On a regular basis Kristin Flynn is told “you have the worst job.” That sentiment is often followed with “I would never want your job.” And on a regular basis the head of one of the county’s largest HR departments finds inspiration doing a job that so many others can’t.
A year out from being named to the Pacific Coast Business Times Top 40 Under 40 and just four years after moving to San Luis Obispo, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center’s chief human resources officer has already made a name for herself on the Central Coast.
The former social worker and Queen Elizabeth I fan recently sat down and talked about Jennifer Lawrence, driving a U-Haul down Higuera and, much to our disappointment, wouldn’t share any funny stories from her HR “vault.”
Who would play you in the film of your life?
If I could choose anyone past or present, I would choose Vivien Leigh, only because people have sworn we bear an uncanny resemblance. I’m not sure that I see it, other than her classic raised eyebrow look, which I am guilty of displaying quite often. Looking at present day options, I would choose Jennifer Lawrence. She isn’t afraid to be true to herself and comes across as very relatable. She has an incredible sense of humor, she’s quirky, not afraid to embarrass herself, is not caught up in trying to be perfect, and is unapologetic for making statements that go against the grain.
Which historical figure would you like to take to coffee?
I would take Queen Elizabeth I to coffee. I’m not sure how she would feel about an almond milk latte (my personal favorite), but I am certain she has stories to tell. She was a true intellect, never married, was tolerant of all religions, and brought the Renaissance to England. She also had her plotting cousin Mary killed, and defeated the Spanish Armada—she had no time for drama.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Temperance. And not solely because we live in one of the greatest wine regions in the world. By definition, the word refers to moderation and self-restraint. Having temperance can keep you from taking risks and experiencing things in life that might scare you or be outside of your comfort zone. Some of my greatest growth has come from throwing temperance to the wind… it comes with risks, but risk taking is often where great things begin.
Where would you rather be right now?
Truly there is no other place I would rather live —SLO has become my home and I am extremely happy here. My sense of community has grown exponentially over the past couple of years and in addition to being a geographically beautiful area, it is the people that truly keep me here.
Where would I rather be in this moment? Traveling. I love to experience new cities and cultures and any time I am able to do so, I feel fortunate. Sometimes I find myself avoiding travel because it’s cumbersome or I am comfortable here in SLO, but each time I leave I discover fascinating new culture, food, art and people.
What drew you to the human resources industry?
- The ability to become extremely popular at work
- The constant avoidance of my phone calls and eye contact
I hope you are laughing. I’m sure you have all avoided HR at some point, right? In all seriousness, at the time I got into HR, I was a social worker, but looking for a job closer in proximity to my family. I submitted my resume to a hospital advertising for an HR Supervisor, and they happened to hire me. My career progressed from there and I have grown to love this field. Human Resources is truly like nothing else. You have to be quick on your feet, have zero attachment to people liking you, and be able to navigate every type of personality imaginable. You find yourself mediating disagreements, consoling employees, creating “people” strategies, and working tirelessly to make sure you provide a positive work environment. I love it because it is an absolute challenge. People tell me almost daily “You have the worst job—I would never want your job.” I revel in that statement because it tells me I am doing something that others truly couldn’t or wouldn’t—and I find that inspiring.
When you finally sit down to write your autobiography what story from HR will you lead with?
Most of the stories are all in the “vault” as I call it, and as an HR professional, I would be remiss in divulging that information. However, not all of my stories are the kind that you might think of. Working in HR for over a decade, I do have those outlandish stories of things you can’t believe people do at work, but I also have many rewarding stories. In my heart, I truly believe that people are inherently good. But we all make mistakes—and we make mistakes at work. I have delivered the news that a person’s employment was being terminated on many occasions, and I can tell you it never gets easier. But the way in which you deliver that message can make the difference in how that person moves forward in the future. On one occasion, I delivered that unfortunate news, but helped the person work through the emotion and fear associated with losing their job. That person returned to my office the next day with a bouquet of flowers, thanking me for treating them like a person, and not someone who was just being discarded. It is always my goal to help people through difficult situations with dignity and compassion and help them find hope.
In 2011 you moved to SLO not knowing a soul, since then you’ve created a name for yourself. How’d you do that?
Being new to SLO certainly had its challenges. First off, never trust Google maps when it tells you to take Higuera through downtown to return a U-Haul. I’m pretty sure I took up all three lanes and received many unfavorable hand gestures. As far as creating a name for myself—that is both flattering and humbling. I never sought to make a name for myself, but rather, just aspired to do my best at work, establish friendships, and involve myself in the community. A major turning point for me was being a part of Leadership SLO (Class XXIII rocks!) last year. That experience completely changed my connection and interaction with SLO County. I was given an inside look at so many facets of this area and more importantly established connections with people who I know will be lifelong friends. It was during Leadership SLO that I was challenged to be more authentic and to involve myself in things I might have otherwise been hesitant to explore. I have joined new committees and boards, gained at least 5 new Facebook friends, and had many moments where I simply give thanks for all that is around me. The past year has been a wildly exciting time and one I plan to continue to build upon. I am truly grateful to each person who has enriched my life.