Welcome back to the HR Higher Version Podcast — where I talk about what it really takes to grow your career in human resources, from the inside out. I’m Kristen Wade — executive coach, HR leader, and your go-to guide for getting unstuck and stepping into the next, higher version of your career.
I’m especially excited about today’s episode, because it’s a message so many HR professionals need to hear — maybe even you.
I’m talking about something I see stall careers over and over again: the pursuit of perfection.
And here’s the thing: the HR professionals I work with are smart, thoughtful, and deeply committed to doing things right. But sometimes, that strength turns into a trap — one that keeps them overthinking, second-guessing, and holding back from taking bold moves forward.
Today, we’re going to talk about what it means to choose perseverance over perfection — and how making that one shift can change the entire trajectory of your career.
Now, before I dive in — I have something I’m thrilled to share with you.
I’m launching a brand-new 3-part leadership series designed specifically for HR professionals who are ready to break out of the stall, level up their leadership, and finally start moving toward the executive roles you know they’re capable of.
In this free series, I’ll be walking you through:
- Why so many HR leaders stall out — and how to identify the real roadblocks
- How to build a personal brand and executive presence that gets noticed
- And how to think strategically and lead with influence at the executive level
It’s packed with the exact insight and guidance I share with my coaching clients — and it’s completely free.
So make sure you’re subscribed, and stay tuned — because over my next two episodes, I’ll be sharing all the details, including how to sign up.
But today, let’s start with a mindset shift that’s essential to getting unstuck — Perseverance over Perfection.
The Perfection Trap in HR
Let’s be honest — HR people are really good at being prepared. We like having the right answer.
The clean process. The perfect spreadsheet. And in some ways, that’s what makes us great at our jobs.
But I’ve also seen that same perfectionism hold people back from stepping into leadership.
They delay applying for the director role because they’re not 100% sure they’re ready.
They hold back in meetings, waiting for the “perfect” way to say something.
They stay behind the scenes, polishing systems while others take the spotlight.
Here’s the truth: perfection isn’t leadership. Perseverance is.
Leadership is about showing up before you feel fully ready — and continuing to show up even when it’s messy, uncertain, or imperfect.
What HR Perseverance Really Looks Like
Let me tell you what perseverance actually looks like in HR professionals:
- It’s when you don’t get the promotion the first time… but use the feedback to grow and double down on your development.
- It’s when you speak up in an executive meeting — even if your voice shook — and kept doing it until people started listening.
- It’s when you launch your first HR initiative and grow through the missteps instead of being paralyzed by fear of “doing it wrong.”
This is when you rise. Not because you were flawless — but because you kept moving.
How to Shift Into Action
If this is resonating with you, let me ask:
Where in your career are you waiting until it’s perfect before you move?
What are you putting off until you feel more ready, more polished, more certain?
Let me offer you this:
- Clarity comes from action.
- Confidence comes from repetition.
- Growth comes from perseverance.
You don’t need to be perfect to grow — but you do need to keep going.
This is the work I’m so passionate about: helping HR professionals like you let go of perfectionism, get clear on where they’re going, and build the courage and consistency to actually get there.
A Free 3-Part HR Webinar Series
If this message speaks to you, you’ll want to make sure you’re subscribed — because in the next two episodes, I’ll be announcing something special: a free 3-part leadership series designed to help you break through the exact barriers I talked about today.
I’ll be covering:
✅ What’s really stalling your growth
✅ How to build a personal brand that gets you noticed
✅ How to lead strategically at the executive level
For today, I want to leave you with this:
Don’t wait for perfect. Wait for nothing. Start now. Keep going. That’s perseverance. That’s leadership.
Weekly Challenge:
Before we wrap up, I want to leave you with a challenge — because insight is powerful, but action is what creates transformation.
Your challenge this week is this:
Identify one thing you’ve been procrastinating on because you’re waiting for it to be perfect — and take one messy, imperfect step forward.
That might be:
- Raising your hand for a project even if you don’t feel 100% qualified
- Reaching out to a mentor or decision-maker for a conversation
- Updating your LinkedIn profile instead of endlessly tweaking your résumé
- Speaking up in a meeting before your thought is fully polished
Whatever it is — do it. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Especially if it’s uncomfortable. That’s where the growth is.
And if you want accountability? DM me or tag me on LinkedIn and tell me what step you took. I’d love to cheer you on.
Remember: you don’t need to be perfect to lead powerfully — you just need to keep going.
