Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelah Raymond.
Kelah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since the age of 19, I have helped organizations grow and improve their people. Yes, nearly two decades ago, I started cutting my HR teeth as a soldier in the U.S. Army. There I learned so much about HR, Leadership, and how to disassemble and reassemble a weapon in under two minutes (but I digress).
My military service springboarded my career in so many ways! From a combat zone to corporate boardrooms, I have coached thousands of leaders and employees through career stumbles and fumbles – not to mention my own. Personally, I’ve had to pick myself (and career) up three times in the last eight years. (so we’re in good company-right?!)
As I navigated the tricky waters of the corporate world, I picked up a few tricks (or two… really twenty). So, I decided to flip the script and help professionals propel their career with the secrets HR and your leader (may) never tell! I’m an independent HR Consultant and Career Coach. Regardless of title, my mission is to #bethesparc that inspires people to action. Oh, a fun fact about me – I’m currently in the running to be Ms. Health and Fitness!
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. The struggles I faced along the way is what I turned into a coaching program for my clients.
Being a top performer but not getting recognition and promotion opportunities. Shrinking my brilliance or silencing myself to fit into spaces that I’ve outgrown.
The above struggles create a HUGE internal conflict. They shift how you view yourself, your contributions, and ultimately how you show up and stand out.
We’d love to hear more about SPARC Solutions.
I help powerhouse professionals emerge from the expert zone, so that they stand out, get noticed, and reap the rewards they really deserve – like promotions!
The unfortunate truth is most leaders don’t help people manage their careers. I know because I’ve worked for nearly two decades in HR. I know where development dollars are spent and I know what leaders look for (even when they can’t articulate it). I’m known for taking HR secret sauce with my proven strategies for advancing and accelerating careers. Yes, I coach but more importantly, I teach professionals repeatable income-increasing skills that will span a lifetime.
Admittedly, there are (literally) thousands of career coaches in Houston alone and I know many of them and they are great too. What is different at SPARC is our intel and experience. The majority of my career has been focused on people’s performance and development. I know what leaders want and how they think because I’ve helped them make replacement decisions. We, at SPARC, focus on career management, not just getting you to the next job placement.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see HR and how people see their careers shifting in major ways. It started over five years ago, as the gig economy started to grow. Now with COVID-19, employers are learning new ways to work and employees are starting to assess their needs, values, and employers differently. I think the big shift will be how talent (people) are leveraged in organizations, as this will be a push and pull on both sides (employer and employee).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bethesparc.com
- Email: kelah@bethesparc.com
- Instagram: @bethesparc
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/11108592/
Image Credit:
Terrell Garner
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