How I Show Up for the Business: Lessons from a Strategic HR Partner

By Amber Chatham, HR Consultant, DiSC Facilitator & Certified Scrum Master

Let me tell you something most folks don’t want to say out loud: being an HR professional isn’t just about people—it’s about performance. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, understanding the heartbeat of the business, and knowing when to lean in and when to lead the charge.

After 15 years in HR, I’ve learned how to show up—not just as the "people person"—but as a strategic business partner who moves with purpose, data, and discernment. And that’s not just a cute title. It’s a mindset. A mission. A commitment.

Amber guides business leaders in managing burnout

DiSC Helped Me Speak Their Language

As a DiSC Facilitator, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding behavioral styles can bridge gaps between departments and decode executive priorities. Whether I'm working with a high-D leader who values results over relationships or a thoughtful S-style team looking for stability, I tailor my approach to meet them where they are—then guide them where they need to go.

That’s the power of DiSC. It’s not about labeling people—it’s about leveraging what drives them to build alignment and trust. And in HR, trust is your currency.

Agile HR: Moving at the Speed of the Business

My Scrum Master certification taught me something else: HR has to be agile, too.

The days of waiting for permission are over. Businesses are evolving fast, and HR can’t afford to be reactive. We have to anticipate needs, prioritize like product managers, and deliver value in sprints, not marathons.

That’s why I run my HR initiatives like a project:

• Defined goals

• Clear stakeholders

• Frequent feedback loops

• Measurable outcomes

Because when you show up with structure and empathy, you earn your seat at the table—and you keep it.

Speaking “Business” Fluently

You want to know how to really show up for the business? Learn the language. Read the financials. Understand the P&L. Ask about market share and margins—not just morale.

I ask every business leader I support:

“What keeps you up at night—and how can I help you sleep better?”

Sometimes it’s turnover. Sometimes it’s talent gaps. Other times, it’s growth that’s moving too fast to scale responsibly. No matter what it is, I bring them solutions that are grounded in both strategy and sensitivity.

Because that’s what a strategic business partner does: we translate people problems into business outcomes.

Final Word: You Don’t Just Support the Business—You Drive It

I don’t see HR as a support function. I see it as an engine for growth. A lever for innovation. A pulse-check on culture, leadership, and readiness.

So yes, I’m Amber Chatham: DiSC Facilitator, Certified Scrum Master, and your favorite HR strategist with 15 years of war stories and wins. I don’t just show up for the business—I show up with intention, insight, and impact.

And I’m here to remind other HR leaders: You’re not “just HR.” You’re a business partner. Act like it.