Welcome

What inspired "The HR Cookbook"?

My two biggest passions are food and people. This platform is designed to merge these interests, allowing me to share my thoughts, experiences, and insights on subjects like leadership, management, and personal growth. Consider it a cookbook featuring distinct recipes, practical tips, and valuable lessons I've gathered along the way. I hope you find enjoyable!

Respect as the Foundation of Effective Leadership

Respect isn’t something you’re handed. It is something you earn. Here’s the truth: The most respected professionals don’t rely on titles or positions. They earn admiration through behavior beyond the average. Defining Respect in Leadership Respect is a crucial concept that applies to various aspects of life, including leadership. At its essence, respect means acknowledging and appreciating the value and dignity of others. In leadership, respect signifies recognizing the wort

Feb 276 min read

How To Stay Focused

You sit at your computer, ready to start the work you've been promising yourself to complete. However, your inbox inevitably pings, your chat beeps and your phone rings. Just as you're about to begin, you instinctively reach for your phone, browse headlines, and scroll through social media—your focus shattering with each digital distraction. These interruptions, both external and self-imposed, have become our default mode rather than the exception. Many of us think we're skil

Feb 125 min read

Culture 101

What Is Company Culture? A company's culture is a defining characteristic that sets them apart from others. It encompasses how employees interact within the organization and how the public perceives the company. At its core, company culture is a set of shared values and practices that shape an organization's identity. The more clearly defined a company's culture is, the more likely it is to attract top talent that aligns with its values. By prioritizing culture, companies c

Apr 1, 20249 min read

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Retention Strategies

All retention strategies are not created equal. Or are they? In the rapidly evolving landscape of 2025, companies are increasingly...

Aug 64 min read

Shaping Your HR Leadership Team

For a role that is believed to be "behind the scenes", HR leaders have faced an increasingly intense spotlight in recent years,...

Mar 315 min read

What Does HR Do? What You See & What You Don't!

I saw the above image recently and it got me thinking... As an HR professional, do you sometimes feel your role is undervalued or...

Mar 245 min read

Respect as the Foundation of Effective Leadership

Respect isn’t something you’re handed. It is something you earn. Here’s the truth: The most respected professionals don’t rely on titles or positions. They earn admiration through behavior beyond the average. Defining Respect in Leadership Respect is a crucial concept that applies to various aspects of life, including leadership. At its essence, respect means acknowledging and appreciating the value and dignity of others. In leadership, respect signifies recognizing the wort

Feb 276 min read

Leading Through Times of High Pressure & Stress

To become an effective leader, you need to possess several essential capabilities—from influencing and inspiring others to making...

Feb 266 min read

How To Stay Focused

You sit at your computer, ready to start the work you've been promising yourself to complete. However, your inbox inevitably pings, your chat beeps and your phone rings. Just as you're about to begin, you instinctively reach for your phone, browse headlines, and scroll through social media—your focus shattering with each digital distraction. These interruptions, both external and self-imposed, have become our default mode rather than the exception. Many of us think we're skil

Feb 125 min read

What’s the Difference? HRIS / HCM / HRMS

As digital transformation accelerates in the HR field, it's crucial for companies to have a comprehensive grasp of the different HR solutions at their disposal. Many organizations often evaluate three options: HRIS, HCM, and HRMS. In this discussion, we will explain the meanings of these acronyms and explore their potential applications. Top Line: HRIS – Human Resources Information System Modules Include : Employee Data Management, Payroll Processing, Benefits Admin, Time & A

Nov 27, 20243 min read

MEET THE CHEF

Welcome...I'm Mark.

I am a 40 something Irish guy living in the US, St. Louis to be exact. I enjoy travelling, cooking, eating out and a good glass of wine!

So why "The HR Cookbook"?

I thought I would blend my two passions of food and people and create a space where I share ideas, my past experiences, my thoughts and perspectives on everything people, leadership, management & self.

These will be in the form of individual articles, blog posts and even tips & tricks...kinda like recipes in a cookbook.

These recipes for success will hopefully inform, educate, engage and excite you as you continue your career.

I really enjoy my job, the people I work with and the experiences it has given me.

As you may have gathered, I work as a CHRO and have worked in the field of HR for over 20 years but have a strong operational background. I work in the ever changing, fast paced and dynamic work of retail.

I am an accomplished and award-winning Executive level leader with proven results in developing & leading world-class HR programs & operations domestically & internationally to complement corporate strategy.

Let's get cooking!

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MY PICK
OF THE MONTH

Check out my review & key learnings from "How To Make Sh*t Happen" by Sean Whalen.

Contact

Welcome

Respect as the Foundation of Effective Leadership

How To Stay Focused

Culture 101

FEATURED POST

​

Never Miss a New Post.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Retention Strategies

Shaping Your HR Leadership Team

What Does HR Do? What You See & What You Don't!

Respect as the Foundation of Effective Leadership

Leading Through Times of High Pressure & Stress

How To Stay Focused

What’s the Difference? HRIS / HCM / HRMS

MEET THE CHEF

FOLLOW ME

SUBSCRIBE

MY PICK OF THE MONTH

MY PICK
OF THE MONTH