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Richard Rosenow

Crafting a Thoughtful Career Pivot

I started paying attention to Richard when he was working as a practitioner at Citibank during his earliest work in people analytics. He became strongly of interest to me though when he moved to Facebook and I was writing case stories on Visier’s customers, around 2016. He set up a full day of interviews for me to delve into what they were doing and how they were getting value. He was so thoughtful in pulling in strategic leads of Workforce Planning and People Analytics as well as technical and functional analysts, each giving me such a complete picture of what it takes to truly deliver business outcome-level value as well as identifying the challenges. He became one of my go-to experts who could always give the truth from a practitioner perspective at Uber, at Nike, and at Argo.ai. I devoured his thoughtful LinkedIn pieces on the people analytics tech stack and occasionally we would

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gently argue on what I also thought was important – the HR business partner perspective and change management. Along the way, he shared a bit of what was going on for him personally and I watched with delight as he took substantial time off to be a first- and later second-time dad. For me, he has always been someone who thoughtfully crafts his life fully. And he is one who cares for people – his work at curating job opportunities in the people analytics space has helped hundreds if not more.

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The Catalyst for Change

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Richard’s career journey has been marked by two significant pivots. His first redirection was years before we met, where he worked as a project manager and data analyst on HR projects in non-profit and then moved to the corporate world as an HR Business Partner at Citibank where I first noticed him, and then later into people analytics roles at Facebook, Uber, Nike, and Argo.AI. His second pivot has been from these practitioner roles to a focus on HR Tech product development.

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Richard’s career moves have been sparked by opportunities rather than a rigid plan. Every five years or so, he finds himself embracing a new challenge. His transitions have been driven by his sociology background and a deep interest in why communities come together and create value. His shifts have also been influenced by his desire to experience different organizational cultures, from the tight, frugal team at Uber to the expansive team at Nike.

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A New Direction

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Richard’s latest pivot is to his role at One Model as an evangelist. Here, his job is to write, speak, and build communities of practice around people analytics and he is one of the best. Free from the politics and management responsibilities he wanted to avoid, Richard is passionate about creating clarity in a confusing market. His mission is to help people feel comfortable with the complexity of people analytics, making it accessible and straightforward.

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At One Model, Richard thrives on simplifying the intricate world of people analytics, ensuring that others can understand and benefit from it. He’s driven by a passion for helping others navigate the complexities of data and analytics, staying ahead of the curve, and keeping his audience informed and empowered.

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Advice for Successful Pivots

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Richard’s advice for those looking to pivot in their careers is grounded in his thoughtful approach:

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  1. Embrace Opportunities: Be open to new paths and let opportunities guide your career moves. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore different environments.

  2. Conduct Thorough Research: Whether it’s moving from one industry to another or shifting roles, understanding the landscape is crucial. Richard’s pivots were well-informed and intentional, backed by his deep understanding of the fields.

  3. Stay Thrifty and Financially Prepared: Richard’s financial prudence has allowed him the freedom to make career changes without the burden of debt. Keeping retirement in mind and avoiding unnecessary financial strain can give you the flexibility to pivot when needed.

  4. Build a Strong Support Network: While Richard is largely self-directed, he values the mentors and peers who have guided him. Engage with professionals who can offer advice and insights.

  5. Respect and Understand Your Field: Richard emphasizes the importance of not talking down to HR professionals. They choose their roles to help and protect people, and it’s essential to recognize and support their passion and dedication.

  6. Maintain Work-Life Balance: Richard’s decision to take time off to be a first- and second-time dad highlights the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal life. Make time for family and personal growth alongside career advancements.

 

Conclusion

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Richard’s story is one of thoughtful career crafting, marked by openness to opportunities and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. His journey from non-profit and HRBP roles to corporate people analytics, and now to a role as an HR Tech evangelist, showcases the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and staying true to one’s values. His advice for successful pivots is a valuable guide for anyone looking to navigate their career with purpose and clarity.

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