articles
People as the Operating system
The more I work with organizations, the more I believe that systems do not run companies - people do. In this reflection, I share why shifting from “cascade down” to “cascade up” strategy creates more aligned, adaptive, and resilient workplaces. When we scale people, not just tools, everything changes....
HR trends or just copy-paste?
Across boardrooms, HR decks, and trend reports, we hear the same polished phrases. But do they still hold meaning - or are we repeating without reflection? In this piece, I break down 19 commonly used HR terms and the deeper questions we should be asking before applying them blindly. HR...
Five levels of listening (from noise to connection)
After decades of working across boardrooms, classrooms, and coaching rooms, I have learned this: how we listen defines how we lead, connect, and live. In this article, I share the five levels of listening I’ve seen - and practiced - which shape not only our relationships, but also the depth...
If you want to work with youth, stop talking and start co-creating
Today, I stood with over 100 young people - and instead of speaking at them, we created something together. This experience reminded me that youth development is not about delivering advice, but co-creating spaces of trust, reflection, and shared growth. It is not our expertise they need most - it...
Spiral dynamics in practice: What I look for and what I do
Spiral Dynamics is one of my most-used frameworks - quietly guiding how I observe, assess, and adapt inside organizations. In this article, I share how I use it in practice: not to label, but to listen, read the energy in the room, and help teams move one honest step forward....
The Snowball effect of community: Growing a professional network with vision and human touch
On May 19, we marked 15 years of the Armenian HR Association - a journey that began with a bold idea and grew into a powerful movement. In this reflection, I share the invisible architecture of community: the vision, rituals, identity, and care that turn scattered professionals into a united...
Beautiful systems, Wrong timing: HR’s role in strategic readiness
As someone who has supported organizations through high-speed transformations, I have seen what happens when HR systems are rolled out in confusion. In this piece, I share a candid look at why timing, honesty, and strategic alignment matter more than perfect frameworks. HR does not lead change through forms -...
How cross-cultural experience rewires your brain and unlocks innovation
Facilitating leadership programs across cultures has changed how I think, lead, and connect with people. In this article, I reflect on how cross-cultural experiences reshape our minds, deepen empathy, and fuel innovation - supported by science and real-world insight....
University is not enough: What students must do in parallel to be ready for the job market
As a consultant working at the crossroads of education and business, I see a clear gap: students graduate with knowledge but without market readiness. In this article, I share what every student must do during university to build real career value - develop a strong personal brand, gain practical experience,...
Leading in Open Space: Reflections on OSHRM 2025 – Days 1 and 2
At OSHRM 2025, I had the chance to reflect on how leadership is shifting in today’s complex world. We explored how emotional intelligence, a sense of belonging, and positive energy are becoming essential leadership skills. Topics like the empathy deficit and managing 4 generations in one workplace sparked meaningful reflection....
The new role of HR
The HR profession is undergoing a major shift in today’s unpredictable, never-normal world. Traditional functions are being replaced by facilitation, coaching, meaningful relationships, and data-driven decisions—what I call the FCRD shift. This article explores how HR leaders can adapt their mindset and skillset to thrive in this evolving landscape....
