- Helen Ashton
HR can feel like a very black-and-white place sometimes - especially for the people it serves. People in Talent and HR usually acknowledge that the work is more complex in its many shades of grey. Context and circumstances must be considered for each situation encountered, outside of say, certain strict legal or ethical or pension plan parameters. Listen in on this episode to explore what living in the grey is all about, and what makes it a reasonable approach.
My guest is Helen Ashton, who is VP People and Culture at Grand and Toy. Helen holds a Masters in Industrial Relations and HR and previously oversaw HR at Campbell Soup Company and Colgate-Palmolive. She started out in the military and owned martial arts schools at one point. We bonded over the fact that both she and my teen son are Tae Kwon Do Black Belts. Helen thrives in HR because she truly values the impact that HR can have on people’s lives, both professionally and personally.
In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:
🍏 What learning Helen has brought with her from the military into her HR career
🍏 How to avoid rollouts that feel like you need to do a big, heavy sales job
🍏 Insights into being flexible and “living in the grey”
About Helen Ashton: Helen is responsible for developing and executing the people strategy that aligns with the values and strategic priorities of the organization. She is passionate about creating a culture of belonging, two-way communication, and she is focused on talent development and ESG initiatives.
Helen joined the Grand & Toy family in April 2022 and brings 20 years of progressive experience in the Human Resources function. Her experiences spans a number of industries including automotive, MRO and Consumer Packaged Goods industries. Helen’s career also comprises military service, small business ownership and teaching at the college level.
Helen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Information Technology and Economics from York University and Master’s degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources from University of Toronto. She is a Governing Body member of the Toronto chapter of Evanta CHRO community and a proud mentor with Toronto chapter of the Network of Executive Women.
Helen’s personal passions outside of the office include humanitarian work, yoga, martial arts and travelling. She lives in Richmond Hill Ontario with her husband Michael and their son Zachary.
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