From South Africa to Global HR Leadership: The Unconventional Journey That’s Redefining People Strategy
Human Resources is often seen as a behind-the-scenes function, but the truth is, it’s where the real action happens in business. It’s the bridge between strategy and operation, between leadership and employees.
In this article, Candice Eaton Gaul shares her journey—from Johannesburg to Brisbane, from internal HR roles to global consulting—and the lessons she has learned along the way about stretching oneself, embracing change, and leading with people at the heart of everything.
A Side Quest That Turned Into a Lifelong Passion
Like many, Candice didn’t start her career with a clear roadmap. Initially, she studied marketing communications but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. So, she pivoted to Human Resources, earning a degree and later an honours degree in industrial psychology. This was just the beginning of what she now considers an exciting and ongoing quest—not just a career, but a passion.
Over two decades, Candice worked across industries and continents. She spent twenty years at RSM in South Africa, where she had the unique opportunity to blend internal HR work with consulting. This dual role began because she sought more challenge and growth. After studying employment law post-work hours, she launched a labour consulting service line that supported strategic clients across South Africa and globally.
This experience was transformative. It taught her the power of asking the right questions and going directly to decision-makers with well-prepared proposals. Candice learned that people want to help if you approach them with a clear vision and solutions. Asking for opportunities and being ready to work with a “no” are crucial steps in career growth.
Balancing Global Roles: The 4am Meeting Reality
Working in global HR roles has its rewards and challenges. For five years, Candice worked remotely from Brisbane for a London-based office, coordinating across multiple time zones, from the US to Latin America and the UK. Early morning and late-night meetings became the norm, demanding flexibility and rigorous self-management.
While this schedule wasn’t always healthy, the opportunities to travel, speak at international conferences, and engage with diverse cultures made it worthwhile for Candice. In her experience, the key was knowing when to say no to protect productivity and well-being while embracing the unique challenges of global collaboration.
Why Learning and Development Are Non-Negotiable
Continuous learning has been a cornerstone of Candice’s career. From formal education to daily curiosity, she has always sought to expand her knowledge. This includes everything from industrial psychology and labour law to financial literacy and corporate governance.
Understanding business fundamentals like finance and governance is essential for HR professionals aiming to be strategic partners. It allows us to see decisions through the eyes of directors and shareholders, making our contributions more impactful.
Recently, Candice completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course to deepen her understanding of governance and director mindsets. This was inspired by a conversation with a seasoned director and reinforced her belief that HR leaders must continually upskill to stay relevant.
The AI Revolution in HR: People First, Always
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping HR at an unprecedented pace. From automation to data analytics, AI offers exciting possibilities but also significant challenges. The biggest challenge? Balancing employee enthusiasm for AI with safeguarding business risks and ethical considerations.
HR policies and legislation often lag behind technological innovation, so it’s critical to navigate this space carefully. We need multi-skilled teams that combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of people, finance, and risk management to leverage AI responsibly.
HR professionals may not need to master the technology itself, but we must know how to ask the right questions and interpret the data. This ensures decisions are informed, unbiased, and aligned with organizational values.
Breaking the “Perfect Professional” Myth: Humor as a Secret Weapon
HR is often viewed as a serious, rigid function, but Candice believes infusing humour and humanity into work leads to better outcomes. In tense moments, such as high-stakes remuneration meetings, she has used lightheartedness to reset the tone and foster collaboration.
People want to do business with people, not with cardboard-cutout professionals. Being authentic, approachable, and occasionally playful helps build trust and connection. It’s about striking the right balance between professionalism and personality.
Advice for HR Professionals at Every Stage
For Early-Career HR Professionals
- Own your career: Take charge of your growth by seeking out opportunities and having candid conversations with leaders.
- Choose your battles: Learn when to push forward and when to pause to maintain resilience.
- Stay curious: Work is hard, but finding joy through interest and learning makes it rewarding.
For HR Leaders and Veterans
- Prioritise self-care: The emotional load of balancing leadership and employee needs is heavy. Take time to reflect and recharge.
- Keep learning: The business landscape evolves rapidly. Stay ahead by continuously developing skills and knowledge, especially in areas like data analytics and governance.
Passions Beyond HR: Nature, New Hobbies, and Family
Outside of work, Candice’s life is full—two kids, a husband, a dog, thousands of native bees, and yes, 500 earthworms! Her hobby is having hobbies, ranging from silversmithing (yes, wielding blowtorches and crafting silver!) to mosaicking, carpentry, and even bike riding after a dog-related injury.
She finds inspiration in people like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose leadership in peace and tolerance left a lasting legacy, and Athol Williams, a whistleblower and ethics professor who exemplifies courage and integrity.
Recommended Reads for HR Professionals
- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss – A fascinating guide to negotiation from an FBI hostage negotiator’s perspective.
- Sapiens and Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari – Thought-provoking insights into human history and the future.
- Works by Malcolm Gladwell – Engaging explorations of human behaviour and decision-making.
Final Thoughts: HR Is About People
“At the heart of every decision in HR, there needs to be consideration for how it will impact people and change behavior. HR is about enabling people to do their best and be their best. I come at this role believing that people want to be here and want to do a good job. It’s our job to encourage and enable that.”
Human Resources is a dynamic field that demands adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning. Whether managing global teams, navigating the AI revolution, or simply bringing a smile to a tense meeting, HR professionals are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. Embrace the challenges, keep asking questions, and never stop learning.
