Instructor Spotlight: Kathy McBrayer
Kathy McBrayer, SHRM-SCP, M.Ed., — is president and founder of TMP Consulting, a human capital consulting firm focused on working with C-Suite members to create trusting work environments that have bottom line impact. Her background includes more than 30 years of corporate experience in business and human resources. Over the past 10 years, Ms. McBrayer has held the Chief People Officer role at both private and public companies, large and small, in multiple industries. Her ability to span both strategic and operational levels provides her clients with a unique perspective on creating workplaces that are genuinely great places to work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University and a master’s degree in education from Texas Woman’s University. Ms. McBrayer has completed the coursework phase of her doctoral studies in Organization and Management with a specialization in Human Resources.
What made you decide to become an HR instructor?
I did not start my career in the field of Human Resources, so when I was provided the opportunity to move into the HR area I relied on some great mentors. Becoming a HR instructor allows me to give back to others with gratitude and thanks for those that did the same for me.
What’s your favorite aspect of teaching the SHRM Certification Exam Prep Course?
For sure, the students! I have taught both corporate and university undergraduate courses through the years and I have had some students take the class only because they had to! The students that attend the SHRM Exam Prep Course really want to be there and in true HR fashion, lean into the learning experience while also sharing their expertise with us all. In addition, teaching allows me to help mentor the next generation of HR professionals.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Everyone can learn — at any age or stage of career. The teacher is a main player in this learning and I never take that lightly.
What do you hope students will gain after taking your course?
While I am always cheering for my students to pass the SHRM Exam, I truly hope they leave the course with stronger knowledge, skills, and abilities that allow them to be more effective HR professionals.
What are the key concepts you hope students will leave your course with?
The life of the HR professional is — real life! The situations that cross our desks are reflective of the uniqueness of individual people. We balance that with the unique needs of our organization. This balancing act is what I call the Art of HR. We don’t “do” HR for the sake of HR, we do it for the sake of our people and overall company. The concept of being a true business partner is key to being an effective HR professional.
How do you motivate the students in your classroom?
I believe motivation comes from within each student; therefore, I strive to create an environment that allows that motivation to flourish. I do this through a variety of ways, including being prepared and ready for my students. Also, by presenting the material in a relevant way — connecting the material to what happens in the “real world”.
What is your #1 tip for passing the certification exam?
Practice, practice, practice. The exam has a time limit and often time (or lack of it) becomes a student’s greatest obstacle. Without practicing how to take the exam, one can get bogged down and just fail to finish the test. The SHRM Exam prep course comes with access to hundreds of test questions to use for practice. Take advantage of these resources!
What are three interesting facts about you outside the classroom?
· I have “retired” 3 times, yet went back to work each time. I love what I do!
· I have two adorable grandkids.
· I love to travel and have visited almost 20 countries (and counting). This quote from Mark Twain resonates with me (in more ways than one!): “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream. Discover.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Zombakis, SHRM-CP, is assistant director for professional and corporate programs at Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies where he manages a growing portfolio of successful face-to-face and online programs including human resource management, paralegal studies, project management, communication, marketing and leadership. Established in 1996, Rice’s Institute for Human Resource Education is the largest producer of certified HR professionals in Texas with pass rates that consistently exceed the national average. Rice University is proud to be a top 20 SHRM exclusive premiere university partner.
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