New HR adventures. Same HR mission: GREAT WORKPLACE CULTURES.
After 20 years in Human Resources, I’ve seen it all.
Transformational cultures, incredible leaders, and, yes, some very messy moments have all been experienced along the way. But through it all, one thing has remained constant for me: my belief that great workplaces are made through purpose, a focus on people, and a progression that requires an active and continuous use of data. They’re built day by day, through intention, empathy, leadership, and a little bit of 'magic'. That's the unique secret sauce that every workplace brings and is different than anywhere else.
That’s what led me to create Harley Shows… a book series designed to spark conversations about leadership, encouragement, teamwork, and the many ways we show up for one another at work and in life.
Each book in the Harley Shows… Series follows Harley, an ever-curious and spirited guy, as he navigates new challenges with his friends and learns what it means to lead, listen, and lift others up. These stories are rooted in lessons I've spent my career teaching (and learning): that culture is personal, leadership is human, and encouragement is a power we all carry.
The First Book: Harley Shows Encouragement
In the debut story, Harley is excited to take the stage in a school play, but not everything goes according to plan. When a castmate forcefully steps up to lead, Harley realizes that true leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight and shows that it’s about helping others shine.
It’s a message I’ve tried to carry through every team, every role, and every organization I’ve had the privilege to work with. Culture comes to life in the moments we support one another and even the smallest spark of encouragement can change the course of a day, or a career.
Why This, Why Now?
Writing this series is a new chapter for me, but it’s not a departure. It’s an extension of the work I’ve always loved:, this thing we call Human Resources. I help people grow, reflect, and show up better for one another. Only now, I get to do it through a new medium that sparks conversations.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll follow along as Harley and friends take the stage, face the crowd, and show us all what it means to lead with heart.
Book One: Harley Shows Encouragement
Illustrations provided by ChatGPT.
Posted: 22 May 2025
Christopher A. Hudson, SHRM-SCP, Associate CIPD
