Every so often we feature one of our consultants and highlight their story to give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at Smart HR. As always, if you’re looking for a flexible HR career that’s adaptable to wherever you are in your professional life, contact us today. Without further ado, please meet this month’s spotlight consultant, Jordana Coppola.
Name: Jordana Coppola
Years with Smart HR: One and a half
Professional Background in One Sentence: I’m a SPHR, SHRM-SCP certified HR Senior Consultant with over 23 years of Human Resources, Administrative, Management, and Operations experience.
Why did you make the move to Smart HR?
After working full time in various firms and running my own HR consulting business, I realized that I enjoyed the strategic and consulting part of my work more than any other aspect. I also have a heart for small to mid-sized businesses, as I believe they are most affected by the increase in labor regulations that can be difficult to navigate with smaller resources. My family is also my first priority and Smart HR allows me to keep my work-life balance and be the wife and mom I want to be.
Five years ago, did you think you’d be doing what you’re doing now?
I think to some extent I did know that I would be doing HR consulting work, but I did not know that I would be working for such a wonderful company that provides autonomy, trust and transparency, and such great work-life balance.
What’s a typical day like for you?
My day usually starts off with running or other exercise. I get ready for the day and then I take my daughter to school (I’m very grateful that my position allows me to do this). I head into my clients’ offices on the days that I go into the city (all of my clients are in DC). I am onsite with each of my clients at least five to seven hours per week to attend meetings and have valuable face-time with them. I then pick my daughter up from school and we head home to do homework or any other home items, such as making dinner or just relaxing and enjoying the evening. On the days that I work remotely, the day starts the same, but then I come home and work from my home office. Remote work allows me to work without distraction on important projects that require laser focus. I also am very responsive and respond to any emails or calls I received from my clients so that they know that I am there for them with any HR needs.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love being able to make the complex simpler for each of my clients, finding ways to untangle complex (or simple) HR-related information and tasks so that CEOs and management teams can focus on the main purpose of their business. Because of my Operations and Management background, I also enjoy reviewing contracts, such as payroll vendors or HR-related contracts, and finding ways to save companies money by making sure they are not being overcharged. In addition, I enjoy having a seat at the table with the C-level staff to help influence and guide culture and employee engagement.
What about the Smart HR model really appeals to you?
I really enjoy working with Mark and the other outstanding consultants with Smart HR. The model is perfect for how we work with small to mid-sized businesses, but what I love most is the autonomy and work-life balance. We know HR and I am glad that we have a company that respects that and our families.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself in college?
I would tell myself to make sure to always keep a healthy work-life balance and find a company like Smart HR to work for sooner.
