Human Resources is much more than a support function in any organisation. It’s the heartbeat of culture and a strategic driver of business success. In the latest discussion with Sonya Law, a seasoned HR professional, leadership expert, and passionate advocate for wellbeing and authentic leadership, we explore what it really takes to thrive in HR today and how the profession is evolving in a world of change, uncertainty, and technological advances.
Sonya’s journey—from her early beginnings in New Zealand, through an initial study in IT and accounting, to becoming an HR Director in the mining industry, and even training as a kindergarten teacher—provides a unique lens on the human side of business leadership. Alongside her professional insights, she brings a personal passion for endurance sports, which reflects her values of discipline, growth, and resilience.
From IT and Accounting to Human Resources: Finding the True Calling
Sonya’s career path was anything but linear. Starting with a degree in IT and accounting, she quickly realised these fields didn’t quite align with her natural talents and passions. Encouraged by a dean who recognised her people skills, Sonya shifted her focus to Human Resources—a move that changed the trajectory of her professional life.
Her early experience in recruitment gave her a frontline view of talent acquisition and candidate care, setting a strong foundation for her later leadership roles. Sonya emphasises the importance of people skills in HR, especially early in one’s career, noting that being approachable and having empathy are just as crucial as technical knowledge.
“I think being approachable and having really good people skills is particularly important if you’re early in your career and you’re not sure what to do. If that’s your strength, then it’s really important to pursue it.”
Her formal HR education provided a broad understanding of areas such as remuneration, benefits, staffing, learning and development, and employee relations. This comprehensive knowledge base allowed her to develop as a strong generalist—someone who understands various facets of HR and can navigate complex organisational challenges.
The Strategic Role of HR: Beyond a Separate Division
One of Sonya’s key perspectives is that HR should not operate as a siloed function. Instead, it needs to be deeply integrated with the strategic direction of the business. She advocates for HR professionals to understand business priorities and align HR initiatives accordingly.
This alignment enables HR to have a tangible financial impact, moving beyond abstract concepts to measurable outcomes. Sonya uses metrics such as staff turnover, attrition, revenue per headcount, and employee utilisation rates to track effectiveness and inform data-driven decisions.
“When you understand the direction of the business and what their priorities are, you can align your priorities with them. Then you’re more likely to get uptake of what you’re suggesting.”
This approach positions HR as a vital business partner, capable of driving operational and strategic outcomes rather than merely responding to administrative needs.
Embracing Data and Pragmatism in HR Decisions
Sonya highlights the importance of using data as a guide to focus efforts and measure progress. She stresses that what gets measured becomes the focus, enabling HR professionals to identify areas requiring course correction.
Her results-oriented mindset pushes HR beyond theory, demanding practical, achievable goals and continual improvement. This pragmatism is especially important in complex environments where people and organisational dynamics intersect.
A Unique Side Step: From HR to Kindergarten Teaching
In a fascinating career detour, Sonya spent time as a kindergarten teacher while on leave. This experience offered her profound insights into human behaviour, attachment theory, and the roots of adult behaviours—knowledge she now applies to leadership and change management in organisations.
Sonya draws parallels between behaviours seen in early childhood settings and those in high-level boardrooms, noting that understanding these behavioural patterns can unlock better outcomes in business.
“There are behaviours at the boardroom level that are very similar to those you’d see in the sandpit. They become really high achievers but can also be blockers.”
This unique perspective equips Sonya with a powerful lens to coach leaders, helping them recognise and address self-sabotaging behaviours that could impede transformation and growth.
The Value of Side Steps and Diverse Experiences in HR
Sonya believes that taking career side steps or trying different roles outside of traditional HR can be invaluable. Such experiences build maturity, resilience, and a broader understanding of people and organisational dynamics.
Whether it’s volunteering, travelling, or working in different industries, these varied experiences make HR professionals more well-rounded and better equipped to handle the complexities of their roles.
“When we try new things, it brings us closer to who we are and what we enjoy, and also our values, which carry through no matter what job we do.”
She encourages a growth mindset, openness to feedback, and embracing discomfort as essential parts of professional development. Failure, she says, is often the best teacher.
Why Passion for People Drives Sonya’s HR Leadership
At the heart of Sonya’s work is a genuine love for people and a desire to help them grow beyond their perceived limits. She finds it deeply rewarding to unlock potential and see individuals thrive both professionally and personally.
This passion shines through in her approach to leadership and culture-building, where human connection and development are central pillars.
“I love seeing people grow and develop beyond what they think’s possible and unlocking that potential so they can live their best life.”
Two Essential Pieces of Advice for HR Professionals
Sonya offers two key recommendations for anyone working in HR:
- Self-care is non-negotiable: The demanding nature of HR means professionals must prioritise their own wellbeing to sustain performance. This includes physical exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep.
- Hold yourself to high standards: Integrity is critical. If you expect certain behaviours or standards from others, you must embody them yourself. Living your values makes difficult decisions easier and builds trust.
She stresses that maintaining these standards and caring for oneself are not always easy but are crucial for long-term success in HR.
Balancing High Standards with the Realities of HR Work
HR professionals often face competing demands—from urgent recruitment needs and employee relations issues to strategic initiatives—all while managing personal commitments outside work.
Sonya advises cultivating strong habits and support systems to manage this complexity effectively. She wakes early for personal training and maintains a close circle of friends who provide non-work-related support, helping her disconnect and recharge.
Understanding emotional and cognitive dissonance—when personal values clash with organisational realities—is vital for energy management and resilience.
“We are the thermometer for the business culture. People look to us to see how we are acting and behaving—it’s a felt thing as well as a spoken thing.”
By managing their own wellbeing and energy, HR leaders can model consistency and calm, buffering stress for their teams and organisations.
Current Challenges in HR: Employee Experience, Retention, and Recruitment
At Sonya’s current organisation, where HR is a relatively new function, her focus is on creating positive employee experiences and improving retention rates. She highlights data from the Australian Human Resource Institute showing retention rates slipping from 12% to 16%, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Recruitment and retention form the twin pillars of HR challenges today, demanding innovative strategies and strong alignment with organisational values.
The Future of HR: Staying Curious and Adapting to Societal Change
Looking ahead, Sonya sees increasing complexity in employee relations as societal changes ripple through workplaces. She encourages HR professionals to remain curious, open to differing opinions, and committed to continuous learning.
For example, understanding emerging topics like neurodiversity and evolving legal frameworks helps HR stay relevant and proactive.
She advocates for a mindset that embraces disagreement and diversity of thought as opportunities to deepen understanding and improve outcomes.
Wellbeing in the Workplace: Beyond Compliance to Authentic Impact
While mental health awareness has grown, Sonya believes workplace wellbeing is still often treated as a “nice to have” rather than a strategic imperative. Many wellbeing initiatives remain at the level of compliance or tick-box exercises, failing to engage employees authentically.
She argues that for wellbeing to truly support high performance and teamwork, it must be driven by employee input and championed across the organisation.
This includes recognising that wellbeing means different things to different people and creating environments that encourage healthy habits, social connection, and balance.
“If people are happy and healthy, they’re more likely to enjoy being at work and contribute positively—this has huge social and wellbeing benefits.”
Sonya notes that the messaging around wellbeing often lacks sophistication compared to areas like health and safety or mental health, limiting its impact. She sees an opportunity for organisations to revolutionise how wellbeing is integrated into workplace culture.
Rapid Fire Insights: Personal Passions and Inspirations
Beyond her professional expertise, Sonya is an avid endurance athlete, having completed major marathons worldwide and coaching triathlon groups. This dedication to physical movement reflects her belief in the connection between body, mind, and performance.
Her personal inspirations include figures like Gandhi and the Dalai Lama, admired for their intelligence, empathy, and compassion—qualities she strives to embody in her leadership.
Sonya’s favourite movie is The Castle, which she appreciates for its emphasis on “the vibe,” reflecting her values of authenticity and connection.
She also recommends the book Ikigai, which explores purpose and values—a fitting guide for anyone seeking deeper meaning in their career and life.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection and Flow State
Sonya shares two powerful mantras that have shaped her approach:
- Progress over perfection: Letting go of perfectionism in favour of steady growth.
- Flow state: The concept from Daniel Goleman’s book Optimal, about being fully engaged and performing at your best.
These principles underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness in HR leadership.
Conclusion: Human Resources Is About Being Human First
Sonya Law’s rich career and thoughtful reflections remind us that HR’s core is deeply human. It’s about understanding people’s stories, behaviours, and needs—and creating workplaces where they can thrive.
By embracing strategic thinking, data-driven pragmatism, wellbeing, and continuous learning, HR professionals can elevate their impact and help shape better workplaces for all.
For anyone passionate about people, performance, and culture, Sonya’s insights offer valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of modern HR with empathy, integrity, and purpose.
