InteGreat Solutions' Spotlight on an HR Leader: Kayla Silva, Founder of The HR Collective
Human Resources professionals often play an unsung, but critical role in the success of organizations, blending strategy with empathy to support both people and business outcomes. InteGreat Solutions had the opportunity to connect with Kayla Silva, founder of The HR Collective, who has built a career around this balance, guiding companies through key HR transitions and challenges. With extensive experience in fractional HR and project consulting, Kayla has become a trusted resource for businesses looking to optimize their HR functions while creating a positive, thriving workplace culture.
The Journey to HR
Kayla's path to HR might have been written in the stars—well, at least in the family archives. "I grew up around HR. My father was in HR during the early days of Netflix, back when DVDs were shipped to your house. I would listen to him talk about his workday and always thought it was fascinating." This early exposure sparked an interest in HR, but it wasn’t until later that Kayla realized HR was the perfect blend of her passions: a love for people and a desire to drive business success.
"I knew I loved working with people and wanted to find a way to bridge my care for their success with business. HR was the ideal fit," she explains. That realization led her to build a career where she could make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations alike.
A Day in the Life of an HR Professional
For Kayla, the best part of being an HR professional is the opportunity to directly shape both employee’s careers and the broader business strategy. "I thrive on guiding companies through key transitions," she says. "Whether it's stepping into a leadership gap, optimizing HR systems, or coaching employees to reach their potential, there's something incredibly rewarding about seeing those efforts translate into real, positive changes within an organization."
Kayla is especially passionate about creating supportive work environments where employees can thrive. "It's the blend of problem-solving, relationship-building, and driving business growth that keeps me engaged," she adds.
HR Systems: Tools for Success
In her consulting work, Kayla has become highly familiar with a range of HR systems that support day-to-day operations. Some of the tools she’s used include BambooHR, Lattice, Greenhouse, Jobvite, Namely, Workday, SuccessFactors, and Paylocity. When asked about her favorite systems, Kayla highlights BambooHR (HRIS) and Greenhouse (ATS) as the tools that stand out to her the most.
"Having worked with early-stage startups, these two systems [BambooHR (HRIS) and Greenhouse (ATS)] offer a great balance," she explains. "They're user-friendly, which is key for smaller businesses that don't have a fully developed HR Operations team. They cover all the basics well without being too complex, and the experience is excellent for both candidates and employees."
One of her proudest moments as an HR professional came when a system truly started to work for her, rather than the other way around. "I’m all about automating and eliminating human error whenever possible. The proudest moment is when you get a tool to the point where it’s doing more of the work than you are," she says with a smile.
However, system integration hasn’t always been smooth sailing. "The most difficult part of working with HR systems has been during mergers and acquisitions, where you’re trying to merge two different systems and simultaneously train employees on new processes. It’s time-consuming and challenging, but also a rewarding learning experience."
The Magic Wand of HR Systems
If Kayla could wave a magic wand and create the ultimate HR system, it would be one that can truly cover the full spectrum of HR functions—without compromise. "I'd want a system that handles everything from recruiting to employee development and performance management. The dream would be one system that actually does it all and does it well," she says.
But beyond that, she'd want a system that specifically addresses the challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). "M&A is one of those complex areas where a lot of HR work happens behind the scenes. A tool that could guide the entire process from an HR perspective would be a game-changer."
Life Beyond HR
When she’s not helping companies optimize their HR processes, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family and staying active. "When I’m not at work, you can usually catch me on long walks with my pup and my husband, or at my local CrossFit gym. Both activities keep me centered and bring me joy outside of work," she shares.
Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals
For those just starting out in the HR field, Kayla offers a piece of advice that reflects both her own experience and the core principles of her work.
"Figure out early on whether you're a generalist or if you prefer a more specialized role. This will help guide your career path and the types of experiences you'll need as you grow."
She also emphasizes two qualities she believes are essential for success in HR: tenacity and adaptability. "HR professionals are always finding new ways to problem-solve, and that requires both resilience and flexibility. If you're an aspiring HR professional, reflect on whether those traits come naturally to you—they will serve you well in this field."
The HR Collective
In a world where the workplace is constantly evolving, Kayla is a shining example of an HR professional who not only adapts but thrives by making impactful, people-first decisions. Her work at The HR Collective is a testament to her passion for supporting both organizations and their employees, driving tangible change while fostering a culture of growth, empathy, and success.
For those lucky enough to work with her, it’s clear that Kayla is not just helping companies succeed—she’s making the workplace a better place for everyone.
https://www.the-hr-collective.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvakayla/
Instagram: @_thehrcollective_
