Innovation Works

Kelley Benson

Vice President, Human Resources & Inclusion

LinkedIn Profile

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

What makes you the best person for your role? 

What makes me the best person for my role is my diverse experience in a number of industries.  Sometimes there is a misconception of lacking startup experience will not allow you to be successful working with the start-up community.  I’ve heard it a million times that Founder respect those who have experience in their field.  Having diverse experience in human resources which include many industries is helpful and show how transferable human resources skills are valuable no matter the industry.  My previous experience in legal, insurance, governmental agencies, utility, engineering, medial, etc. has equipped me on all levels to experience different cultures and have a solid foundation which is required to build a strong culture in any industry.  In today’s market culture is more important if you want to retain talent.  When a startup has to compete with well-established organizations for the best talent in the business industry, it has to look for more innovative hiring techniques.  Also, the employment laws remain the same for all businesses, including startups.  Any violations intentional or not could destroy a startup with unforeseen legal expenses.  Having the ability to help a startup define their culture is the foundation of assisting them with their mission and values.  Startups can move at the speed of lightning and pivot with little notice.  The Founders and Co-Founders are resilient and the bravest group of leading I’ve come across.  Assisting them with the most valuable resources they have…people is something I value.  I’m up for that challenge!

What is your favorite thing about working with startups? 

No startup is the same.  A Founder who is visionary when it comes to people and works continuously to put measures in place before needed them is exhilarating to me.  One example that stands out is a company that continuously asked questions about some of the horrible workplace stories they read or saw in the media.  My initial thought was, what is going on in their workplace.  I learned they were trying not to duplicate that behavior and wanted to ensure nothing like that occurred in their company.  Their company grew in less than 21 months from three employees to over 50 and they were prepared!!!

What do you love about living and working in Pittsburgh? 

It’s the only city I know. I’ve lived and worked here all my life.  I love the fact you can attend functions and always find someone you know or knows others in your circle.  Unlike many, I love the bike lanes as I am an avid biker.

Where can we find you outside of work? 

Outside of work you can find me biking through our city and walking through our local parks to clear my mind.  That’s where I find my Zen!

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My role in HR development is extremely important because Innovation Works (IW) recognizes that any value added to an employee is value added to IW and our affiliated organizations.  I find that most employees are eager for the opportunities to develop their skills and add value to their companies. The effectiveness of human resource management is crucial to business success as is diversity and inclusion. Many studies confirm that a more diverse workforce performs better financially, although it is not enough to be diverse. An organization has to be prepared to receive those who are diverse. In other words, be inclusive. I often say, “Diversity is the mix and Inclusion is getting the mix to work well together.”

I’m passionate about encouraging people in developing their career and personal goals. This passion began long before I became a human resource professional. Family, friends and coworkers frequently seek my advice when confronted with difficult situations. I believe this is because I can see things farsighted (big picture), fair (able to see both sides of a situation) and frank in my assessment.

I am no stranger to hard work and doing what it takes to get the job done with excellence.  I worked full-time and raised two children with my husband while obtaining my MBA. Looking back I wonder how I did it! I knew early on that I wanted to work in human resources. Now that I am working in what I believe is my life’s purpose I am committed to paying it forward by helping employees and entrepreneurs meet their goals.