InteGreat Solutions’ Spotlight on Michelle Hytry: Leading HR Innovation with Passion and Purpose
Welcome to our monthly series where we spotlight HR professionals who are making an impact in the world of human resources and HR technology. Each month, we’ll dive into the experiences of HR leaders who work with HR systems to help organizations improve their operations, enhance employee experiences, and drive business success. This article is brought to you by InteGreat Solutions, LLC, specialists in HR system implementation, optimization, and data analysis. We partner with organizations to streamline their HR functions by leveraging the right systems and processes to meet their needs. By sharing insights from professionals who work hands-on with HR systems, we aim to highlight the challenges and rewards of using technology to transform the workplace.
In today’s rapidly evolving business world, human resources professionals are not only tasked with managing the workforce but also solving complex organizational challenges. One such professional leading the charge is Michelle Hytry, the Principal Consultant at her own company, HR Renovations. With an impressive career spanning various HR functions and industries, Michelle brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the world of human resources.
A Journey of Passion and Purpose
As the founder and Principal Consultant at HR Renovations, Michelle provides HR consulting services for companies in need of building an HR function, completing specific HR projects, or solving people-related challenges. Her role involves working both as a contractor or fractional employee, offering flexibility and tailored solutions to her clients. Michelle’s career highlights include her time at Digital Reasoning (DR), a company at the forefront of AI-driven solutions for social good. At DR, she played an integral role in creating an organization driven by passion and purpose, using AI to fight human trafficking, uncover financial crimes, and even identify early stages of cancer. For Michelle, the experience at DR was unforgettable. She says, “It was a place of building an organization of like-minded individuals who believed in leaving the world a better place. I had an amazing team and worked for leaders who truly valued HR.”
Navigating HR Systems and Software
Throughout her career, Michelle has gained hands-on experience with a variety of HR systems and tools that help streamline HR processes and enhance workforce analytics. Some of the systems she has worked with include BambooHR, Workday, SAP, Oracle, Greenhouse, Lever, Lattice, and many others. While every system has its strengths, Michelle highlights BambooHR and Workday as her favorites.
“BambooHR is easy to use, while Workday is complete and well-thought-out,” she explains. “No system is perfect, but these two stand out because they are intuitive and comprehensive.”
However, the journey with these tools hasn’t always been seamless. According to Michelle, “The most difficult part was that many systems weren’t designed with HR professionals in mind. They often lacked HR-centric workflows and sometimes rolled out modules that weren’t ready for production, causing back-office issues with no easy fix.” Despite these challenges, Michelle remains committed to finding solutions that work and continues to guide organizations toward effective HR management.
A Career Built on Relationships and Results
When asked about her proudest career moment, Michelle reflects on the relationships she’s built over the years. “I am most proud of how I’ve treated people during difficult times, especially during layoffs. I’ve helped many individuals transition to their next opportunity, and I’m proud to see so many of them go on to achieve great things. Those relationships continue to this day, and I cherish the opportunity to help people succeed.” Michelle’s commitment to people and their success extends beyond her professional life. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, attending live music events, traveling, and relaxing at the beach. Her work-life balance and dedication to personal growth are key elements that allow her to thrive in her field.
HR for the Future: A Vision for Seamless Integration
When asked what her ideal HR system would look like, Michelle is clear about her vision.
“I want a system designed by HR for HR. It should cover all aspects of HR and seamlessly integrate with other systems to ensure a smooth workflow.”
As the HR landscape continues to evolve, Michelle’s commitment to innovation and her understanding of the challenges faced by HR professionals position her as a leader in her field.
Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals
Michelle’s journey to HR began in college, where she took an elective in Organizational Development. “I fell in love with the field, changed my major, and the rest is history!” Today, she encourages aspiring professionals to expand their knowledge beyond HR. “Learn all things about business,” she advises. “Understand sales, marketing, engineering, finance, and customer experience. This broad knowledge, combined with your HR expertise, will propel your career further than just HR knowledge alone.”
The Road Ahead
As Michelle continues to make her mark in the HR consulting space, she remains a passionate advocate for the intersection of people, process, and technology. With a heart dedicated to helping others and a mind always focused on improvement, Michelle is the type of leader who is not only solving today’s HR challenges but also shaping the future of human resources.We can’t wait to see where her expertise and commitment to excellence will take her next!
