Valerie Munoz is a Human Resource professional with over 18 years experience and expertise in all aspects of Human Resources. Valerie has held HR leadership positions in various industries from hospitality to education and currently as the Director of Human Resources for National Jets, a private executive jet charter company.

Favorite Quote: “Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card. How you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark. — Jay Danzie

Fun Fact: I am a big fan of sci-fi fandoms. Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, Marvel, DC, Game of Thrones, Disney. I love it all!

How do you unwind after a long day of work? I order in take-out and enjoy a great dinner and show with my family. The Mandolorian anyone?!

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? There are so many! I think that a big part of a challenge is when fear creeps in and you don’t think you can handle it. I don’t allow that fear to overtake me and rely on my trusted and true support groups- my colleagues, my family and friends, my church. All of these people give me the confidence to trust in my abilities and face the challenge head-on with confidence.

What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? This is a hard question for me to answer because there have been many moments that have contributed in my career and have changed me for the better. For companies that were starting out and never had an HR department before, it was about providing critical solutions and efficiencies that forever changed their way of doing business. There have also been people that I’ve impacted- whether it was an employee going through a very difficult time and desperately needed someone to talk to or mentoring an up-and-comer that I could pour into my knowledge and passion for HR. All these things feel monumental to me. It’s about making a lasting impact.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Learn from the best. Seek out individuals that you admire and are doing what you want to do and learn from them.

What qualities make for an outstanding HR professional? Good Communicator, Trustworthy, Knowledgeable, Positive, Motivator and Good Sense of Humor

How have you adapted your HR skills to COVID? My main objective has been to be well informed. I seek out information from many trusted sources, ask colleagues about best practices and stay in touch with the latest developments.

What are some misconceptions about HR and how do you combat them? I think a big misconception is that those in HR are simply watchdogs who are only concerned with enforcement without concern for operations or people. That just isn’t the case. We are intermediaries who are always trying to fill the gap and bring people, policies and organizations together.

What do you like most about working in HR? I like the pace of the work and the fact that I am always busy. There is always something to do- an urgent employee issue, planning a new and creative recognition program, developing a handbook rewrite, coaching a manager through an issue of their own, etc. I’m never bored.