Member Testimonials!

Oswaldo:
Hello, I'm Oswaldo Lopez from RiceTec in Houston, Texas. I'm a member of Mastermind group here, coordinated by Cindy. And what I can tell you is that all the interaction that happens in that group has helped me build my professional skills, my HR executive skills to the next level. For me, is a sounding board and also an opportunity to help others become a better HR executives. I strongly recommend the group to anyone who wants to join [inaudible 00:00:33].

Halima:
Being part of the Mastermind community has been a very beneficial opportunity for me. I relocated back to the DFW Metroplex in 2018, and I was looking to really reintroduce myself to the marketplace, to other HR leaders and executives, and I was recommended to join the group. And it has been beneficial ever since I joined in 2019. I've had an opportunity to talk to and meet and spend time with Cindy Lu. She's very personable, very approachable, and always willing to share and connect other people to other good people. So there's nothing like having someone who's willing to be a servant leader as it relates to helping you community build. So if you're relocating to DFW or you're looking to grow your business acumen, grow your network, grow your community in a safe environment that stretches you, that challenges you, and that invest in your development, I would definitely recommend joining the HR Mastermind circle.

Leigh:
The opportunity to engage with other senior talent leaders who are professionals, who are not looking to sell something, who are senior enough and have enough experience to really impart their knowledge, builds my network, my confidence, gives me an opportunity to share and collaborate on issues that I'm struggling with, that the organization is challenged with. And I found this to be a really unique organization where I'm constantly learning, I'm developing, and I'm able to take back the learning that I have and offer it to my teams to further develop their skills, experience, and apply some of what I've learned as best practices from other teammates. Even though I'm in an industry that is very different, it's much more of a professional services environment. I learn so much from people that are in other industries because all of our issues are very relevant. They're all people challenges. They're talent challenges.
So on a global level, this has really helped me. Even though it's Dallas based, which is where I am. Most of my company is based elsewhere in major urban cities. So I found this to be a real sense of community. And even when I can't participate in everything that's offered, I always find value in the exchange. And I always make a connection that's meaningful and makes me feel like I have somebody else that I can reach out to for support, for encouragement, for innovation, or a best practice, or sometimes it's just someone to share a story with or an experience and get some advice. Cindy has been a phenomenal resource also as a connector of talent, solutions, and generally just great guidance. So I found this to be a really meaningful experience, and I would encourage anyone who is looking for partnership, collaboration and learning to explore the opportunity to be part of the CHRO Group.

Sheraine:
Hi, I'm Sheraine Gilliam. I'm the Vice President and Chief HR Officer for Stevens Institute of Technology. And I have joined HR Mastermind simply to be surrounded by the best of the best in the DFW area. Cindy Lu leads a team of extraordinary talent in DFW. And I wanted to ensure that I'm connected with the best of the best to be the best. So thank you, Cindy, for always offering us such great support and also opportunities like this to network and advance our own capacity and skillset.

Suzanne:
I'm Suzanne Myers with Arcosa. I've been a part of Cindy's Mastermind group now coming up on three years, and it's one of the best investments that I've given to myself. I really enjoy the colleagues that I've met over the years and the networking opportunities, but most importantly, I'm just always surrounded by people with great minds and people who I can call and really lean on when I need some assistance. I also really appreciate the consistency that Cindy has with each group with our monthly meetings. And also I very much appreciate the opportunities that she brings us when she brings in special guests and speakers that help develop us as senior HR leaders.

Josh:
My name is Josh Lipscomb and I work for Varsity Brands, I'm the Head of Total Rewards and HRIS. And for me, the Mastermind group is most valuable because it's a space where I can speak freely in a safe environment and get input from peers for real business problems at my company that I might not feel comfortable asking my boss or a peer within my own company. But also the friendships, I've been in Mastermind for several years and getting to connect about others' kids and family life is a really great outlet, but it's made me a better HR leader, for sure.

Donna:
Hi, I'm Donna Howard, Chief Human Resources Officer with PhyNet Dermatology. One of the things I really like about the Mastermind group is Cindy brings together people from diverse backgrounds who have a true interest in helping each other and continuing to expand on the HR profession. She brings people in to talk to us from all different industries, all different levels, all different types of positions, from CFO to CEO. And we all learn something every time. She really is interested in continuing to expand the HR profession and helping us to be the best we can be in any position we are in.

Ashley:
My name is Ashley Hogan. I'm a part of HR Masterminds. I'm the Head of the HR Business Partner Function for Integrity Marketing Group. So being a part of HR Masterminds is amazing for me from a professional growth and development perspective. And the friendships, both professionally and personally, that I've developed from this organization has been invaluable in my career, and as I go through my HR career. These are lifelong friends and they also are those that you can lean on. So in HR, it can be lonely at times. And it's great to rely on other individuals that are going through what you're going through and can help you with what they've been through, and can share their experiences so you can help your organization as you go through challenges.