HR TO HUMAN IMPACT: WHY LEADERSHIP TRAINING ISN’T OPTIONAL (WITH LISA PEREZ)
In the debut episode of Kind of a Big Deal, host Kimberly Davis sits down with Lisa Perez, the award-winning founder of HBL Resources and creator of National Management Training Week. More than just an HR expert, Lisa is a passionate advocate for purposeful leadership and people-first management. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and radical self-awareness—and it’s filled with lessons every business owner should hear.
THE LEADERSHIP CRISIS WE DON’T TALK ABOUT ENOUGH
According to Gallup, only one in ten people possess the natural talent to manage. Yet many businesses continue to promote employees into leadership roles without formal training. The result? High turnover, burnout, and disengaged teams.
Lisa Perez has made it her mission to fix this. Through her Complete Manager Makeover program and the annual National Management Training Week, she equips managers with the soft skills and emotional intelligence required to lead with clarity and compassion.
“60% of employees leave their jobs because of their manager’s behavior. That number drives everything I do.”
A STORY OF REINVENTION
Lisa’s own entrepreneurial path started in 1999, when she launched her business before she was truly ready. After shelving it to gain the sales and development skills she needed, she returned stronger—and never looked back. Her story underlines a key truth: Success isn’t linear, and pausing isn’t quitting.
This message resonates especially today, when more than 62% of small business owners report feeling unprepared to manage people, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
CAREGIVING AND CAREER: THE HIDDEN STRUGGLE
Lisa also opens up about caring for her father during hospice while keeping her business afloat. Her experience inspired her to develop talks around caregiving in the workplace and the importance of employer empathy. With 60% of U.S. employees identifying as caregivers in some form, it’s an issue that affects productivity, morale, and well-being.
Her advice to employers? Build flexibility into your systems, and don’t wait for crisis to start supporting your team.
IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS A LIAR
So many entrepreneurs face the quiet voice that says, “You’re not good enough.” Lisa counters that with a practical tool: Read your own bio out loud. It may sound strange, but it forces you to acknowledge your achievements objectively.
“Don’t say no to yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask. And always keep moving forward.”
3 TAKEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND LEADERS
• Leadership is not optional: If you manage people, invest in training. Your business depends on it.
• Balance takes honesty: Know your limits, especially during life’s toughest seasons. Step back when you need to.
• Your story is power: The lessons from your personal journey are what will connect and inspire others.
