Rahshonda Kirkwood

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT RAHSHONDA KIRKWOOD

I’m a Senior HR Leader and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a track record of leading global people strategy, organizational transformation, and executive advisory across high-growth and enterprise environments. My work sits at the intersection of business performance and human behavior. I partner with senior leaders to navigate complex workforce challenges, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and build scalable people systems that drive accountability, engagement, and long-term impact. Across my career, I’ve led initiatives spanning employee relations, organizational design, performance management, HRIS transformation (Paylocity, ADP, Ceridian), compensation strategy, and post-merger integration. I’m particularly known for helping organizations move from reactive HR practices to proactive, strategic people leadership. What sets me apart is my clinical background in counseling psychology. I bring a deeper understanding of how systems, leadership, and lived experiences shape workplace dynamics. That lens allows me to approach HR not just as a function, but as a lever for culture, resilience, and sustainable performance. I’m especially passionate about supporting leaders and organizations in building environments where people can perform at a high level without sacrificing well-being, identity, or psychological safety. In addition to my HR leadership work, I provide therapy through LifeStance Health, where I support individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, and identity-based stress—particularly within BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. At the core of everything I do is a simple belief:Workplaces don’t just need better processes. They need more intentional leadership.