In the fast-paced world of private equity, change is a constant companion. Twenty years ago, Laura McLand found herself at a crossroads when she was unexpectedly tasked with processing payroll at an investment firm where she served as an executive assistant. Despite having no prior experience in payroll, McLand embraced the challenge, a decision that would ultimately shape her career in human resources. Today, she is the vice president of human resources at Sun Holdings, the second-largest franchise organization in the United States.
McLand recalls the pivotal moment when she decided to take on new responsibilities. “It was a deer-in-the-headlights moment,” she admits. “At that time, my experience in payroll was non-existent. The CEO had much more confidence than I did that I could learn the process in time for the next payroll.” Her willingness to accept the challenge led to a newfound passion for human resources, setting her on a path she never anticipated.
However, McLand recognized the need to acquire the necessary HR skills to succeed. She began her journey by enrolling in the Compensation and Benefits certificate program offered by Cornell University’s ILR School. The program, delivered through eCornell, offered the flexibility she needed to balance her professional and personal life. “I had classmates in Spain and Italy who shared their employment experiences and gave me candid feedback on the differences between the U.S. and other countries,” McLand says. “Back then, taking courses remotely wasn’t as prevalent, so this provided a unique experience that I truly appreciate every day.”
The program’s success led to expanded responsibilities, managing benefits for her company and eventually earning additional credentials in human resource studies from Cornell. McLand went on to earn professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on her first attempt, bolstered by the confidence gained through her education.
McLand’s career path was anything but traditional. She once dreamed of becoming a flight attendant or an attorney, but life had other plans. After marrying her high-school sweetheart and raising three children, she pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree with minors in human resource development and organizational leadership, followed by an MBA from Texas Tech University.
Her educational achievements, combined with the skills acquired through certificate programs, propelled her HR career. McLand advanced through various roles in staffing, printing, dining, healthcare, and private equity. She also obtained the HR Certification Institute’s Professional in Human Resources certification. “I have continually looked for roles that allow me to utilize my knowledge and experience while enabling me to learn new aspects of human resources that I may not have done previously,” she explains.
The transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic provided McLand with new insights into the workforce. In one position, she developed a recruiting team and implemented a company-wide learning and development program. As vice president at Sun Holdings, she now manages a team of over 20 employees, overseeing benefits, recruiting, payroll, and talent development.
McLand’s journey from executive assistant to HR executive has been marked by a commitment to growth and development. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and taking on additional responsibilities. “People often decline to accept additional responsibilities because they don’t want the workload,” she says. “My advice is always to take it as an opportunity to learn something new. If someone has seen the possibility that you can absorb more responsibilities, take the initiative as a compliment.”
A mentor and leader, McLand is dedicated to helping others find their way in the HR field. Three employees on her team are currently pursuing HR-related degrees in the evenings, just as she did. McLand offers real-world insights to enhance their education, paying forward the support she once received. “Someone once believed in me, and I try to pay it forward,” she says. “Everyone will experience ups and downs. I try to share my knowledge and experience as motivation that anything can be accomplished with enough time and tenacity to make it a reality.”
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.miragenews.com/emerging-hr-leaders-guided-by-cornell-1455358/. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
