Get ready to dive deep into the world of remote work with our esteemed guest, Kara Deschenes—a trailblazer in HR who's found her stride in the remote native space. Kara's journey is anything but conventional; from earning her MBA to investment banking, then shaping young minds as a middle school teacher, she's taken a richly diverse path to becoming a leader in HR.

Here, we unravel Kara's story, exploring her passion for HR and its power to transform workplaces. She shares candidly about her experiences with workplace racism and the complexities of managing people through difficult transitions.

We'll also touch base on the nuances of remote HR versus traditional HR roles, as Kara imparts her wisdom on transitioning to the remote environment. Expect to hear about the importance of appearance in remote interviews and pick up some valuable tips for acing your virtual interactions.

Kara shares a slice from her fascinating career, shedding light on the successful projects that have positioned her as a force in her field, such as rolling out new benefits and introducing a new HR system driven by robust data.

And there's more—Kara talks about a move she pioneered—implementing well-being days to prioritize mental health, showcasing an enlightened approach to modern HR.

Whether you're a remote work veteran or you're contemplating a shift to a remote-first career, Kara's insights will enlighten and inspire.

Kara Deschenes' career journey is a testament to the unpredictable paths that often lead to a fulfilling role in human resources. With an MBA in hand, Kara initially entered the world of investment banking. It seemed like a logical step, poised to embark on a career amidst the financial elite. However, it wasn't long before Kara discovered a lack of passion for the cutthroat investment realm, leading to a pivotal career change.

In a bold move, Kara veered away from the corporate financial sector and embraced the world of education as a middle school teacher. It was in the classroom, among young, eager minds, that she found her true calling: nurturing growth and fostering development. Her time as an educator honed skills that would prove invaluable in HR—communication, empathy, and a deep understanding of individual and collective needs.

00:00 Passion for teaching led to staff development.

04:07 Turned HR department around, found new passion.

08:17 Challenge of liking people through difficulties and mistakes.

12:48 Invest in people for mutual success.

16:31 Candidate struggled to translate for-profit HR experience.

17:32 Understanding organization's goals drives HR strategic planning.

22:56 Staying connected with colleagues despite physical distance.

25:45 Successfully navigated benefits changes, saving $250k.

28:55 Proposing new system, and well-being days approved.

33:10 Remote work requires self-drive, motivation, and adaptability.

35:22 Easily finding candidates despite high demand.

40:17 Appearance matters in job interviews for success.

43:24 Practice being online to ease intimidation. Feedback helps.

45:30 Feeling relaxed leads to better video interviews.