Kendall Cochran

Kendall Cochran is a human resource specialist based out of Atlanta, Georgia. With extensive experience in the corporate landscape, Kendall manages employee performance, ensures workplace safety, and cultivates positive professional environments. As an HR manager, Kendall plays a key role in developing organizational structures which helps set businesses up for long-term success. Valuing diversity and inclusion, Kendall has also implemented various training programs which have ultimately helped enhance company culture.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I always knew I wanted to work in a corporate environment. I really enjoy the fast paced nature of the business world and I get a lot of satisfaction from my current role. After completing my post-secondary education I worked for a number of prominent organizations where I helped to enhance their company culture. A lot of businesses do not realize that a positive workplace plays a fundamental role to long-term success.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My days are often very busy. When it comes to human resources, it’s my job to ensure workplace safety and cultivate a positive professional environment. While I normally have a lot of filing and paperwork to complete, I also try to break up my day with meetings or training sessions.

How do you bring ideas to life?

In my role, I spend a lot of time communicating with members of staff and executives. The best way for me to analyze what needs to change is to ensure open communication. Before implementing anything I normally run ideas by the staff and we all provide our input before a decision is made.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I would have to say the transition to virtual documentation. The pandemic really forced us to switch gears when it comes to paperwork. I store everything online now and when I need a signature it is as easy as sending a quick email to employees.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I would not consider myself an entrepreneur at this point in my life but that does not mean I would not consider opening my own business down the line. One strategy that has really helped me with my own productivity is time management apps. I utilize technology wherever possible.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that it is impossible to please everyone. Human resources is a very difficult job. Sometimes I need to make hard decisions that are in the best interest of the company. It is never easy but with experience I learnt that it was a part of my role that I just needed to accept.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That corporate culture is more than just company get-togethers and after work socials and goes beyond pay raises and benefits. It is about establishing open lines of communication and working towards similar goals. It is also about creating an environment that is reflective of certain values such as integrity, transparency, honesty, etc.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

For me self-reflection should be a part of anyone’s weekly routine. It can be hard to really look at yourself and analyze areas of improvement but in the long run it leads to personal and professional development.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

For me, I am very active on social platforms and professional networks such as LinkedIn. I find that connecting with like-minded individuals is always the best way to market yourself and open the door to new opportunities.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I cannot think of one particular failure that I have had in my career but I will say that I meet new challenges every single day. What’s most important is that you find ways to overcome these obstacles. I am constantly trying to better myself and that is a lot of trial and error.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I think an app for new employees would be a great resource for trainees of any organization. I know it would be especially useful to ensure everyone is on the same page at all times.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently purchased a subscription to the Canadian HR Reporter. I think it is important to stay on top of current industry trends and I think this publication is a great way to stay in the know on certain topics. I do my best to read up on certain aspects of my role. I am always learning and striving to do better.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I recently started using Monday for organizing my daily tasks. It has proved to be very user friendly and I cannot recommend it enough.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor. The book provides some real compelling insight into how we can remain positive in increasingly negative environments.

What is your favorite quote?

“Every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” – Les Brown.

Key Learnings:

• Company culture is more about creating similar goals
• Make self-reflection apart of your weekly routine
• Do not try to please everyone