McCormack Baron Companies

Vanessa Parker-Lewis

Vanessa Parker-Lewis is the Chief Human Resources Officer at McCormack Baron Companies. Having more than 23 years of extensive experience in human resources, she assumes a strategic leadership role in defining and articulating the company's ‘human-centric’ approach and philosophy. Lewis supervises platform-wide programs, initiatives, systems, policies, and procedures that foster a cohesive culture aligned with the McCormack Baron mission, vision, and values. With her expertise and guidance, the organization ensures a shared commitment to promoting a positive and reflective work environment, empowering employees to thrive and contribute to the company's overall success.

 In an exclusive interview with Manage HR, Lewis shared her valuable insights on the challenges, trends, and best practices in the Employment Law space.

What are some of the key responsibilities and roles you encounter daily at your current organization?

As the Chief Human Resources Officer, I undertake the responsibility of a strategic leader entrusted with establishing and communicating the company's approach and philosophy centered on our most valuable asset—our people. This entails overseeing platform-wide programs, initiatives, systems, policies, and procedures that promote our organizational culture and align with our mission to transform communities into inclusive spaces.

What challenges have you encountered so far while serving as the Chief Human Resource Officer at McCormack Baron Companies?

I am acutely aware of the abundant opportunities that persuade human resource leaders across diverse industries. One notable area that has captured considerable attention among employees is the rising significance of AI. Recent guidance issued by the EEOC regarding AI usage is a poignant reminder of the necessity to embrace technological advancements that influence our industry. In this dynamic landscape, characterized by staying ahead of the curve and fostering adaptability, is a shared mindset among my peers. 

“By instilling a sense of meaning in their work and valuing them as individuals, providing a clear purpose, and ensuring psychological safety, we empower employees to thrive.”

Are there any recent significant updates or developments that have impacted HR practices?

Fostering strong partnerships with our IT department holds the utmost significance in pursuing progress. IT and HR are vital support systems for the organization, aiding all employees in achieving our shared goals. This strategic alliance forms the cornerstone of our capacity to remain updated, ensuring continuous learning and growth and creating a synergy that safeguards employee data and equips us with technical knowledge and a profound understanding of emerging technologies. By embracing this collaborative mindset, we gain the power to welcome new opportunities and strengthen our resilience against technological challenges.

What strategies have you deployed to minimize legal risks and maintain a positive working environment?

I firmly believe that prevention is more valuable than a cure, and knowledge empowers individuals. Thus, it is essential to equip our employees with relevant information in their professional and personal lives. This includes providing health-related knowledge, guidelines on proper AI usage, and insights on safeguarding against phishing attempts on social media. Such a comprehensive strategy fosters an engaged and well-informed workforce.

Are there any recent initiatives or projects where you have leveraged some technology elements and processes to safeguard employee data and ensure cyber security in the organization?

We utilize various Microsoft products, which come with their own protocols and safety measures. The safety protocols we have implemented have effectively guarded us against different attacks. It is important to acknowledge that attacks may still occur, and employees must be informed. For instance, in my previous employment, I learned that voting in the 2016 election exposed personal information for many individuals. Hence, empowering employees with relevant information remains crucial.

Is there any advice that you would like to offer to emerging leaders in the HR industry?

The key advice I would offer to enhance engagement revolves around three crucial factors: meaning, purpose, and psychological safety. By instilling a sense of meaning in their work and valuing them as individuals, providing a clear purpose, and ensuring psychological safety, we empower employees to thrive. This can be achieved through various means, including financial support and fostering an open environment for expressing thoughts and feelings. When we prioritize these three levels of engagement, we are paving the way for unparalleled organizational success.