Professional Development

Organizations constantly undergo change, both formal and informal, with different parts of the business spearheading these efforts.

Whether HR is directly part of the change or not, it is essential for professionals in these roles to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of Change Management to effectively support their organizations through successful and sustainable transitions.

Join CPHR Alberta for an evening of networking, dinner, and insights as Agatha Starczyk from Praeceptum Consulting Inc. delves into the pivotal role of HR in managing change. Following this, Catherine Watson from Empowered Resources Inc. will share her experiences as an HR professional, leading and supporting teams through change management.

Learning Objectives for the Session:

- Exploring the foundational principles of change management

-  Understanding how HR supports change management

- Recognizing the importance of change management knowledge for HR professionals

- Collaborating with leaders and managers as HR to drive positive changes

- Examining HR's leadership role in times of change

- Differentiating when HR is solely accountable for execution in change management versus when it supports leadership and teams through transitions

Agatha Starczyk, CPHR is certified in Change Management and has over 15 years of comprehensive expertise in strategic advisory, executive leadership coaching, facilitation, and writing, She has worked in both internal and external consulting roles, focusing on talent and change management, organizational design, HR process and strategy optimization, and enhancing leadership effectiveness. Outside of work she enjoys travel, spending time outdoors and with her three year old daughter.

She is also a volunteer girl scout leader and community volunteer.

Catherin is on a mission to Engage, Empower and Elevate individuals, teams and organizations, guiding them to Evolve into their fullest potential. Rooted in a human-centric and evidence-based approach to human resources service delivery, Catherine's expertise lies in systems thinking, strategic communication, coaching, intercultural insights, creativity, and collaboration. Her aim is to catalyze personal and organizational development, fostering success, resilience, and excellence.

With nearly two decades of progressive experience in human resources, including over a decade in leadership roles, Catherine is adept at facilitating and stabilizing HR programs and processes. She skillfully aligns them with strategic priorities, guiding organizational culture transformation for the better.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Humanities from the University of Calgary, a certificate in Human Resources Management from Mt. Royal University, and is in the final stages of completing her Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies at the University of Calgary. She maintains prestigious certifications, including Senior Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP), and chartered membership with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR).

A fervent advocate for lifelong learning, Catherine delved deeply into change management and coaching during the pandemic. She holds change management certificates from Cornell University and the Change Management Review, alongside Prosci certification. Additionally, she is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and a Certified Leadership Coach (CLC). Catherine's repertoire also includes certifications in Gallup Strengths Coaching, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) I&II, Strong Interest Inventory (SII), DiSC, and Positive Intelligence (PQ).

Currently, Catherine leads the HR function at PanGlobal Training Systems, a prominent technical education and training company in Calgary as their Director, People and Culture. Catherine also coaches and consults with Empowered Resources, her after-hours and weekend side-hustle. Beyond her professional endeavors, she devotes her time to community service, serving as Vice-Chair of the SafeLink Alberta board and Chair of her condominium corporation. She serves as a frequent “Grizzly” on Higher Landing’s Grizzly Den panel. Her dedication to making a difference even led her to establish her own not-for-profit initiative, Sending Hugs, in 2022.

In her leisure moments, Catherine indulges in vocal jazz, arts and crafts, and cherishes quality time with her two senior rescue cats, Lulubelle and Emmett, who occasionally make impromptu appearances during virtual meetings.