LinkedIn Friends, After the honor of serving 4 companies and the people in them for almost a quarter of a century... last week I closed my final chapter as a Chief People Officer. It's been a glorious adventure I could have never imagined. My final week was a week of meaningful milestones. In addition to it being my last week as a CPO, I celebrated the 10 year anniversary of #TALREOS, a community I helped found to elevate the profession and impact of the People Analytcs role. And had an inspiring and heartwarming close to my role as Chief People and Purpose Officer at Guild. My adventure began by learning how to adjust eyewear... and build a world class training and development leadership University at Pearle Vision. Then I learned the power of recognition apprecation, how to recruit amazing talent - and to write a darn good EEOC complaint response from my time Pier 1 imports. In my first decade-long CHRO role at Fossil Group, Inc. I learned that it's a "handbag, not a purse... you hold a handbag and purse your lips" (thank you Gail Stoke!), about values like "irreverent humor" and how to build an incredible, rock star people team. !n my 2nd role leading HR, I learned the power of analytics and how to lead HR in turbulent times with an all star HR team at Sears/Kmart/Lands' End. I learned how to surf, understand the power of kids at work, and to work in a place that embodies Purpose in unimaginable ways from legendary humans in my 3rd CPO role as Chief People and Culture Officer at the first #bcorp, Patagonia. I learned why icebreakers still matter and how to impact the lives of $5m people with better work and jobs in my 4th and final CPO role as Chief People and Purpose Officer at Guild... another purpose driven #bcorp. I'm stoked to continue to drive the impact of Guild on America's workforce through an Advisory Board role. I love the CPO role so very much. It challenged me, it made me a better human, it pushed me to lead better, and most importantly, it connected me to some of my greatest friendships and mentors in my life. My goal in life is "to leave things better than I find them" - and as I reflect back on the past 25 years... I'm the one that's a better human as a result of the people I've found... or found me along my way. And while the CPO role is in my backpack - I'm going to continue my work and purpose to make a substantial impact on this profession and the incredible (brave) humans who have chosen this as their path. I'm looking forward to a long and wonderful road with grand adventures ahead - where I can work beside and with you along the way. Stay tuned for my next adventure... with waves of gratitude and big salute. - Dean
Awesome and congratulations Dean Carter!! I am among no less than a million other humans that have experienced the joy, brilliance, personal growth, professional development,🤘!, jokes 😂, FRIENDSHIP, love and compassion of YOU, Dean Carter! We are the lucky ones that come before all of those you will continue to meet and influence. Love you, Dean!
Dean - I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and for you. I’ll never forget the first time you reached out 4 layers down to ask me to have breakfast and hear my perspective. You had a hard boiled egg for breakfast that morning (that convo is still vivid for me!). It taught me the importance of staying humble as a leader and listening first. I’ll never forget the first time you asked me as a project manager to come present my work on culture to HRLT. It reminds me today to give people the opportunity to showcase what they can do. I’ll never forget you giving me the chance the serve you as Chief of Staff. It was such a valuable experience that I believe made the acceleration in my career possible and for which I am extremely appreciative. I think about this every time I have someone who wants to learn something they don’t have any experience doing. I could keep going. But thank you for being an amazing human and for being a piece of my story!
Dean Carter you’ve had a profound impact on my life. 20 years ago, you saw something in me and brought me onto your team and this move would change the trajectory of my career. Not only did I learn so much and grow under your leadership, you were the best mentor anyone could ask for. I would not be who I am today without your mentorship. I am so privileged to have worked with you and thankful for all that you have done. Thank you for being an absolutely incredible person. ❤️
Dean Carter there is #lifeafterCPO - trust me it only gets better. Congrats you’ve earned the next adventure.
We’ve never met in person but I sat in the audience at Unleash when you presented. I, and a colleague at Visier, recommended you as a keynote speaker for Outsmart. I valued all you said then. I also started acknowledging and highlighting my use of ChatGPT as you modeled. Congratulations on all your roles and impact. I look forward to seeing your continued contributions. I believe your impact will be even more profound.
It was a pleasure working with you at Fossil, the cube decorating and Halloween contests that became tradition. You and Lisa built a team and created a department that supported all of us in ways we didn't realize we needed and all with fun and laughter along with the sweat equity. Thank you for always being genuine with everyone and teaching us to do the same.
Wishing you all the best Dean!
Truly legendary Dean Carter! An honor to learn from you and see you actively shape our industry and the cultures and impact of these organizations these many years. Thank you for how you’ve shown up for all of us in the profession and most of all for being that friend we never knew we needed but always had on this journey. Looking forward to your next summit! ❤️⚡️
Bahaha. I distinctly remember Gail saying the same thing to me! 🤣. Never forgot it!
Ph.D. at Stanford University
7moI remember interviewing you when you were at Patagonia for the book, Dying for a Paycheck. I quoted you and enjoyed thoroughly our brief interaction. If every HR leader was like you, workplaces would be very different in a positive way. I so admire what you have done and how you have done it. Sorry to see you move on.