086: From the Block to the Boardroom: Impact Architect Khalilah Olokunola Breaks Boundaries in HR

Seldom do we come across a story as astonishing and inspiring as that of our guest Khalilah Olokunola, who transformed a troubled past into a beacon of hope and empowerment. Khalilah's journey from the streets of Brooklyn to a prison cell, and eventually to the boardrooms of the corporate world, is a testament to her unwavering resilience and determination. 

Khalilah is an extraordinary human, HR executive, community leader, and now business owner - for the 6th time - and the story of her life, to date, is so completely inspiring. Our conversation with Khalilah takes you through her inspiring journey and the wisdom she gleaned along the way. She recounts how a simple letter from her father gave her the strength to persevere, and how her role as a Chief People Officer at a startup with a mission to unite gang rivals shaped her perspective on life. In her current endeavor, Re-Engineering HR, she helps companies thrive by prioritizing people, purpose, and profit. 

You won't want to miss our conversation as we discuss the impactful work that Khalilah does through her company, Re-Engineering HR. She reveals how she helps organizations prevent problems by identifying internal icebergs before they cause damage. She'll also introduce you to her Alphabet Audit tool, which measures people and practices, and her Serve Principle training. Finally, you'll hear about her upcoming book, set to release in 2024. This episode is filled with inspiration, resilience, and valuable insights that will leave you empowered and ready to create change!

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

Resilience and determination can turn even the harshest experiences into opportunities for growth and impact. HR isn't just about managing people; it's about transforming lives, building communities, and driving meaningful change. Embracing educational opportunities, learning from industry veterans, and not being afraid to take on challenges are keys to growth in the HR field. For companies to thrive, leaders must rely on the wisdom of their partners and employees, maintain transparency, and communicate effectively. Effective HR practice involves being proactive, aligning decisions with values, and being purpose-driven. The Power of ‘D.I.R.T.Y. HR' - being divergent, intentional, responsible, trustworthy, and focused on your 'why'.

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People & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Khalilah "KO" Olokunola

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilahequips/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Khalilahequips/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Khalilahequips/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Khalilahequips 

ReEngineeringHR website: https://reengineeringhr.com/ 

Khalilah’s personal website: http://khalilaholokunola.com 

The HR Social Hour Half Hour podcast episode 80: Jon & Wendy talk to Khalilah Olokunola: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-hr-social-hour-half-hour-p-619667/episodes/episode-80-jon-wendy-talk-to-k-44423223 

Dirty HR (D.I.R.T.Y.) | Khalilah “KO” Olokunola | DisruptHR Talks: https://vimeo.com/672046554 

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.