In our latest Meet the Team feature, we sit down with Sharon to explore her unique journey from education back into HR Consultancy. After starting out in the corporate world, a move into teaching offered the chance to focus on family life – but returning to HR years later has brought fresh perspective, new skills, and a deeper understanding of people. Here, Sharon shares how her background in education continues to shape the way they build trust with clients, adapt to challenges, and keep personal development at the heart of her work.
You started out in a very different environment – what first made you think about moving from education into HR?
I was originally employed in HR at Enterprise Rent A Car but I decided to move to teaching in 2008 as it seemed a more family friendly occupation at the time when my son was young. This was the age before hybrid working and the flexibility we enjoy at work now. After my career break, when both of my children were progressing well in school, I returned to teaching in 2018 to find it a very different environment which I did not enjoy. I decided to return to HR Consultancy and there are many similarities between teaching and HR which I didn’t expect. However, I was grateful that I have teaching experience as I think it improves my HR practice.
What parts of your previous experience have really come in handy when working with clients now?
I think being able to build a rapport and establish trust very quickly has been very useful. Being organised, having a good memory and being able to retain lots of details about clients. When I used to listen to children arguing and telling stories on each other, the ability to remain impartial, focus on the facts and get the right outcome has been really useful.
What’s something you’ve really enjoyed learning since making the move – either about HR or about yourself?
HR Consultancy today is very different from the way is used to be done. I think it’s a lot better in certain areas, with employment law covering a huge range of areas that it never used to. I’ve enjoyed working in HR more this time round as it’s more person focused.
Do you think your background helps you see things differently – maybe approach situations from a different angle than someone who’s only worked in HR?
Absolutely. I can see the link between the education system and the employees that ultimately end up in the workforce. If difficulties were not addressed at a young age, they can carry into adult life which can cause issues for employers. I know from experience age is not a good indicator that someone has the skills you would expect, so advice needs to be adapted based on the facts rather than the expectation.
What skills from your time in education have turned out to be surprisingly useful in your HR role?
Being able to think on your feet. There were many times you had to cover an unknown class and a lesson with no warning or preparation. So, if you can do that, nothing is impossible. Based on the full range of my people experience across my career, I am confident that I can adapt to different work situations and work with anyone.
Coming from an education background, how important is personal development to you?
It’s essential. Otherwise, you won’t know what you are talking about, and your advice is out-of-date. You need to be a self-reflective practitioner, that’s just fundamental to being in HR Consultancy.
Looking back on your journey so far, what’s been the most rewarding part of making the switch?
I’ve really enjoyed working with our clients the most. Working with people and establishing good working relationships has always been a rewarding part of my career.
Sharon’s Role at The HR Booth
Sharon is one of our HR Consultants at The HR Booth and she has been part of the team since 9th May 2025. She delivers expert guidance and support to help SMEs strengthen their HR strategies, policies, and procedures. Sharon enjoys conversations with clients and solving problems they may have.
Our Team’s Expertise
At The HR Booth, we’re proud of the wide range of expertise across our team. Each of our consultants brings with them a unique background and set of experiences. It means that when clients come to us, they benefit from a team that can combine technical HR consultancy knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Whether it’s advising on compliance, supporting employee relations, or helping to develop a positive workplace culture, our team has the skills and insight to find solutions that really work.
What sets us apart is not just our professional expertise, but the people-focused approach we bring to every client relationship. We understand that no two businesses are the same, so we adapt our support to meet the specific needs of each organisation. Our varied backgrounds allow us to be flexible, innovative, and empathetic – qualities that make us trusted HR partners for SMEs across different industries.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about how Sharon or any of our HR professionals can support your business, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with The HR Booth today and let us help you with practical, people-focused HR consultancy solutions that make a difference.
