Lauren Janarella

About Lauren Janarella

With experience across multiple HR roles and industries, I currently serve as an HR Manager in the game development industry—where creativity, innovation, and people-first practices matter every day. After exploring different parts of the U.S, I’ve settled in Raleigh, NC, growing both personally and professionally alongside my young family.I’m passionate about family, people, and health and wellness. Throughout my career and education, I’ve developed a strong ability to adapt in fast-moving environments, solve complex problems, and manage competing priorities. Extensive cross-country and international travel has further strengthened my communication and relationship-building skills—one of my greatest strengths as an HR leader.As a former coach and current athlete, I bring a goal-oriented, detail-focused, and collaborative mindset to my work. I currently lead an HR team of three, and in my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead initiatives that support employee-centered, high-performance cultures—focusing on empowerment, quality, and continuous growth. My mission is to create exceptional employee experiences by improving work-life balance, enhancing benefits, and leading with authenticity and accountability.Guiding principles I strive to live by:“Have a vision of life that inspires you, then try every day to grow closer to the fulfillment of that vision.” — Deepak Chopra“How you do anything is how you do everything.” — Martha Beck

Experience

1. HR Business Partner Lead

   Red Storm Entertainment

   Oct 2020 — Present · Cary, NC, US

   As a key member of the studio leadership team, I develop and execute HR strategies to attract, engage, develop, and retain top talent. I ensure Red Storm operates as a high-performance, sustainable organization aligned with Ubisoft’s business goals.In this role, leading the HR team of 4, I oversee all aspects of operational HR, including performance management, coaching, conflict resolution, compensation, benefits, recruitment, employee relations, and training.Key Responsibilities-Train and coach managers through performance evaluations-Foster a positive, productive work environment through employee counseling-Collaborate with leadership on talent strategy, recruitment, retention, and succession planning-Conduct exit interviews, analyze trends, and recommend improvements-Track and present key HR data to leadership-Manage the HR budget and support employee career development-Analyze compensation trends and propose competitive pay structures-Oversee benefits administration and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations-Develop learning programs to promote employee growth and development-Lead studio-wide employee relations efforts.

Education

• Emory University

  PHR/SPHR Certification Review, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

  2016 — 2016

• Winthrop University

  Bachelor’s Degree, International Business

  2002 — 2006

• Argosy University

  Master's Degree, Human Resources Management

  2013 — 2014

Skills

• HR Management
• Professional in Human Resources (Phr)
• Interviewing
• Organizational Development
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Learning Management Systems
• Higher Education
• Resume Writing
• Onboarding
• Human
• Management
• Team Building
• Powerpoint
• Training
• Team Management
• Sales Operations
• Customer Service
• Analysis
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Interviews
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Wage & Hour Laws
• Strategic Planning
• Employee Relations
• Coaching
• Hiring
• Cold Calling
• Program Management
• Employee Training
• Operations Management
• Employee Handbooks
• HR Software
• Global Human Resources Management
• Employee Engagement
• HR Strategy
• Event Planning
• Microsoft Office