Leading with empathy means acknowledging how employees feel and giving them tools to overcome challenges, even when it makes leadership difficult.
Julie McKechnie, SHRM-CP · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Julie
Julie McKechnie, SHRM-CP is a strategic Human Resources leader with over a decade of experience driving people and business success. As a certified SHRM-CP professional, she specializes in aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, strengthening leadership capability, and guiding companies through growth and change. Her expertise encompasses workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and leadership development, particularly within complex and FDA-regulated environments. Julie is recognized for balancing organizational priorities with employee experience, ensuring both compliance and engagement are maintained at the highest standard.
Currently serving as Human Resources Manager at ByHeart, Julie partners closely with executives and leaders to translate business priorities into talent, engagement, and culture initiatives that enhance retention, performance, and organizational effectiveness. She has successfully implemented performance management frameworks, conducted internal HR audits, launched leadership development programs, and created strategies that foster a positive and high-performing workplace culture. Her ability to serve as a trusted advisor to leadership allows her to guide teams through change, risk, and growth while maintaining operational excellence.
Julie began her career in human resources supporting a range of industries, from benefits consulting and life insurance to manufacturing and healthcare. Through progressive roles—including HR Coordinator and Regional HR Coordinator—she honed her skills in onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and talent strategy. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management, from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and continues to expand her professional expertise, currently pursuing HR Business Partner certification. Her career reflects a commitment to cultivating strong workplace cultures, empowering leaders, and driving organizational success through strategic human resources management.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Julie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success can be attributed to keeping on the path of what I want to do, even if the path is bumpy. I don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned and try to learn from every experience.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be confident in yourself and your skills. You are your best advocate.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep going but don't sacrifice your well-being. Trust your gut because it's usually right.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in HR is navigating changes, whether it's within your company or external things, such as the economy or how AI is changing the landscape of what we do.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What's most important to me besides my loved ones is keeping true to who I am. Even though I may be different from other people it doesn't mean I'm wrong.
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