Louise Kennedy is the owner and director of North East HR consultancy Oculus HR. The Wearside-based firm, established in 2013, provides HR solutions for businesses and organisations across the region.
What was your first job (and what did it pay)? I started two jobs at the same time when I was 15 years old; one was in a card shop on our local main street on a Saturday and the other was on a Sunday in a coffee shop at the beach. At the coffee shop I was a waitress and the cook. I was paid £10 per day in both roles and kept them for about four years working through college then into uni.
What is the best advice or support you've been given in business? It’s not easy owning your own business - if it was, everyone would do it. I have reflected on this so many times, especially in the early years. It was (still is) tough, but it’s always about moving forward and to keep taking those next steps. Grit and determination make you.
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What are the main changes that you've seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you're facing? Throughout Covid and the year afterwards we identified that employees were not leaving their roles. Since this time, we have seen an increase in people moving positions, but they are looking for more than just an increase in salary. Now more than ever culture is playing a key part in decision-making for candidates. Job seekers have different needs and want more from their new roles. In addition, we have seen a significant rise with grievances submitted and an increase in performance management taking place - much more than ever, in fact.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work? We would previously work with organisations on-site, but this is not such a prerequisite now. Our clients have moved away from the expectation of all work being done face to face, so we work more hybrid between client sites and our office. This has enabled out business to be even more efficient.
Who is your role model in business? There are many people that I admire in business, so it’s very difficult to have a particular role model. I am most inspired by people’s stories, especially ones that focus on how people have progressed to where they are now.
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What would your dream job be? I love what I do, I really won’t change what I have right now. However, I do love to travel to different places in the world to experience the culture, so maybe a travel writer on the side!
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Do lots of research into what you would like to do. Plus gaining experience is so important - build it up where you can. The CIPD qualification is a requirement to be recognised, so it is worth investing your time and money to get the qualification. Try to build your own network of people that can support you, in HR or at the level you are working in a business, this can be invaluable.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? I find people here really want to help and engage with others. There are great networking opportunities throughout the North East, where you can meet like-minded people, collaborate and expand your circles. These events offer really great interactions. I also think people here are really positive about celebrating mutual successes.
How important do you think it is for business to play a role in society? Businesses can make a difference in so many ways; whether this is providing roles to people, working with local schools, supporting charities (not just financially but with time and advice) volunteering, helping new start-ups develop or generally using their own resources to make a difference.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? This year I started yoga, which I love. Hot pod yoga feels amazing, great for your mind, body and soul. You only focus on what you can do and not about what others are doing - so it’s a perfect way to focus on yourself. I am not sure I am really good at, it but I am hooked.