and why.
