“You have to know your unique value proposition and demonstrate it.  If you’re not able to demonstrate it, other people can’t see it.”

–Jonathan Tobe, Sr. Consultant-Talent Management, Infor

Members and friends, meet Jonathan Tobe.  Jonathan recently moved to the Atlanta area by way of North Carolina, where he was born and raised.  As with many a fairy tale, it was love that caused him to leave home and relocate here with his fiancé.  …Don’t worry.  The fairy tale is still working up to the good part of the story as they plan to marry next year some time.

Most of Jonathan’s career has been focused on Human Resources in various industries and in Project Management.  He has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as American Express, Merck, and Time Warner with a focus on recruitment operations and technology.  Just to kill any chances of anybody ever labeling him as an underachiever, Jonathan is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty.  Currently at Infor, his position has broadened beyond the scope of Talent Acquisition.  “My role at Infor is more of a comprehensive HR role implementing HR technology in other areas beyond Recruiting such as Succession Management and Performance Management”, says Jonathan, who has been with Infor going on a year and a half.

Jonathan recalls how he came to find the field of Human Resources.  “I actually wanted to be a teacher.  I come from a family of educators.  My mom was an educator and my sister was in the process of becoming an educator at the time when I was applying to an undergraduate teaching scholarship program.”  As fate would have it, Jonathan did not get accepted into the teaching program that he had applied to which would have paid his tuition for college in full, so he did the next best thing: major in Finance, Insurance and Real Estate at the University of North Carolina Greensboro instead and upon completion, was recruited by American Express to join a leadership program.  While completing the program, Jonathan was selected to work on a team with one of the organization’s leaders who was going through a restructuring with her team.  It was here that Jonathan was introduced to Talent Acquisition and got his feet wet in the Human Resources pool.  He started as an Analyst supporting Amex’s global applicant tracking system.  He has been building on his Recruitment foundation ever since, further developing his tool belt of skills with each new role.

Speaking of developing his skills, service has also been important in Jonathan’s personal and professional development.  He began his relationship with NAAAHR in the Charlotte Chapter where he served on the Board of Directors for 5 years and held two roles, VP of Administration and VP of Community Outreach.  Since transferring his membership to the Atlanta Chapter he has been serving on the Membership Engagement Committee.  “I remain impressed with the brand, and each time I go to an event I learn more about the organization.  NAAAHR Atlanta events feel like being in a room full of friends and family.  With Atlanta being so large it is nice to have a family.  I can have conversations with my NAAAHR family that most would not be comfortable having at work, but those walls are lowered here.  That’s one of the things I like.  Most of my career has been focused on projects, systems, and technology in HR.  My involvement with NAAAHR allows me to have a better understanding of the Human Resources field from different vantage points as I interact with more people.  Understanding the field from the different areas of expertise allows me to really live up to my role of being a true business partner for my clients.”

I asked Jonathan, what would you say to others already out in the field or even just looking to get their feet wet in the sea of Human Resources? He responded,

“You need sponsors as well as mentors.  Mentors, you can share the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Their job is to coach you.  Sponsors are your cheerleaders even when you are not in the room that can help create opportunities for you. 

Be confident.  You have to know your unique value proposition and demonstrate it.  If you’re not able to demonstrate it, others can’t see it.  And last but not least

Be humble.  Whether you’ve just landed your first HR job or you’re an HR Executive, always operate with humility.”

Want to hear more? Then come out and say hi to Jonathan in person and meet other professionals in Human Resources and other industries at the next NAAAHR Atlanta event near you! Click here for the calendar of upcoming event dates.  I also challenge you to take the benefits of your membership or involvement to the next level and become even more actively involved with NAAAHR Atlanta by joining a committee or even serving on the Board.  We currently have 2 vacant positions on the Board and various committees that could use some volunteers.  To find out more, speak with any Board member or email [email protected].  The organization thrives on the involvement of its members and supporters, as witnessed by the EPIC programming that is made possible by people just like you who graciously “demonstrate [their] unique value proposition.”