As Senior Human Resource Manager at 22nd Century Group, Inc., Alyssa Klimuszka believes modern technology has had a profound impact on the Human Resources (HR) industry, fundamentally reshaping the methods through which HR professionals can connect with and attract top talent.
HR is no longer confined to a single geographic location within four walls; talent can be sourced from anywhere. In addition, HR professionals can tap into modern resources to create and foster an inclusive culture, where staff feels connected no matter where they are. Such has been the practice at 22nd Century Group, Inc. as the Company has expanded its workforce over the past year.
Changing Lives Forever in Human Resources
Alyssa grew up in a family where she was immersed in the remarkable journey of watching her parents build a business from scratch. Witnessing their perseverance and dedication from an early age, she found enduring motivation in aspiring to attain even a fraction of their success. Alyssa’s upbringing instilled in her an unwavering determination and drive to always keep going, and the belief that, through hard work and diligent effort, anything can be accomplished.
Before joining 22nd Century Group, Inc., Alyssa has extensive experience in managing HR operations across private and non-profit sectors, encompassing both national and international HR operations. She began her HR journey in a pivotal role focused on recruitment and staffing. In this capacity, she successfully supervised a diverse range of contractors and remained available around the clock. She observes that, while this was incredibly challenging, it proved one of the most rewarding experiences in her professional trajectory.
During her time in that role, Alyssa vividly remembers an impactful incident where she received the most rewarding recognition any HR professional could hope for. She encountered a contractor who was facing difficulties in their work environment, and it necessitated her having to engage them in one of the most challenging conversations she ever experienced in her career.
“It was an emotional conversation, but this individual became one of the most devoted and hardworking employees I have ever worked with. When I resigned and left that position, this contractor sat me down and told me that I had changed their life forever. It was at that moment I knew I was going down the right path,” she declares.
Alyssa self-identified as “determined,” noting the multi-faceted nature of the term, encompassing qualities such as perseverance, commitment, and passion. However, in her perspective, to strive for anything less than the best is a departure from reaching the full potential of what an individual can achieve while staying true to oneself.
“The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi
Empowering The Workforce to Reach Their Fullest Potential
As a leader, Alyssa oversees all HR operations across 22nd Century Group, Inc.’s various divisions. This includes strategic planning, organizational development, and day-to-day HR operations. Under her leadership, the Company is building a fully national and operational HR department.
Since joining the Company, Alyssa and her team have accomplished significant milestones. They took the lead in implementing a new HRIS and Payroll platform, revolutionizing administrative processes by seamlessly integrating multiple functions. Additionally, Alyssa took the initiative to create and establish a comprehensive professional development program, empowering staff members with ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Furthermore, Alyssa forged valuable partnerships, including a collaboration with an esteemed international benefits broker and strategic engagement of industry leaders which drove a significant 50 percent increase in the Company’s overall headcount.
Alyssa firmly believes true success is not solely measured by her individual accomplishments, but rather, by the accomplishments of her entire team and department. For her, the hallmark of success lies in the ability to reflect on a situation or project and witness the surpassing of both the individual goals of her team members and the objectives set by the company. “My objective as a leader is not just to meet expectations, but to surpass them – to just meet expectations is to just complete the minimum required,” she insists.
Alyssa takes great care to foster a culture of integrity and innovation within 22nd Century Group, Inc., emphasizing accountability for all, including herself. Recognizing HR encompasses leading tough conversations, she actively coaches others how to approach such discussions, enabling their professional and personal growth in the workplace.
Her ultimate goal for the workplace is to establish a Human Resources Department that stands as a paragon of excellence. This entails comprehensively assessing the entire employee experience within the company and providing a level of sound expertise across all facets of Human Resources. Alyssa also strives to further enrich the company’s development programs, empowering the workforce to unleash their full potential and achieve personal and professional fulfillment.
Remembering Your ‘Why’ Will Keep You Motivated In HR
Family is of paramount importance in Alyssa’s life, and she makes it her top priority. Her personal motivation stems from the desire to continually evolve into the best possible version of herself, each day presenting an opportunity for growth. “I have not yet achieved all my dreams and I am not sure if I can firmly say that I ever will, as they are ever-evolving. I believe this is what keeps me motivated to keep pursuing a higher level of excellence and embrace new challenges as they come,” she reflects.
In her parting message to aspiring HR leaders, Alyssa urges them to remember why they went into the industry. “Everyone has a why, and there are going to be days where you’re wondering why you’re doing what you’re doing. In HR, we see everything and it can be a challenge, especially at a personal level,” she observes.
“You can’t go back and change where you are beginning, but you can start where you are and change your ending.” – C.S. Lewis
