Coach Spotlight: Lisa Burke-Smalley

Coach Spotlight

Jun 23

Welcome to HRuprise’s “Coach Spotlight”! Each entry in this series will highlight one of our expert HR coaches. We’ll get to know why they’re passionate about the work they do, what they wish they could change about the ways companies work, and how they continue to develop their professional and personal selves beyond the workplace.

Today, we’ll meet Lisa Burke-Smalley. Lisa is the Guerry Professor of Management at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, teaching human resource management in undergraduate, master’s, and executive programs. She is a widely published author with specialties in training transfer, management education, and management development. She’s been awarded multiple university-level teaching and research awards as well as national-level reviewer and service awards. She’s excited to bring her insights both as an HR scholar and long-time executive coach to her work with HRuprise clients.

Why did you decide to become an independent HR coach on HRuprise?

To increase the opportunity to reach more people who might need HR help or coaching. HRuprise seeks to help the people in the workplace who need it the most. I want to be a part of that movement.

Tell us about one of the most meaningful moments in your career. What made it so special for you?

I once had a client tell me that she started getting more positive feedback from her boss once we worked together on a specific area where she was having trouble. She was very open to my feedback and suggestions, and she was willing to implement them to improve a developmental opportunity she faced. It was great to know that the ideas we discussed helped her professionally and personally!

What matters to you most in your relationship with HRuprise clients?

Openness and honesty. As a coach, I ask courteous, forthright questions to help my clients reflect on their unique situation, and offer clear ideas to help them find their way through it.

If you could change one thing about how companies work, what would it be?

For companies to be more honest, transparent, and clear in all their communications with employees, especially when it comes to issues surrounding their employment. What are the processes organizations use to make decisions about base salary, merit increases, promotions, development plans and training opportunities? What is the firm’s overall HR strategy? How does the firm view its talent, and how do employees help the firm win in their industry?

What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I'm a first-generation college student who made it out of a dysfunctional background to help others. The fact that I’m a productive citizen is an accomplishment in its own right!

Tell us about a book/movie/television show that changed how you thought about something.

The Social Dilemma changed my view of social media and its impact on our society, youth, and global well-being.

What do you want to be known for?

Helping others succeed, as well as recognizing and appreciating others for what they do.

What is one thing you're currently working on in your own development?

To be more open to change in this hyper-evolving world. I’m trying to be more adaptive to technology in particular. For example, in the last year I’ve taught every possible modality offered at my school and continuously improved each term.

What's your favorite thing to do when you're not helping employees as an HRuprise coach?

I practice yoga, play with my rescue mutt Ellie May, watch the bluebirds in my backyard, and do small home improvement projects. I also collect teacups from around the world and love to display them.

Where can people find you?