Karen Kirton, founder of Amplify HR, in our Sydney office

My StoryThe power of people and culture

As business owners and leaders, we have a unique power—and responsibility—to shape people’s work experiences.

We spend so much of our lives at work; when we get it right, people feel valued, trusted, and fulfilled. And the effects go far beyond the workplace. People who feel positive about their work are more likely to go home in a good mood, to be kind to their families, their friends, their neighbours. They’re more likely to feel empathy and to contribute to their communities. When we make work a place where people thrive, we help build a healthier, more connected society.

At Amplify HR, I’m driven by the belief that creating great workplaces isn’t just good for business—it’s good for everyone. And that’s why I’m passionate about helping small and medium-sized businesses make a real, lasting impact through positive, people-focused HR practices.

My journey to HR

When I first entered the workforce at 17, fresh from my HSC, I had no clear direction. I tried my hand at being an administrator, a debt collector, a salesperson, and even a web designer. Then, I landed in an organisation with a newly appointed HR Manager and joined his team as an ‘Office Manager.’ For the first time, I saw behind the scenes—how solid HR practices and empowered teams can shape culture and drive a business’s success. That experience lit a spark in me, and I discovered my purpose. I went on to complete a degree in Business, majoring in HR Management and Marketing, followed by a postgraduate degree in Psychology.

The challenge is that HR is often seen as the ‘policy police’ or the ‘department of no.’ This perception usually stems from a disconnect: many HR Managers hold degrees but may carry a mixed bag of principles, philosophies, and ideas. And, while they’re expected to coach and advise leaders, many haven’t had the chance to lead a team themselves.

Creating our methodology

Over time, I developed a simple methodology, Find Grow Keep® to boost team performance and culture. This approach helps organisations reduce turnover, improve productivity, and retain and grow talented employees. This is also the basis for my Amazon best-selling book “Great People, Great Business: Your HR handbook for creating a business that’s ready to scale and grow”.

As a former Senior Leader managing a team of over 20 HR professionals in a large company, I know the frustrations that can come with people management. And as a business owner myself, I live the day-to-day challenges of building a team and finding the right partners.

With over 20 years in HR and degrees in Business and Psychology, I’m passionate about creating workplaces that engage and inspire—especially for small to medium sized business. My focus is on practical, down-to-earth solutions that genuinely make a difference

 
 
 
 

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