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51
Member Profile
What led you to Human Resources as a profession?
It was more like I “landed” in the profession. After graduating from University of
Texas, Arlington in 1989 with a BA in Communications, I moved to San Ramon,
CA and took a job as a Payroll Clerk with Coldwell Banker. I realized I enjoyed the
people aspect of the role and began my journey down the HR path. I was able to
experience HR from both the for-profit and non-profit sectors in both generalist
and specialist roles and realized I found my niche in Employee Relations. I was
fortunate to truly develop my extensive skills by working in both union and non-
union environments engaging and supporting all levels of employees and issues.
In your opinion, what is the future of HR?
HR practitioners should be available and capable of supporting the full life
cycle of an employee. The analogy that I use now (having just joined John Muir
Medical Group as their 1
st
non-clinical position) is that we serve the “Primary
Care” physician role for employees. We must know/support them from a “whole”
standpoint. We will continue to be seen as partners in the C suite/executive level
as long as we think strategically — incorporating both human capital as well as
the business perspectives.
What would you recommend
to someone just starting out in HR?
Be open to starting from the ground up. Gain the understanding of a full
foundation and build from there. Be sure you are motivated by wanting to
“serve” the employee as well as the organization. It can be a tough balance to
manage, but if truly committed it’s a wonderful role. Be open to all opportunities
presented to you to build your toolkit. Develop very good listening skills. Strive
to sit at every “table” to ensure HR has a voice.
What do you find is the greatest reward working in HR?
The ability to expand my awareness and understanding of humans, as well as
helping an individual see their own potential for growth both personally and
professionally. Create and maintain a strong balance between being a voice for
employees and management.
What role has NCHRA played in your career?
They have been there as a “go to” for resources, connections and professional
growth over the course of my career, which is now 20+ years!
HR
BIOGRAPHY
LISA FRYDENLUND, PHR-CA
MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES
JOHN MUIR MEDICAL GROUP, MEMBER SINCE 1998
Lisa Frydenlund, PHR-CA, Manager of Human Resources, John Muir
Medical Group, has over 20 years of HR expertise in multi-state, civic
sector, for profit, union and non-union environments. Prior to John
Muir, Lisa was Chief People Officer at Playworks for five years, and HR
Director at the Arc of San Francisco before that. She holds her PHR-
CA and Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certificate.
