This HR pro sees herself as the ‘conductor of the employee orchestra’

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Karla Wagner has more than 25 years of experience in the HR function, with stints in retail and crisis communications, and is now the CPO at Fenton, a communications agency focused on social justice. While Wagner was hired as the CPO to “be the conductor of the employee orchestra, ensuring everyone is playing in harmony and hitting the right notes,” her initial mandate was to create a “world-class professional development function.”

Wagner told HR Brew she spent her first two years with the firm developing people infrastructure and solidifying its culture, enabling the firm to grow dramatically in size. Wagner said her colleagues have described it as a 40-year-old startup.

“Because we work in social change, and all of the things that are hotspots for us have been hotspots for the world: racial justice, voting rights, reproductive freedom, all of those things,” she said. “So, we’ve been busy [since 2020], and the firm has doubled. So, we have to be able to create an environment where folks can thrive.”

With more infrastructure in place, Wagner is now focused on creating on-the-job training for employees, overseeing a learning curriculum for leveling-up employees.

“Fenton recognizes not only what you bring...professionally—the skills, your knowledge, and abilities to the client—but then they also take the time to recognize what your passion is, what you do personally,” she said. “When I wake up, I’m excited about what we can do today and how we can continue to advance our mission.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What’s the best change you’ve made at work?

Introducing a program that among other things incorporated unlimited (flexible) vacation, working from home, and a gradual return to work post-parental leave. It’s important to note that this was pre-Covid, and at the time, the culture of that organization valued presenteeism, celebrated (literally applauded) very high utilization percentages. This program was a seismic shift for the culture, and I was pleased to work with firm leadership to usher in.

What’s the biggest misconception people might have about your job?

I think generally the misconception about the HR function is we are focused on benefits and hiring and firing. While those are very important functions, we demonstrate daily that we have moved beyond that antiquated perception. CPOs have a seat at the table, spearheading cultural initiatives and advising other members of leadership teams. We work in partnership with the CEO to drive business performance and transformation. To do that, we must be fluent in the firm’s business strategy, just as any other member of the C-suite of senior leadership team would be.

What’s the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

I was attracted to the HR profession because of the profoundly positive impact that you can have on people, and in some instances even change the course of their future. I’ve had some amazing experiences that I carry with me daily and they are the reasons I keep showing up all these years later.

What trend in HR are you most optimistic about? Why?

I’m really curious about the potential of integrating AI in our career pathing and learning initiatives. We’re partnering with a startup that is on the cutting edge of this and we are excited to see the outcome.

What trend in HR are you least optimistic about? Why?

I’m a glass half-full type of person...I don’t see anything on the horizon that I look at and say, “I’m not into it.”