Samantha Russell

Experience

I graduated with a Bachelor of Business from Newcastle University and commenced my career in the recruitment industry with a small industrial recruitment firm.  The majority of my HR career has been based in Sydney, spanning 15 years, where I have worked with a multinational professional services company. During this time, I gained extensive experience in remuneration and benefits, strategic financial management, performance management, and organisational restructures. Since joining Skildare over 7 years ago, I have worked across diverse industries, including Building & Construction, Aged Care, Education, and Professional Services.

My strengths lie in building strong relationships with stakeholders and understanding their needs to deliver tailored solutions that align with their strategic objectives.

Specialisation & Key Achievements

I specialise in the critical and complex aspects of HR, where things get really sticky and interesting. My expertise includes navigating challenging workplace investigations, mediations, organisational restructures, and all aspects of performance management. I thrive on resolving conflicts and delivering tailored solutions that meet the strategic objectives of my stakeholders. Building strong relationships and understanding the unique needs of each client is at the core of my approach, ensuring that I can provide effective and customised HR strategies and solutions.

In addition to my technical expertise, I am passionate about coaching and mentoring my team of consultants at Skildare. I believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where each team member can develop their skills and reach their full potential. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I aim to empower my team to tackle intricate HR challenges with confidence and creativity.

Beyond HR

When I switch off my laptop, I moonlight as an Uber driver for my teenagers, shuttling them to their endless activities and social engagements. I also tend to my little fur baby, who is now the only one that actually listens to me. My husband claims I’m happiest when I’m bossing someone around (usually him), but I believe I’m at my best with a glass of wine in one hand and a delicious meal (definitely not cooked by me) in the other!

As a family, we love to get away and spend time outdoors, soaking up the sun whenever we can. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long vacation, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures is something we cherish as a family. There’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering a hidden gem or simply enjoying a sunny day at the beach.