We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Thelá Thatch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dr. Thelá thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I started my career over twenty-five years ago after landing an internship with Fox Television. I started working at FOX and with other production studios in hopes of becoming a reporter and a writer. As I was working in the media industry, I found myself working with people within the studios – doing things like helping them fill out new hire paperwork, showing them around on their first day, and helping them connect with human resource issues that I did not know were HR issues at the time. So, after working at Fox Television, Cosby Enterprises, and later Cablevision, I noticed a gap that needed filling in terms of how comprehensive HR knowledge is shared. Years later, feeling the need to address this gap of “straight-forward” HR advice, I initiated a blog named “Ask Mrs. HR.” The blog aimed to serve as a platform for the community to ask HR-related questions, similar to a “Dear Abby” column.
My first indication that people were interested and that this service was needed was when someone sought advice on a termination related to pregnancy. Leveraging my HR expertise, I could anonymously share insights on federal and state laws pertaining to pregnancy discrimination through the blogging platform without feeling like I was putting myself, my employer, or the employee at risk.
Through Mrs. HR, I gained recognition as a reliable source for HR advice, which prompted the idea of establishing my HR consulting firm. The name “Mrs. HR” originated from a humorous perception in corporate America, where employees would jokingly refer to me as “Mrs. HR” when I walked by. This playful nickname evolved into Mrs. HR becoming an alter ego, a superhero of sorts, dedicated to answering HR questions with honesty, accuracy, and integrity to save the day. Ultimately, I created MRS HR, LLC, which I would later change to Thelá Thatch Consulting, LLC.
Dr. Thelá, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My professional journey began with a vision of becoming a reporter, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a focus on Journalism. My initial venture into the industry brought me to Fox Television, where I took on the roles of Production Assistant and Field Producer—significant entry-level positions. While immersed in tasks like onboarding interns and assistants, I discovered a profound interest in the intricacies of the HR field.
Collaborating with HR professionals involved in crucial hiring decisions for roles like reporters and anchors fueled my desire to explore HR further. This curiosity led me to opportunities at Cablevision, Paychex, Live Nation, and HR roles in other industries, where I gained valuable insights into the pivotal role HR plays in organizational success. It became clear to me that a company’s vitality relies on robust talent and resources for its workforce.
Now, leveraging my experience in well-known corporations, I take pride in offering affordable expertise to small business owners. Thelá Thatch Consulting is dedicated to meeting businesses at various stages of their journey, providing services ranging from employee handbooks and benefits solutions to payroll, training, and employee relations consultation. We operate as a portable HR department.
I am particularly excited about introducing my new learning management system and app, MRS HR in a BOX. This innovative tool empowers small businesses with easily accessible HR best practices, tools, and resources. Additionally, my enthusiasm extends to my latest book, The Diversity Dilemma, which chronicles my challenges and triumphs in practicing inclusion within organizations. This book aims to support individuals grappling with integrating equity into their workplaces.
Both MRS HR in a BOX and The Diversity Dilemma address a gap in the market, 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. And, as a way to make sure I have the capacity and resources to provide career advice and services to entrepreneurs, we started the Time 2 Dream Foundation to help coach people through their specific careers and other goals. Through our non-profit, they can get support as they work to achieve their most significant and scariest dreams.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Among the many stories I could share, one that stands out vividly is my journey to obtain my Ph.D. amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on this experience, it feels almost surreal to have successfully navigated the complexities of completing my doctoral studies while simultaneously caring for my visiting mother-in-law, who found herself stranded at our home due to the pandemic. This period also coincided with the arrival of a new puppy and the commencement of a new and demanding job at Paychex.
As I ponder the milestones of my life, a recurring theme emerges: my most significant achievements tend to unfold during times of upheaval. Colleagues who have collaborated with me can attest to my ability to bring order to chaos, demonstrating my proficiency in transforming dysfunction into functional outcomes.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My market reputation is built upon three fundamental pillars: Honesty, Integrity, and a commitment to responsiveness. I prioritize the swift return of calls and ensure follow-ups within 24 hours of initial contact, showcasing my dedication to effective communication. I also take pride in providing valuable connections, resources, and information to those I engage with. I never forget those times when I was seeking information and how grateful I was to find a resource or person that could help me. I want to be that resource for others – especially entrepreneurs and small business owners who are trying to get their dreams to take flight.
In my journey through HR and business, my success is grounded in a steadfast commitment to truthfulness and doing what is right. Some describe me as pragmatic since I address challenging topics with a realistic and straightforward approach. This not only involves conveying the truth but also confronting complex subjects directly, contributing to a reputation for transparency and reliability. As serious as this all sounds, I also like to bring joy and a love for life into everything I do. I truly believe that God has put it on my heart to serve others through these various outlets that I have created and that “all things are possible through God that strengthens me!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelathatch.com
- Instagram: @thelathatchconsulting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThelaThatchConsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelathatch/
- Twitter: @AskMrsHR
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tthatch08
- Other: https://diversitydilemma.com/ http://thatchedroofpublishing.com/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00OYSFTKA/about?ingress=0&visitId=07a64b44-6827-4b22-9c2f-52b831633ae1 https://upscalemagazine.com/author/thela/
Image Credits
Feature photo – Green Jacket on couch. (Credit: Brittney Jean Photography) 4 images representing my brand and story Me explaining something to employee (lady in brown turtleneck) – (Credit: Brittney Jean Photography) Me (in white on couch) with my Diversity Dilemma book – (Credit: Nick Nelson) Me working on a laptop – (Credit: Nick Nelson) Me showing a feature of myself in a magazine – (Credit: Brittney Jean Photography)