20 Questions With Erin Talbot, VP, Human Resources, Diamonds Direct

Erin Talbot is the vice president of human resources at Diamonds Direct. She is also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Erin a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman that inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?  
   “No Ego” by Cy Wakeman
2. What is a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
   Find ways to connect personally so that the team has a strong connection. It will boost collaboration and productivity. You can have virtual gatherings that just focus on team-building, and you can also leverage engagement platforms that involve recognition and gratitude.
3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career? 
   Trying to approach HR as enforcement. I had to learn to understand the business and how it operated before I could truly show value as an HR partner.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?  
   Holding people accountable while still maintaining engagement.
5. What’s the best way you motivate team members? 
   I help them grow in an area they want to develop. Whether I’m teaching them or supporting external continuous education, this is by far the best investment in your people as a leader.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?  
   Cy Wakeman is top of mind for me. I’ve seen her speak several times. Her approach to leadership and the humility from which she approached it is very inspiring.
7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year? 
   Based on changes with consumer behavior there’s an opportunity to adjust what and how we sell. I always see change as an opportunity and this is a great segue into invention and innovation.
8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?  
   Curiosity. I have a hard time with know-it-alls. They’re usually driven by ego. I’d much rather have a candidate with a little less experience but a ton of curiosity. Those people will be driven to figure things out, which will ultimately make them more successful.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year? 
   I discovered I had no hobbies! My dad challenged me as he didn’t see Netflix, shopping and exercise as adequate hobbies. I’ve since learned to propagate plants. My husband now wants to have some words with my dad:)
10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I’ve never been able to get into podcasts. People talking in the background become white noise to me. I retain information best by reading or having a conversation about it.
11. What values are most important to you as a leader? 
    Humility and grit. Humility allows you to fail and learn. Grit keeps you going until you get to where you want to be.
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you? 
    I’m genuine. What you see is what you get. I don’t waste time on trying to manipulate people or a situation. I save my energy for exploring options to find resolution.
13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance? 
    I’m slightly obsessed with Apple fitness. You can do it from anywhere in many different time increments. I also find that a daily gratitude journal keeps me focused on the positive things in life.
14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence? 
    I’m relentlessly curious.
15. What’s your favorite app? 
    Instagram! I live for funny animal reels or people scaring each other.
16. What do you do to recharge?  
    Honestly, recharging for me involves a lot of silence. I like to go on long walks or sit outside.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    I built my team from scratch. Not only did I have to overcome different cultural expectations, I had to build and strategize at the same time. I’m insanely proud of my team and the impact we have on the business today.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? 
    Focus on your own growth. Don’t worry about what someone else is getting. Just focus on how you’re going to get it. Educate yourself, network and just keep charging towards your goal.
19. What gets you up in the morning? 
    My alarm clock. I hate mornings!!! Honestly though, I look forward to helping solve problems every day.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    Having a network of women to collaborate with and learn from.