Meet Elise. An HR Director who oversees 1,700 employees, here she tells us some hilarious stories about when people have been fired, to what superhero would be great in HR.
How does Elise tackle burnout and work stress as a leading HR Director of 1,700 employees? A heart-shaped stone. Elise admits she’s neither a “crystal person” nor particularly spiritual. However, a shopkeeper in North Carolina, where she acquired the stone, shared that it has properties to promote balance, healing, and grounding. This sculpted pebble supports her through the good, the bad, and the ugly days.
She laughed, noting her coworkers can tell when she’s overwhelmed because she fiddles with the stone more than a middle-school boy with a fidget spinner. Elise also confessed she used to play with her hair during tough times, but this stone has saved her from many bad hair days.
Do you have something similar? A small item you carry around to fidget with during moments of stress or excitement? For me, it’s a silver ring depicting a moon, birds, and mountains. It sits on my left hand, endlessly spun around my fingers—sometimes dropped, always hoping it doesn't get lost— it feels as much a part of me as my right foot.
As conversations about burnout and mental wellness grow, it’s worth asking: does having a personal fidget toy or lucky charm help or hinder? Heidi Klum carries a bag of baby teeth, Chris Martin of Coldplay brushes his teeth before every performance, Serena Williams ties her shoes a specific way before each match, and Tiger Woods wears red on the last day of a tournament. These quirky habits normalize my attachment to my silver ring—and Elise’s connection to her heart-shaped stone. If you have something similar, don’t judge yourself for it. It’s more common than you think. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Curious about HR wisdom? As someone applying to jobs soon, I wanted to gain tips from a master of the art. Elise emphasized, above all, the importance of doing your research. Candidates who stand out are those who look her up on LinkedIn, ask thoughtful questions about her career path, or reference the company’s goals and mission. Extra points if they bring up suggestions for improvement, such as ideas for a better website navigation system.
For anyone reading and looking for interview hacks, here's a piece of the puzzle: do your homework. You’re welcome!
Let’s talk about getting fired. Not Michael Scott-style—real-life terminations.
It happens, and Elise shared two stories that highlight what not to do.
The first involved an employee with attendance issues who was being let go. In the middle of the conversation, she insisted on retrieving her keys from her partner (also an employee). As she left, she began running—full-on marathon style—through the building, sobbing loudly. Elise and the other leader tasked with firing her followed, fast-walking, smiling, and waving at coworkers as they passed, pretending all was fine.
Pro tip: don’t run crying through the building.
The second story featured a new hire in her 20s. During her firing meeting, mid-conversation, she picked up her phone, started sobbing, and tearfully told her mom she was being fired—all while still in the room with the firing managers.
Pro tip: wait until the meeting is over to call your mom.
Hopefully, you won’t need these firing tips, but they’re good to keep in mind.
Here are a few questions Elise loves to ask—and ones you should be ready for:
If you could pick your ideal job, what would it be?
(Reveals creativity and passion.)
Tell me something about yourself that people would find surprising.
(Shows uniqueness and critical thinking.)
What would your walk-out song be?
(Mine is "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga, FYI.)
Fun Facts About Elise
She’s a cat person.
She doesn’t drink coffee or tea but relies on one Coca-Cola a day.
She has a sweet tooth.
She thinks Batman would be fantastic in HR.
She loves to dance and sing—loudly and proudly.
If you’ve made it this far, whether you skimmed, read with your heart, or landed here by accident, thank you. Let me know your thoughts and/or feedback—I’m currently partaking in rejection therapy, so this counts.
Best,
Leadership Unfiltered Author
Emilia Marie Feltner
Great insights, very well written!