We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linette Holmes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linette below.

Hi Linette, thanks for joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

My interview to work at Barrier Free Living started a long chain of events that I will never forget. Because our crisis shelter Freedom House is a confidential location, the interview was held at the local restaurant not far from the shelter. It was the middle of August and so very hot! I did not have money to get to the interview via public transportation so I walked. In the sweltering August NY heat, I walked all the way across town wearing typical interview clothes. (black slacks, a long sleeved blouse and shoes). I can’t begin to explain how terribly uncomfortable that walk was. But i made it early and the person interviewing me came a few mins later. She asked if I was thirsty. I was taught never to accept anything during an interview so I said no. Big mistake. She bought herself a giant soda with plenty of ice. I had a hard time concentrating watching her drink the soda. I answered all the questions but was so fixated on watching her drink. She think noticed me staring and left the table saying she would be right back. When she returned she had a giant soda for me. She offered me the soda and would not accept no for an answer. I finally accepted the soda and the interview concluded. I just knew that I did not get that job. Hours later she called me and said that I did get the job and she would be my supervisor. 1 year later, after I became a supervisor, I asked her what her hire me. She said there was “something about me not accepting the soda initially that said I could remain professional even if I’m uncomfortable.” I went from becoming a RA per diem, and worked my way to Senior Shift Supervisor, then RA Manager and now I’m the HR Coordinator. All from a soda.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a proud mother of 4 wonderful children. One of my children has been diagnosed with autism which is why I was so excited to work with a company that specializes in working with people that have a disability. I started my career at BFL as Resident Aide and worked my way up to HR Coordinator. I think what set me apart is that I am willing to start uncomfortable conversations. I am transparent and I encourage transparency from those I work with. I could not have gotten this far had it not been for my drive, my passion for our mission, vision and values and my deep commitment to be a vessel of positivity to all that come across me. Barrier Free Living prides itself in hiring from within, and time and time proves that hiring from within is the best way to raise employee moral and retention. While I enjoy working on the HR side of things I really do miss working as an Resident Aide. I enjoyed working with residents and their children. It was important to me that every person that entered the facility felt special even if the world treated the unkind.

I am most proud of the relationships that I have made during my journey. I am proud of the culture that we have created here at Barrier Free Living.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I started my career at Solomon Smith Barney. A brokerage firm in NYC. I worked there for a few months as a intern then was offered a permanent position. Months after that we lost our building to the World Trade Center Attacks. I was lost. I was just getting my life together and found myself liking my job and was sure that I was working my way out of poverty. I was devastated and shut down on everyone including my family. 1 or 2 years go by and I still had not found another job and saw no hope as I was secretly depressed. I could not stay depressed forever so eventually I picked myself up and began interviewing for jobs where helping people was a must. After watching how people helped each other during the attacks, I was inspired to do the same. It’s funny that as I’m writing this I realize that when I left SSB I worked in Human Resources years go by and I am back in HR. I guess it’s meant for me. lol

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think finding a mentor. Someone who can relate to what you go through on a daily basis and can be a sounding board for your ideas, thoughts, and dreams. And someone you can vent to. I also believe that teaching others what you’ve have learned and telling them what your journey was is important. I’m a big believer in each one teach one.

Don’t be afraid to fail.