HR has Street Cred
I've worked in HR for 20 years, across 13 countries, from startups hungry for growth to multinationals seeking to be nimble. Sure, HR gets a bad rap sometimes, and maybe it's deserved.
But I’ve seen what it looks like when people and teams reach their full capabilities—and when they fall short—across all levels and industries. Among the skills I’ve developed, helping people overcome obstacles and achieve their best stands out the most.
From Talent Retention to Talent Generation
One big lesson from my journey? It doesn’t have to be this hard. There’s still so much we can control and change. The workplace has become counterintuitive and chaotic, with buzzwords filling job descriptions, resumes, promotions, and exit meetings. The language, workflows, unclear decision-making, and endless titles create confusion.
That’s why I brought together the amazing talent I’ve met over the years to form The Bar Raisers. We’re realists, practical, and direct. We’re here to help you navigate the realities of work, from the front line to the executive level, cutting through the swirl of buzzwords and trends like AI and Zoom Fatigue.
But we’re also dreamers. We believe in making things better, pushing for change, and preparing you and your organization for what’s ahead to turn your goals into reality.
Make Change Make Sense
My journey has been one of hope and heartbreak: hope at all the untapped potential and amazing talent I’ve seen around me everyday, and heartbreak at all the needless barriers and friction points that grind people down. No matter the country, the culture, or the size of the organization, these are constant.
As a former refugee, I've navigated new nations, languages, careers, and industries, from entry-level to C-suite. I remember it all and how it felt, from those entry level gigs all the way up to C-suite. The point isn’t that anyone should follow my path, but rather that change is inevitable. Even in those times when it feels like life is stuck on repeat, the world is changing around us.
The question is, do you want to be the one driving that change toward something better?
If so, pull up a chair and stay awhile. We should chat.
Nahal
Founder/CEO
Meet Our Bar Raisers
Autumn Feenstra
Philosopher
I value eccentricity.
I’m good at perspective building, dot connecting.
My approach is to address the root issue.
Beverley Komorowska
Educator
I value curiosity.
I’m good at focusing the audience.
My approach is to track what matters.
Dr. Kari Marken
Trainer
I value co-creativity.
I’m good at catalyzing learning.
My approach is to connect research to practice.
Kevin Hughes
Storyteller
I value clarity.
I’m good at planning for contingencies.
My approach is to empower feedback.
Lasana Tunica-El
Thought Leader
I value freedom in accountability.
I’m good at relational organizing.
My approach is include to inspire.
Miriam Hanzlíková
Mathematician
I value rigorous analysis.
I’m good at turning data into foresight.
My approach is to to uncover stories hidden behind the data.
Nahal Yousefian
Servant Leader
I value inclusiveness.
I’m good at setting and raising the bar.
My approach is to ask more than tell.
Navin Narayanan
Hacker
I value responsiveness.
I’m good at making things user-friendly and intuitive.
My approach is systems thinking.
Nicole Butler
Integrator
I value adaptability.
I’m good at making the big picture a reality.
My approach is ruthless prioritization.
Julie Follette
Networker
I value transparency.
I’m good at getting to the heart of the matter.
My approach is to use humor to incite change and encourage action.
Rachel Ennis
Psychotherapist
I value radical empathy.
I’m good at setting context, focusing on the why.
My approach is highly direct, highly caring.
Drea Ramirez
Mold Breaker
I value change.
I’m good at trendsetting.
My approach is showing you that you already know the answer.
Chris Ho
Leadership Coach/Consultant
I value self-leadership.
I’m good at reading the room.
My approach is to hear what’s not being said.