Spotlight on Christina Herrmann

With over 15 years as a C-level executive, Christina Herrmann brings a breadth and depth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to her roles and responsibilities. She has designed and delivered strategies fully aligned with business goals, taking a holistic approach to enterprise needs, often identifying gaps that others miss. She has taken on the tough assignments and succeeded through tenacity and grit. She builds strong relationships across the business, often bringing talented people with her across organizations, even at the executive level. She works collaboratively across functions to amplify her impact beyond HR. As a deeply caring individual, she brings about positive change, consistently leaving organizations better than she found them. Christina is also a total British crime series fanatic, and one of her favorite guilty pleasures is to binge watch Midsomer Murders.

Learn more about the Washington, DC CHRO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I spent most of my career in the legal industry. However, after a late career pivot to pursue my MBA, I sought to explore other industries. That took me first to architecture and design, and then to marketing. The pivot from lawyers to creatives has allowed me to expand my skill set and add to my toolbox.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Integrity. As a human capital executive, your character is your currency. If you don't conduct yourself beyond reproach, then you will lose credibility and your ability to be effective.
 

What is the greatest challenge CHROs face today, and how are you addressing it?

AI. Clients are increasingly demanding greater efficiencies through the use of AI, and we are challenged with having to quickly upskill our workforce to meet those demands. We have therefore implemented multiple levels of AI training and certifications through our L&D team, and integrated achieving role appropriate AI competencies into our evaluation system.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CHRO?

Good listening skills. While you may come into a role with your own experiences and viewpoints, it is important to listen to your workforce in order to appropriately implement what the enterprise needs, rather than just imposing your will upon the business.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

By the health of the enterprise both in terms of the company's profitability and employee engagement and experience.  If you aren't having a positive impact in these areas, then you are falling short.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

Gartner C-level Communities is very rich with talent, which affords C-level executives the opportunity to learn from their peers and share best practices.
 

Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.