Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijat Alabi.
Hi Khadijat, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Khadijat Alabi. I began my journey by earning a degree in Accounting (BSc.) with a Human Resources Management program MBA from Williams Paterson University of New Jersey. As an advocate for community healthcare development, I authored a journal article emphasizing the critical role of Strategic Human Resources Practices in Business Generation and Sustainability. My impact by authoring the journal article “Strategic Human Resources Practices in Business Generation and Sustainability: A Critical Role in Community Healthcare Development,” aimed at enhancing the long-term viability and impact of community healthcare centers. With over 12 years of experience, I have emerged as a strategic and resourceful HR Leader. My expertise ranges from HR Strategy Development to Employee Engagement and Experience Management. I have worked across various sectors, including Financial Services, Investment Management, Consulting, hospitality, government, and financial institutions. Currently, as a Human Resources Supervisor in a leading hospitality company, I am dedicated to standardizing best-practice HR functions while fostering a great workplace culture. My unique educational background in human resources and financial accounting enables me to develop tailored solutions for international businesses. As a married mother of four, I am driven by my passion for creating technology-driven HR solutions addressing unique challenges in the global business landscape and driving organizational success.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been marked by significant achievements and growth; it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many professionals, I encountered challenges along the way. Some of the struggles I faced are;
Balancing Work and Family: Being a married mother of four while pursuing a demanding career undoubtedly posed challenges in terms of balancing work commitments with family responsibilities.
Navigating Career Transitions: Transitioning from academia to the professional world and later shifting from nearly a decade-long career as an Accountant to becoming an HR professional and writer posed significant challenges. Progressing through different roles across various industries demanded adaptability and resilience to navigate these transitions successfully.
Overcoming Industry-specific Challenges: Working across diverse sectors such as financial services, hospitality, and government has required me to adapt to the unique challenges and dynamics of each industry.
Despite these challenges, resilience, determination, and passion for my work have enabled me to overcome obstacles and continue making significant contributions to the organizations I serves.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialization lies in strategic human resources management, focusing on crafting and executing innovative HR strategies, frameworks, and policies. I possess expertise across various HR domains, including talent acquisition, talent management, organization development, performance management, and employee well-being. Renowned for my adeptness in driving cultural transformation and organizational change, I prioritize fostering employee engagement and well-being. I take pride in my role in advancing technology-driven solutions for HR management and in devising tailored strategies to tackle unique challenges encountered by international businesses. What distinguishes me is my unique blend of educational backgrounds in both human resources and financial accounting. This allows me to comprehensively grasp business processes and develop solutions that align with organizational objectives. Moreover, I have authored the publication “Strategic Human Resources Practices in Business Generation and Sustainability: A Critical Role in Community Healthcare Development.” This article underscores the significance of strategic HR practices in enhancing the long-term viability and impact of community healthcare centers. Through this publication, I have made significant contributions to the discourse on HR management, particularly its pivotal role in nurturing sustainability and growth within community healthcare settings.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, the Covid-19 crisis has taught me several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasized the critical importance of adaptability and resilience in both personal and professional life. The rapid changes and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic required individuals and organizations to quickly pivot and adjust their strategies and operations to navigate the challenges. Secondly, the crisis highlighted the significance of prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. Remote work, social distancing, and other safety measures introduced new challenges for maintaining employee morale and engagement. As a result, fostering a supportive work environment and providing resources for mental health support became essential aspects of HR management.
Additionally, the pandemic underscored the value of effective communication and transparency. Clear and frequent communication with employees, clients, and stakeholders became paramount in maintaining trust and ensuring everyone stayed informed about the evolving situation and organizational responses.
Furthermore, the Covid-19 crisis emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and digital solutions for business continuity. Organizations that had already embraced digital transformation were better equipped to adapt to remote work arrangements and continue operations amidst disruptions.
Overall, the pandemic served as a powerful reminder of the importance of agility, empathy, and innovation in overcoming adversity and building resilience for the future.
