Angela Harris Haynes

I attribute my success to a combination of experience, continuous learning, and meaningful relationships.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional leaders and organizations who trusted me to help them navigate growth, change, and complexity. Those partnerships have shaped me just as much as my formal training and executive roles.

I also believe in staying curious. Even with more than 30 years in HR and leadership strategy, I’m always learning—about people, about business, and about myself. Certifications like DISC and my Cornell HR training strengthened my foundation, but it’s real-world conversations and collaboration that truly refine my perspective.

Most importantly, I care deeply about people. When leaders feel supported, heard, and challenged in the right way, they grow—and so do their organizations. Creating space for honest dialogue and practical strategy is something I don’t take lightly.

Success, for me, isn’t about titles or milestones. It’s about impact, trust, and helping others move forward with clarity and confidence.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother.

She told me early on, “Build your credibility before you need it.”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight of that wisdom. But over the years, I realized she was teaching me that reputation is your real currency. Titles can change. Organizations can shift. But your credibility—your integrity, your work ethic, your consistency—travels with you.

She modeled that herself. She believed in preparation, in doing the right thing even when it wasn’t convenient, and in earning trust through steady excellence. That foundation shaped how I show up in every room.

Later in my career, a senior leader reinforced that lesson with another powerful reminder: “Don’t just understand people—understand the business.” That advice helped me expand from being an HR practitioner to becoming a strategic partner at the executive table.

But the core principle started at home.

My mother taught me that influence is built long before you step into leadership. And that lesson has guided every opportunity, every challenge, and every success since.

I encourage young women entering this industry to dream without limits—allow yourself to envision what you truly want without constraints. Once you have a vision, take the time to turn it into a practical, actionable plan.

I also recommend surrounding yourself with advocates, not just cheerleaders—people who will provide honest, constructive feedback and hold you accountable. Their guidance is invaluable as you refine your approach and grow professionally.

Finally, commit to executing your plan. Take intentional action toward your goals while staying true to yourself. Dream boldly, plan strategically, seek candid support, and prioritize living authentically rather than trying to meet others’ expectations.

The path to building Pinnacle Coaching and HR Consultants has been both exciting and challenging. After three decades in corporate HR, stepping out as a solo entrepreneur meant navigating uncharted territory—balancing business development, client acquisition, and personal branding while staying true to my values as a leader and coach. Like many women in leadership, I’ve encountered skepticism, the pressure to prove credibility, and the constant need to innovate in a competitive landscape. Yet these challenges have become catalysts for growth, sharpening my strategic vision and reinforcing my commitment to helping others overcome their own obstacles. Each barrier I’ve faced has strengthened my belief in the power of resilience, preparation, and the value of building a support system that champions both professional and personal success.

A key challenge in the HR field is that it can sometimes be undervalued within organizations, leaving HR professionals feeling frustrated and underrecognized. Executives can also experience isolation and need trusted, confidential support. The opportunity lies in providing strategic HR services and coaching to organizations that appreciate the impact of people-centered leadership, while helping leaders navigate transitions, complex decisions, and organizational change effectively.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, professionalism, trust, advocacy, and community. Born and raised in Memphis, I remain deeply connected to my community and committed to giving back. Beyond my business, I am an active member of SHRM, serve on the Board of Directors for the Germantown Community Theater, and have proudly supported the Urban League, including serving as President of the Urban League Young Professionals. As an Ambassador for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, I am passionate about highlighting Memphis as a city of opportunity, innovation, and heart. I believe in this community, I invest in it, and I advocate for it—both in my professional endeavors and in my personal life. These values shape how I lead, how I support others, and how I approach every opportunity to make a meaningful impact.