If there’s one thing Nicole Olver, Chief People Officer at Inspire Clean Energy (Inspire), knows how to do, it is disrupting the Human Resources (HR) space. Olver’s work in international development, the tech industry and now, at Inspire, has all given her a distinctive perspective on the significance of HR in helping companies stay ahead of the curve. The HR Digest was fortunate enough to uncover how Olver’s diverse background has influenced her HR philosophy and the ways she implements innovative trends to stay ahead. Aspiring industry professionals and industry veterans alike will gain invaluable insights and inspiration from this HR thought leader.
Creating a Learning Environment
To create thriving companies, HR professionals must understand the diverse needs of employees and foster a learning environment that caters to individuals with varying skills, experiences and perspectives. This is true in all industries, and Nicole Olver’s career has given her the opportunity to both listen to and empathize with employees in a range of contexts.
Olver believes that addressing the myriad issues that come with people management is a complex task that requires the commitment of an entire organization’s leadership, not just the HR team. In her role as Chief People Officer at Inspire, she emphasizes the importance of understanding employee needs and engaging leadership to create a strategic approach that values employee engagement alongside, not secondary to, business growth and profitability.
Olver’s belief in the crucial role of HR to drive company success is evident in her innovative practices at Inspire. Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific examples that have had a significant impact on employee engagement and satisfaction.
How Nicole Olver Overcomes Challenges
Nicole Olver recognizes two main obstacles for HR professionals looking to gain influence in their company: a lack of collaboration and getting sidelined when it comes to formulating and implementing strategies. She believes that HR leaders should be involved with high-level corporate decisions at the ground level, not just being called in when there is a challenge. By prioritizing people management, company leaders can anticipate workplace issues and set themselves up for long-term success. At Inspire, Olver works with a proactive executive team that values HR’s contributions.
A related challenge to success that Olver has noted is a tendency for company divisions to rigidly adhere to silos. Olver stresses the need to address this tendency directly with other executives. When teams are kept too narrowly within designated “swim lanes,” this can cause duplicated work, bottlenecks and sluggish decision-making. At Inspire, Olver has maintained strong connections with her fellow executives to ensure seamless cross-team collaboration and an atmosphere where employees can give their all under a shared mission: expanding access to renewable energy.
At the Heart of Olver’s HR Philosophy
The unique fusion of Olver’s talents in fine arts and business is what sets her apart as Chief People Officer at Inspire Clean Energy. Her passion for community and her background further bolster her HR prowess, letting her create and implement groundbreaking solutions. For Olver, it is not only the strategic playbooks that help create successful companies but also the willpower to adjust plans in the face of changing winds. Her ability to think both creatively and strategically makes her well-equipped to handle challenges on any scale.
Sustainability at the Core of Inspire Clean Energy
At Inspire, Olver ensures their HR strategy is in line with their sustainability and environmental objectives. The HR department works directly with the executive team, sustainability function and ERG chairs to initiate company-wide ESG-oriented goals. These goals are connected to their respective ESG scorecard and bonus payouts. This connection between sustainability and Inspire’s workforce creates a feeling of ownership for each employee, encouraging collective action for a carbon-free future.
How Olver Stays Ahead of Industry Trends
Olver has outlined strategies for HR professionals to remain competitive and make a meaningful impact within their organizations. She stresses the need for continual education both in and outside the workplace, as well as an openness to new ideas, trends and methodologies. Olver recommends Lars Schmidt’s book, “Redefining HR,” as a beneficial resource for those looking to alter their approach. She also advises HR professionals to collaborate with their counterparts from different industries to gain valuable insights and broaden their perspectives.
Olver is a genuine thought-leader in HR, renowned for her commitment to creating a learning environment and nurturing a “Best Place to Work” culture at Inspire. Her unconventional background and passion for disruption have enabled her to implement innovative practices and strategies that have greatly impacted both the company and its employees. Olver’s dedication to cultivating a positive work environment has earned her a respected place in the HR industry.
As we look to the future, we anticipate that Nicole Olver will remain a leader in HR transformation, inspiring others to embrace progress and place people at the forefront of their organizations.