Shelby Lundervold
I began my career in customer service, spending many years as a waitress and bartender before transitioning into an administrative role focused on safety and attendance tracking. Working alongside HR sparked a passion for the human side of business and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through connection, problem solving, and leadership.
My background shaped the way I lead. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of treating every interaction with professionalism and empathy. Those early experiences built the foundation for the HR professional I am today.
In addition to my corporate career, I am also a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, which aligns closely with my passion for empowering women. For me, it is about more than skincare or makeup. It is about confidence. It is about helping women see their value, recognize their strengths, and walk into any room with assurance. Whether in the workplace or in business, I believe confidence changes everything.
I am married and a proud stepmom to two incredible kids, and my family is my greatest motivation. The values that guide our home - integrity, perseverance, accountability, and encouragement are the same principles that guide my leadership. I believe strong leadership begins with character and is sustained by consistency.
Throughout my life, I have faced significant challenges that have strengthened my discipline and sharpened my perspective. Rather than focusing on obstacles, I focus on growth. Every experience has reinforced my commitment to show up with purpose, empower others, and continue moving forward.
To me, influence is not about recognition. It is about impact. If I can help someone feel more confident, more capable, and more empowered than they did before, then I have succeeded.
• Member of MTSHRM
• Member of SHRM
• Motlow State Community College
• Associate's degree
• Business Administration
• Management and Operations
• Mary Kay
• MTSHRM
• SHRM
• New Leash on Life
• PAWS adoption events
• Notes for Notes (through Hot Topic)
• Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success entirely to the people I serve, our employees. Leadership, to me, is not about titles or recognition; it’s about impact. When I ensure employees have the tools, clarity, and support they need to thrive, their growth and engagement become the true measure of my success.
I believe that when employees feel valued, heard, and equipped, they don’t just perform, they excel. Their feedback, their development, and their satisfaction are the clearest indicators that we are building something meaningful. They are the living proof of what strong leadership and intentional support can accomplish.
I am deeply passionate about creating an environment where people are excited to come to work, not obligated to, but genuinely motivated. I want employees to feel empowered, confident, and supported every single day. Seeing someone walk away from a conversation with renewed clarity or confidence is what fuels me. Helping others succeed isn’t just part of my role. It’s the driving force behind my own success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to stop waiting until I feel completely ready. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. There will never be a perfect moment when you feel fully prepared for the next level. You have to trust your foundation, step forward with confidence, and grow into the role.
That advice changed the way I approach opportunity. Instead of questioning whether I am ready, I ask myself whether I am willing to learn. Confidence is not about having every answer. It is about trusting your ability to figure it out.
Stepping forward before you feel ready builds resilience, sharpens leadership, and creates momentum. Some of the greatest growth in my career has come from saying yes before I felt fully comfortable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering HR is to learn how to work in the gray. The profession has evolved. It is no longer just policy driven or transactional. HR today is strategic and centered on partnership. That shift requires comfort with nuance, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate situations that are rarely black and white.
Early in my career, I leaned heavily on structure and clear rules. Over time, I learned that true impact comes from collaboration and discernment. HR is about partnering with leadership, offering thoughtful feedback, and balancing people needs with business objectives.
You do not have to have all the answers on your own. In fact, the best decisions come from inviting diverse perspectives and creating space for dialogue. When you learn to confidently operate in that gray space, you step into the role of a true business partner and strategic leader.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, in HR today is its evolution from a field defined by clear-cut rules to one that increasingly requires navigating ambiguity. I see immense value in learning to operate in these gray areas, collaborating across teams, and thoughtfully managing the emotional complexities inherent in our work. Embracing this shift allows me to contribute more strategically and support both employees and the organization in meaningful ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal life, my faith in God is my foundation. It shapes how I treat others, how I respond to challenges, and how I define success. My faith reminds me to lead with humility, extend grace, and remain grateful in every season. Family is equally central to my life. I believe in being present, building strong relationships, and creating a home grounded in love, accountability, and encouragement.
In my professional life, integrity is non negotiable. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or unpopular. I value accountability, clear communication, and mutual respect. I also believe in growth, both personal and organizational. Stagnation is not an option. I am always looking for ways to improve processes, strengthen teams, and elevate outcomes.
Above all, I value consistency. Whether at home or at work, I strive to show up the same way every day, grounded in faith, guided by principle, and committed to excellence.