Hi Kerri 👋 can empathy win awards? 💬 I believe it can. Our HRdirect team was honored with a Gold Stevie Award at the American Business Awards — one of the top business award programs in the U.S. 🏆 For me, it comes down to something simple: when people feel heard and respected, they show up differently. They take #ownership, speak up, and support one another — and that’s what ultimately drives results. ❓️What kind of environment do you try to create so your team can do their best work? 💬 One where people feel comfortable speaking up and confident they’ll be heard. #Listening without judgment is key. And it’s not always about formal meetings — sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen in quick, everyday moments, like over coffee. ☕️ ❓️What’s something people often misunderstand about HR? 💬 That we’re only about policies, paperwork, or being the “bad guy.” That’s something I’m intentional about changing. To me, #HR is about being human, approachable, and solution-focused. Basically, we see ourselves as service agents, acting as a bridge between leaders, teams and employees. #PeopleFirst is more than just a slogan to us. It reflects how we show up every day.
Beautifully said, Kerri 👏 These three questions and answers genuinely gave me goosebumps. Because they perfectly capture what so many organizations still underestimate: empathy, listening, and humanity are leadership skills that drive real results. Especially this idea of people feeling safe to speak up and truly being heard, YESS, that changes everything. Culture it’s built in everyday moments. #HeraeusPeople
Kerri, well said AND so well deserved! 🏆 Watching you and the HRdirect team show up every single day with this mindset is something I genuinely admire. You've built something special. So proud to be a Heraeus colleague alongside you. Keep leading with heart!
Our Human Resources team, both regionally and globally, is second to none. They find and hire great people, and help create a culture where people can do their best work. Kerri is a shining example of the "people first" values of Heraeus.
Dear Kerri Rios, I enjoyed working with you when I was at #Heraeus!
These aren’t just words… I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Kerri as part of the Regional HR team at Heraeus and she lives this out everyday and in every interaction! She’s the true definition of a partner! Thanks for your leadership Kerri and for all you do and how you do it!
As a leader, creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and valued is something I care deeply about both professionally and personally. We are powered by people, and I believe that is something we should live out every day through how we communicate, support one another, and work together. Grateful to be part of a team and organization that values people and collaboration.