Insights from Hamide Ahmet, HR Director at award winning PR agency Tulchan Communications

1. Can you give me a brief overview of your background and experience?

Less than one year into my first role as HR assistant at a distribution and publishing company I was catapulted into the Head of HR role due to a colleague’s illness – it was a very steep learning curve – I embraced it wholeheartedly!

After 4 years, I moved to a national distribution and manufacturing firm. I was recruited by the HR Director, who had been there for 25 years, to be her successor – I learnt so much from her.

Following the 2008 crash, the firm went into administration and I was out of work. I put my energy into finding the right role with a property and fine dining company and later worked with very well-known property company – responsible for development of an iconic London landmark.  

The theme of my career has been delivering transformation which has given me continued learning and pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

I have been HR Director at Tulchan Communications since 2017. 

2. What would you say are your three key attributes that have contributed to your career success?

Authenticity.

Strong intuition.

Knowing my business – outside of a HR perspective!  

3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far?

The COVID-19 crisis. It’s been more of a struggle personally than for the company. We were already set up for remote working and my colleagues  are excelling in their work – they are a fantastic group.  

Trying to deliver a best in class HR service, making sure everyone is ok at home and home schooling at the same time has been challenging.  

I’ve had to develop the balance of letting people know I’m human and have challenging days while also empowering people with a ‘show must go on’ attitude.  

4. Achieving a ‘Best Workplaces’ award at Tulchan is impressive – how did you make this happen?

I couldn’t have done it without the Partners - particularly Andrew Grant and Andrew Feldman. I can only do my job if they embrace new ideas.

We’re a people centric company and always striving to do better.  

5. You advise senior management teams, no doubt sometimes reluctant to change – what’s you secret with implementing change?

Tulchan management embrace positive change. They are always listening, show empathy and have an open mind. And I always take a collaborative approach. If I’m implementing a change programme and someone has a better idea, I’ll take that on board.  

6. What is your most memorable work moment?

Tulchan moving 30 places up the Great Places to Work leader board from 43 in 2019 to 13 in 2020.  

7. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve been given along the way, and by whom?

I’ve always admired my former HR Director Helen Morton who sadly died last year. She told me early on in my career to ‘Be authentic and bring your whole self to work’ – I do just that!    

8. What or who inspires you, and why?

My Tulchan team mates – their energy and determination to deliver for clients is relentless.

9. If you hadn’t ended up working in HR, what was your plan B?

To be a lawyer.

10. Do you have any hidden talents?

Belly dancing  – I do it whenever I can!

Thank you, Hamide.