We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mitzie White. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mitzie below.
Hi Mitzie, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
The idea of what it takes to be successful is what motivated me to leave corporate America and start my own business. Success can be understood from two perspectives: the practical and the non-practical. Growing up, I was taught that success meant securing a well-paying job and staying with a good company long enough to retire with a pension. The formula was straightforward: work hard, do the right thing, gain skills and knowledge, set goals on a vision board, and stay committed. These practical steps did contribute significantly to my success.
However, I’ve come to realize that success requires more than just the practical aspects. The non-practical elements are just as important, if not more so. You need a clear vision, a positive mindset, and the ability to recognize and seize the right opportunities. Most importantly, whatever you pursue must align with your values and passion. True success lies in the harmony between practical achievements and a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Finally, Success often hinges on surrounding yourself with a trustworthy tribe or circle. These are the people who support you, offer honest advice, and aren’t afraid to tell you when you’re wrong. It’s crucial to remove toxic individuals from your life and tune out negativity. Find a coach or mentor who can guide you, and always remain humble and willing to learn. Remember, not everyone who claims to be on your side truly is, so be selective about sharing your goals. Many may not understand your vision or be able to help, which can lead to discouragement. I call those people dream crushers. Stay close to those who genuinely have your back, as their support will be invaluable on your journey to success.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Consulting By MEW, an HR Consulting firm, was born from my love for people, passion for service, and conviction that I can make a difference. I wanted to take everything I learned in Corporate America to be able to practice HR my way, all while being my authentic self. I am a seasoned HR Resources Executive and Coach with over 20 years of expertise honing a diverse skill set that I use to serve one client at a time. Our firm specializes in Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Executive Coaching, Compliance, Employee Engagement and Training. I am motivated by the desire to make an impact and deliver exceptional service.
What brings me the most pride is the opportunity to mentor and guide individuals and organizations toward their own versions of success. I take immense satisfaction in coaching employees and leaders through various challenges, helping them navigate their paths effectively. I geek out when I can solve problems and develop creative solutions. Human Resources fascinates me because of its complexity, simplicity, and the many hats we wear. On any given day, I am a mentor, coach, strategist, shoulder to cry on, tough decision-maker, cheerleader, and problem solver! But above all, I am a dedicated partner to my clients, always striving to understand their unique needs and provide the best solutions.
I found my way into Human Resources quite by accident. Initially, I had a limited understanding of what HR entailed; I, like many others, thought it was simply about hiring and firing, a department most people preferred to avoid. However, my HR Director at the time, who is still my mentor to this day, recognized the potential in me that I hadn’t seen in myself. He encouraged me to join the HR team, believing I could become a great HR Director. His only request was that I pay it forward. Honestly, I thought he was crazy, but I decided to “try” it to see what it was all about, and I never looked back. I fell in love! Embracing this new path, I’ve focused wholeheartedly on helping others succeed, guided by the two mottos I live by: “Where there is a will, there is a way” and “Anything is possible if you believe.” I carry this belief in the potential of others into my work, inspiring and guiding them to achieve their goals.
What sets me apart is my genuine passion for the work, empathy, and ability to understand others’ perspectives. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration and partnership; these aren’t just buzzwords but the foundation of MEW’s success. By truly understanding our client’s unique needs, putting ourselves in their shoes, and involving them in the process, we tailor our support to help them thrive.
For potential clients and colleagues, I want them to know that MEW is dedicated to people and organizations—helping them grow, succeed, and achieve their goals. Leveraging over twenty years of experience in union and non-union environments, we develop creative, customized strategies that align with our clients’ visions. Being present and ensuring that our client’s needs are being heard are integral to our approach and ensuring we deliver results that create positive, lasting impacts. I am committed to building a legacy of service excellence and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we work with. I affectionately tell my clients that when it’s MEW & YOU, everyone wins! Let’s get MEWving!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Every team is unique, so you have to find an approach that fits your company’s culture or the vibe you want to create. However, it’s also important to have your own leadership style and way of leading your team.
Through years of experience working with diverse teams, I’ve found that building strong relationships is key to success. Understanding what matters to each team member is crucial—when they see that their priorities are important to me, it creates a foundation of trust and respect. I make it a point to recognize and reward performance, create a safe space for people to share their thoughts, and encourage them to try new ideas without worrying about fear of failure or repercussions.
Open communication is not just important, it’s vital. Keeping the team informed about what’s happening in the company, both the successes and challenges, is a key part of my leadership style. This transparency helps foster a positive work environment, as it makes the team feel informed, involved, and valued. When my team feels supported and part of the bigger picture, they are more productive and willing to go above and beyond to ensure our department/company thrives.
Another aspect of my leadership style is ensuring my team has the necessary tools and resources to do the job. Getting to know their career goals helps me provide opportunities for them to grow, which in turn builds their confidence and a sense of ownership in our collective success. This approach not only helps each person grow but also strengthens our team’s commitment to reach our goals together. And remember, it’s okay to have a good time while working. In fact, it’s encouraged!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When COVID-19 struck, the hospitality industry was brought to its knees. My team of 13 HR professionals in California was reduced to just me. With no time to adjust, I found myself responsible for multiple hotels, each with its own set of challenges. Without direct authority, I had to learn quickly, build relationships, and offer support to teams I hadn’t worked with before.
Team members reached out at all hours—mornings, nights, and weekends—seeking guidance, reassurance, and sometimes just a listening ear. Many were overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. Despite my own doubts, I knew I had to be their anchor. I provided the stability they needed, even as I navigated the constantly changing government regulations (federal and state) that directly impacted their safety and jobs.
The days were long, and the workload was intense. Before COVID, I thought I knew my limits, but this crisis showed me I had more to give. I discovered a new level of resilience, finding the strength to push through when I felt I was at capacity. I realized that resilience wasn’t just about enduring but about adapting, learning, and leading. It was about being the anchor in the midst of chaos, providing a sense of security when everything else felt unstable.
Staying informed and communicating effectively became my daily mission. I translated complex, ever-changing guidelines into clear, actionable steps. I understood that my role was crucial in keeping everyone safe and helping them navigate this crisis.
Looking back, I am proud of the role I played. I may have been just one person, but I made a difference in many lives. The experience reaffirmed that HR is the heart of the organization during a crisis, providing the support and guidance that help people keep going. Being there for my team during such a challenging time showed me that I am stronger and more resilient than I ever knew.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.consultingbymew.com
- Instagram: @consultingbymew
- Facebook: ConsultingbyMEW
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzie-white-hr-professional
