TPO Consultant Spotlight: Lidia Kasiak

September 16th, 2014
Written by: TPO

Meet Lidia

A native of Poland, Lidia Kasiak has served TPO’s clients, and TPO itself, for over seven years.  Her specialties include benefits management, operational support and human resource information systems (HRIS)—skills she honed during her years working for an HR outsourcing firm in Poland and later for an IT consulting firm. “I’m well-known in my family for doing things my own way,” she says.  “From a career standpoint, that meant traveling abroad and putting my HR and business skills to work here in the U.S.”

The Hybrid

Because she’s performed both client work for TPO, as well as some of the firm’s internal operations, Lidia lovingly refers to herself as one of TPO’s “hybrid models.”  Internally, Lidia assists with consultant onboarding, benefits enrollment and has helped with the development of an upcoming toolkit.  Lidia also serves TPO clients as needed.  For example, on several occasions she has worked as an interim HR manager for  companies whose HR employee took leave or completed a sabbatical.  “It’s always satisfying to be able to fill a crucial void for organizations, and also help them complete key projects such as implementing a new HRIS or restructuring a benefits system,” she says.

A Sucker for Structure

“My passions are staying compliant and staying in order!” says Lidia.  A lover of processes, workflows and technology, she enjoys putting structures in place to ensure the job gets done effectively and efficiently.  As such, it’s been easy for Lidia to thrive at TPO, which takes a uniquely business-centric, data-driven approach to HR and business consulting.  “I’m lucky to work in a culture that supports and fosters my professional style and curiosity,” she says.

A Certified Professional

Given her love of systems and processes, it’s not surprising that Lidia holds several licenses and certifications.  She has a Health, Life & Annuities Producer license in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland, and this year, she earned her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, which demonstrates her mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR practices, as well as U.S. laws and regulations.  Impressively, this PHR certification was achieved during a challenging time—following the birth of Lidia’s baby boy, Phillip, now 10 months old.  “It wasn’t easy, and I’m quite proud of the accomplishment,” she says.

Why She Loves TPO

Like many TPO consultants, it’s variety that keeps Lidia professionally satisfied.  “It’s always a good time for a new challenge,” she says.  Lidia enjoys having the opportunity to work in different environments, with different people on a variety of issues.  “TPO is a unique brand that always brings value to the equation,” says Lidia.  “I’m exposed to a wide variety of HR and business issues and have a chance to apply my expertise in new and exciting ways every day.”

Pursuits

Lidia’s personal passions are traveling, traveling and traveling—not to mention spending quality time with Baby Phillip.  “I try to go to Poland once a year to visit family and friends, and I love exploring the U.S., too” she says.  “For me, it’s all about the thrill of booking a flight, renting a car and going to see places!”  Lidia loves warm weather in particular and used her need for sun and sand as an excuse for leaving Poland.  “I came in search of milder winters!” she says.  While the D.C. area may not be a tropical paradise, she’s happily succeeded in escaping the bitter cold.