Bridget Klebolt, MSW, SHRM-SCP

Success for me, isn’t defined by a title, but by integrity and the courage to adapt. I attribute my growth to a 'social work heart' paired with a 'people ops' mindset. I’ve navigated restructuring and career pivots not by looking for the easiest route, but by staying true to my core values of service and mentorship. By embracing the non-linear nature of life, I’ve found that the greatest successes often come from the ability to lift others up while navigating your own ‘next adventure’ with grace and a bit of humor.

The best career advice I have ever received is: 'Own your path, or someone else will walk it for you.' This perspective changed everything for me. It shifted my focus from simply 'doing the job' to seeking out ways to make a meaningful impact. By taking ownership of my development and leading with integrity, I’ve been able to transform challenges into catalysts for growth. It’s a mindset I now pass down to my own children and the women I mentor: Your career is not a destination; it’s a commitment to continuous evolution.

Focus on connection over competition. The most valuable asset you have is your network of relationships and your personal integrity. I’ve transitioned from being a mentee to a mentor, and the most important lesson I’ve learned is that we rise by lifting others. Stay true to your 'why,' be open to the unexpected adventures, and build a circle of women who will root for your success as loudly as you root for theirs. In HR, empathy paired with authenticity is your greatest competitive advantage.

The biggest challenge in HR today is the temptation to let automation replace intuition. While we are integrating technology at a breakneck pace, the real opportunity lies in re-humanizing the workplace. I once had a boss tell me, ‘If you got into HR to help people, you’re in the wrong field.’ I couldn’t disagree more.

I believe an organization’s resilience is directly tied to how well its people are seen, heard, and valued as individuals. HR isn't about choosing between the business and the person; we succeed when we lead with the integrity to support both. By fostering a culture of growth and trust, we don't just 'help' employees, we build stronger, more adaptable organizations where everyone can thrive.

I believe that to be truly effective, your personal and professional values must be in total alignment. For me, that means prioritizing mentorship and service. My career has taken me from the classroom to a doggy daycare and then to a major university, but through every transition, the mission has remained the same: building foundations that help others thrive.

I attribute my growth to the mentors who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. I think specifically of my first supervisor at Maryville University, who guided me through my early years and remained a trusted advisor long after our reporting lines changed. That experience shaped my life’s mission: to be that same bridge for others. Whether I am serving on the board for MASEA, engaging with SHRM, or volunteering in Girl Scouts, I am driven by a singular desire to make a meaningful impact. My goal isn't just to build more efficient systems; it’s to design better, more human experiences for the people within them.