IN the dynamic realm of corporate leadership, certain figures emerge as beacons of change, guiding their teams with resilience, empathy, and a vision for inclusivity. Anadeen Nembhard, the head of people, culture and talent at Sygnus, embodies this paradigm of leadership. Her journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of determination and the quest for positive transformation.

Nurtured in the bustling heart of Montego Bay, St James, Nembhard embarked on her secondary educational journey at Montego Bay High School for Girls. Amidst her dedication to academics,she found time to immerse herself in various clubs, societies and volunteer work, shaping her holistic approach to life. This passion for involvement persisted as she pursued higher education, graduating from University of Technology, Jamaica with a bachelor’s in business administration, specialising in marketing and international business

Though Nembhard’s professional journey began in marketing and international business, she unexpectedly developed a love for human resources (HR) while working as a customer service representative at Vistaprint. Realising her calling for a people-centric focus, Nembhard shifted gears and went on to pursue an MBA, specialising in human resources management, from Mona School of Business and Management at The University of the West Indies. She later went on to attain her designation as a senior professional in human resources international, along with several other certifications.

“While working at Vistaprint I got the opportunity for a role in recruiting operations, supporting their global team, which started my journey in HR. At the time, given that I studied marketing, ideally I always wanted to work in advertising or work as a diplomat. I always had a passion for helping people so God had other plans, and to date I have now been working in HR for over 10 years across several industries,” Nembhard shared with
All Woman.

These industries have included business process outsourcing, manufacturing and distribution, financial services, and professional services. Today, as the head of people, culture, and talent management at Sygnus Capital, she spearheads people initiatives driving innovation and excellence.

For Nembhard, success transcends personal accolades; it’s about fostering positive change and community upliftment. “Success is not solely about individual achievement,” she remarks, “but also about making a positive impact on others and contributing to the broader community.” This philosophy underpins her approach to both professional endeavours and personal growth.

Leading the people and culture function in alternative investments, Nembhard finds fulfilment in the dynamic nature of her role. “At Sygnus, one of our core principles is innovation. I’m always seeking to implement best practices and promote a high-performance culture,” she noted.

Nembhard shared that a typical day involves a blend of strategic planning, team collaboration, and hands-on support to ensure the holistic development of Sygnus employees. In supporting a high-performance team, many days are spent acting as a coach/counsellor, assisting people to navigate personal and professional highs and lows with a pragmatic approach and a listening ear.

Speaking on her biggest career achievement, Nembhard notes, “Enduring as an HR practitioner throughout the pandemic stands out as my greatest achievement so far. The challenges faced by HR professionals during this time were immense, ranging from managing remote work transitions and government lockdowns, to navigating complex health and safety regulations, and supporting employee well-being, with empathy. In reflection, despite the challenges, it has made me a more resilient leader.”

Nembhard’s proudest moments are marked by initiatives catalysing professional and personal growth. Notably, the Leaders Influencing Transformation (LIT) programme at Sygnus has empowered future leaders, driving organisational success across the group. She has also continued her passion for helping people by leading and organising initiatives that support children and financial literacy.

Her advice to aspiring women in HR is to seek mentors, prioritise self-care, and embrace continuous learning.

“As a proud HR millennial leader my advice to young women within this field is to get mentors early, especially in areas outside of HR, which can coach and provide invaluable lessons. As I continue to learn this myself, I encourage people to prioritise self-care as HR can be a self-sacrificial role. You have to ensure you are filling your cup so you can pour from your overflow, versus an empty cup. Be a continuous learner by reading, networking and studying various areas within and outside of HR so you can borrow brilliance.”

As she continues to trailblaze in her career Nembhard remains grounded by her circle of loved ones and mentors. Their unwavering support fuels her aspirations and reinforces her commitment to creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.