Meet Thelá Thatch

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Thelá Thatch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Thelá, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from lessons of adversity. As eloquently expressed in Langston Hughes’s poem ” Mother to Son, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal staircase.” My upbringing in the inner city of East Orange, New Jersey, confronted me with a myriad of socio-economic hurdles. Despite being enrolled in courses labeled “college-bound,” I lacked a concrete plan for college readiness. Surmounting numerous obstacles, I discovered that relentless hard work could transcend circumstances.

This realization sparked a transformation in me—I not only aimed to better my own situation but also recognized the power of sharing resources to uplift others. Initially, this commitment arose as a pledge to carve out a brighter future for my younger sister, a decade my junior. I envisioned providing her with a tangible example of achieving success through education and unwavering pursuit of goals and dreams.

As life progressed, marriage and parenthood fueled my dedication further. I was determined to set a precedent for my children, committed to offering them the opportunities I never had. Over time, this steadfast work ethic evolved into my current work style. Today, I engage in a continuous process of self-improvement, delving into books and exploring innovative approaches to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in my endeavors.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Embarking on my professional journey, my initial aspiration was to become a reporter, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication specializing in Journalism. At Fox Television, I started as a Production Assistant and Field Producer, gaining valuable entry-level experience. However, it was during my involvement in HR-related tasks, such as onboarding interns and assistants, that I discovered a deep interest in the intricacies of Human Resources.

Collaborating with HR professionals engaged in crucial hiring decisions for roles like reporters and anchors fueled my desire to delve further into the field. This curiosity led me to diverse opportunities at Cablevision, Paychex, Live Nation, and HR roles in various industries. These experiences provided valuable insights into the pivotal role HR plays in organizational success, emphasizing the importance of robust talent and resources for a company’s vitality.

Building on my experiences in renowned corporations, I now take pride in offering affordable expertise to small business owners through Thelá Thatch Consulting. Our services range from crafting employee handbooks and benefits solutions to providing payroll, training, and employee relations consultation, essentially operating as a portable HR department.

I am excited to launch my new learning management system and app, MRS HR in a BOX, designed to empower small businesses with accessible HR best practices, tools, and resources. And, I am super thrilled to share the release of my latest book, “The Diversity Dilemma,” available on Amazon and at DiversityDilemma.com.  My book chronicles my challenges, trauma, and triumphs in fostering inclusion and equity within organizations. This book aims to support individuals navigating the complexities of integrating equity into their workplaces.

Both MRS HR in a BOX and “The Diversity Dilemma” address a market gap, offering user-friendly solutions based on my real-life experiences and the needs of my clients. I am thrilled to contribute to bridging the information gap and making essential HR resources accessible to all. To ensure I have the capacity and resources to provide career advice and services to entrepreneurs, we initiated the Time 2 Dream Foundation. Through this non-profit, individuals can receive support as they strive to achieve their most significant and daring dreams.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that had the most significant impact on my journey are honesty, integrity, and a commitment to responsiveness. I prioritize promptly returning calls and following up within 24 hours of initial contact, demonstrating a dedication to effective communication. Beyond this, I take pride in offering valuable connections, resources, and information to those I engage with.

In my journey within human resources, my success is rooted in a commitment to truthfulness. I am known for being pragmatic in my interactions, addressing challenging topics with a realistic and straightforward approach. This approach involves not only telling the truth but also tackling difficult subjects head-on, contributing to a reputation for transparency and reliability.

How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is an organization that recognizes the strategic importance of managing its workforce effectively and is committed to providing competitive and attractive benefits to retain and attract diverse top talent. I enjoy working with leaders who have a proactive approach to human resources. Leaders who value HR as a strategic function that contributes to the overall success of the organization, rather than viewing it solely as a compliance-driven or administrative task.

Another trait of my ideal client is an organizational commitment to providing comprehensive benefits packages, promoting work-life balance, and supporting employee health and wellness programs. I appreciate working with clients who understand that a satisfied and motivated workforce is essential for organizational success. Due to this, they are willing to invest in benefits that meet the needs and preferences of their workforce while aligning with budgetary constraints. Of course, I seek clients who value diversity and inclusion and align well with HR and benefits consultants who understand the importance of tailoring benefits to diverse employee needs and fostering an inclusive workplace.

Lastly, my ideal client views the consultant relationship as a long-term partnership rather than a one-time service. They appreciate ongoing support, advice, and collaboration to address evolving HR, benefits, and equity needs. And they are willing to change, displayed by an openness to implementing changes in policies, procedures, and organizational culture.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Brittney Jean Photography Nick Nelson

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