Leadership Begins With Putting People First

MEET TODAY’S GUEST

Jen Bruno

Jen Bruno is a seasoned HR leader whose approach centers on connecting people, purpose, and impact. With years of experience guiding organizations through change, she builds cultures grounded in trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Today, she shares her insights on how investing in people and fostering authentic leadership drives meaningful results.

THE INTERVIEW

The Human Behind the Title

As a leader, I believe that a culture of success begins with how we care for our people. They drive the business and shape every outcome.

We focus on giving leaders the tools, resources, and clarity they need to guide their teams. When leaders feel prepared, teams work with confidence. Clear communication and real collaboration keep the organization moving in the right direction.

Investing in people, especially in developing strong and compassionate leaders, is the foundation of a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and inspired to grow.

Work You're Proud Of

One of the most energizing initiatives we champion is our twice-yearly promotions celebration. Every employee who earns a promotion is honored at an event hosted by our CEO and COO, a moment that recognizes achievement, encourages aspiration, and strengthens our shared sense of purpose.

These celebrations do more than acknowledge achievements. They give people a chance to connect, show appreciation, and work across teams. We focus on the individual paths our people are taking and the progress they make. Each event highlights the talent, dedication, and steady effort that move the business forward.

Leading in Real Life

What does leadership mean to you today?

Staying motivated is essential for delivering meaningful results. I deeply believe in the power of a One Team mindset; we rise together, we learn together, we win together. Approaching work with a winning spirit means living our values every day: Care, Commitment, and Curiosity.

What's one lesson you've learned the hard way in your career?

At its core, HR exists to create space for people to collaborate courageously and pursue continuous improvement. Just as athletes practice to become stronger, businesses improve when people trust one another enough to grow together.

How do you stay motivated in your role?

Trust is built through honesty, openness, and genuine support. I am incredibly proud that our HR team is known as a group of trusted advisors. Each person is an expert in their craft, but our strength comes from how we learn from one another, daily, passionately, and with a shared commitment to excellence. By removing unnecessary barriers, avoiding politics, and communicating with intention, we create a workplace where trust and progress flourish.

Paying It Forward

What advice would you give to someone just starting in HR?

For anyone beginning a career in HR, my advice is simple: start by understanding the business you support. Know how it operates, how it grows, and how each role contributes to the bigger picture. When you understand the heartbeat of the business, you can help others connect their work to purpose and you can build teams that are aligned, empowered, and unstoppable.

What do you wish more executive teams understood about HR?

Hire people who care deeply. Teach them the business. Look for candidates with grit, tenacity, and kindness, all of which are qualities that strengthen culture far more than technical skills alone. A thriving culture is built by people who lift others up and treat everyone with respect.

Who's someone you've learned a lot from, and why?

I’ve been fortunate to learn from our CEO, John Merwin, a leader whose curiosity fuels innovation and whose humility inspires collaboration. John is the kind of leader people want to follow because he leads with integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Working with him reinforces that leadership sets the tone. When it starts at the top, the entire organization feels it.

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