Her Story
About Linda
Linda Dunn is a business consultant with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their HR frameworks and operational foundations. Based in Ohio, she provides fractional HR and consulting services to smaller businesses, guiding owners through employee relations matters, regulatory compliance, and the everyday challenges of building a healthy workplace. Her career began at Claire's, where she discovered a passion for leadership that carried her through progressively senior field roles, including multi-unit and district management positions at organizations such as Dollar General, Pet Valu, Party City, and Christopher & Banks, where she was recognized as the top-performing Regional Manager nationwide. Throughout her career, Dunn has built a reputation for pairing operational discipline with a deeply people-centered leadership style. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University and has gone on to earn her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, reinforcing the field expertise she has developed over more than a decade and a half of hands-on leadership. Her approach centers on clarity, follow-through, and investing individual time in the people she works with, believing that trust and authentic communication are what ultimately drive strong team outcomes. Beyond her consulting work, Dunn is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and giving back to her community. She has served on advisory boards for both Ashland University, with a focus on advancing women in leadership, and Virginia Marti College of Art and Design, where she supported students preparing to enter the workforce. In recognition of her professional impact, she was selected as one of Ohio's influential women for 2026. Outside of her career, Dunn is an enthusiastic international traveler and dedicates her time to volunteering at a local homeless shelter and supporting animal welfare efforts.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Linda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a strong sense of who I am and remaining true to my values, regardless of the circumstances around me. That foundation has given me the confidence to make difficult decisions, earn the trust of others, and lead with consistency through both success and adversity. I've also been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who have believed in me, challenged me, and supported my journey. Success is never achieved alone, and I'm grateful for the relationships that have helped shape both my career and the leader I've become.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you always have a choice, even when it doesn't feel like you do. Recognizing your options, thinking through them carefully, and making a deliberate decision is where your real power lies. You may not be able to control every circumstance, but you can always choose how you respond to it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd encourage young women entering this field—and really anyone beginning their career—to know who they are before they let the world define them. Stay authentic, stay present with your teams, and invest genuine time in developing the people around you. Clear, honest communication and meaningful one-on-one conversations build trust, and trust is the foundation of every great leader. Challenges will come, but don't let them define your path. Keep learning, keep growing, and never lose sight of who you are.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges I see today is that leaders are being pulled in more directions than ever before. Administrative demands, constant change, and advancing technology have made it easy to lose sight of the human side of leadership. When leaders have less time to coach, mentor, and truly know their people, organizations risk losing trust, engagement, and the next generation of great leaders. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity for organizations that choose to invest intentionally in leadership development, meaningful relationships, and workplace cultures where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Those organizations won't just attract exceptional talent—they'll inspire people to stay and grow.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the foundation of both my work and my personal life. It shapes how I lead, how I build relationships, and how I make decisions. I believe it begins with knowing who you are as a person. When your values remain consistent, people learn they can trust your judgment and rely on your decisions. Knowing who you are gives you the confidence to become everything you're capable of becoming.
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