Meet Mallory Herrin | CEO & Principal HR Consultant | HerrinHR

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mallory Herrin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mallory, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Early in my career and especially when I started my own company, I was overly averse to risk-taking. The fear of the unknown and the potential for failure often weighed heavily on my decisions. That said, I understand that great reward takes great risk, so I recognized that this was a fear I’d have to overcome.

Some of the most significant breakthroughs and accomplishments in my life and career came as a result of stepping out of my comfort zone. These calculated risks, while initially intimidating, presented opportunities for immense growth and innovation. They pushed me to think creatively, problem-solve, and find new ways to achieve my goals.

One critical aspect of my approach to risk-taking (and frankly what made me okay with taking big leaps) is maintaining flexibility and agility. If I notice that a particular decision or venture isn’t yielding the expected return on investment, I’m quick to pivot. Being adaptable allows me to respond to changing circumstances and adjust my strategies accordingly.

Risk-taking has evolved from something that used to scare me into a fundamental aspect of my career and life philosophy. I now appreciate that taking calculated risks is when the potential for significant payoff is highest. It’s about striking a balance between thoughtful decision-making and the willingness to seize opportunities, all while remaining flexible and agile in the face of uncertainty.

What should our readers know about your business?
HerrinHR is more than just an HR consulting firm; it’s a catalyst for transformative change within organizations. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering exceptional workplaces by focusing on the employee experience throughout the entire employee lifecycle, in a way that also has a positive impact on the bottom line for our clients. We believe that unlocking the potential within every individual is the key to unlocking an organization’s success.

Our journey at HerrinHR has been incredibly fulfilling, but just like any journey, it has had it’s challenges. One of the most significant challenges I faced was the need to wear all the hats in my company initially. At the very beginning stages of HerrinHR, I was the CEO, the HR strategist, the marketing department, the finance department, and more, all rolled into one. It was a daunting task, and at times, it felt overwhelming. However, this challenge was also a valuable learning experience. It allowed me to develop a deep understanding of every aspect of my business, from the ground up. It taught me to be resourceful, innovative, and agile in finding solutions to various problems. Now that I have an incredible team with me it isn’t as tough, and I appreciate them so very much. I’ve learned that the path to success is often paved with setbacks, but each setback is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.

What I’m most proud of is the impact HerrinHR has had on organizations and their employees. Seeing our clients thrive, witnessing their employees’ growth, and knowing that we played a role in creating exceptional workspaces is incredibly rewarding. Our success is measured by the success of the organizations we serve.

I want the world to know that HerrinHR is not just a consulting firm; we’re a force for positive change in the HR industry. We’re passionate about revolutionizing HR, making it more strategic and more people-centric, while empowering and educating leaders from all walks of life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d want to show them the diversity and vibrancy of Dallas. We’d start our journey with a visit to the fabrication yard, for the art and graffiti. The Bishop Arts District would be our next stop, with its colorful murals, unique boutiques, and fantastic dining options. We’d go have vegetarian cuisine at Radha Kalachandji’s Temple, immersing ourselves in both the food and the rich cultural experience.

For a taste of Dallas’s music scene, Deep Ellum would be on the list, where we’d catch live local shows at iconic spots like Adair’s and Three Links. The Granada Theater would also be a must-visit for its fantastic live music events. Klyde Warren Park, with its green spaces, food trucks, and atmosphere would be a great spot to relax and people-watch.

We’d have to fit in visits to the Dallas World Aquarium and Perot Museum of Nature and Science.To unwind and indulge, we’d treat ourselves to some self-care and pampering at the ZO Skin Centre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One person who stands out prominently in my career is my former boss, Anissa Wilson. She was not just a remarkable leader but also a supportive friend. Anissa’s mentorship and guidance significantly shaped my approach to leadership. Her unwavering belief in my capabilities gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and strive for excellence.

In addition to Anissa, there’s a book that had a profound impact on my perspective and leadership style. “Leadership and Self-Deception” by the Arbinger Institute is a book that demonstrates the importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership. It taught me that effective leadership begins with understanding oneself and recognizing the humanity in others. This book has been an invaluable resource that continues to influence my approach to leadership, both in my company and in my interactions with clients.

Website: https://herrinhr.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malloryherrin/