Eight Years In: We’re Happily Brewing Away, Balancing the Bitter and the Sweet at Affogato HR Consulting
It’s hard for me to believe that eight years ago, Affogato HR Consulting was just getting started—Lisa and I shared a belief, based on experience, that human resources could be done better.
What we didn’t know then was how much we would learn. Although this time of year is always busy, I do like to pause and mark the milestone, reflect on our progress and appreciate everyone who has shaped us.
The Early Days: From Employee to Small Business Owner
In the beginning, the biggest shift wasn’t just building a business—it was learning how to move from being employees to being owners.
For me, it really developed empathy. I had helped businesses through tough decisions, taking risks, evaluating options – all the things. But once we were doing that for ourselves, and feeling the weight of what this meant for our team, well, that was a seismic shift. It was sort of like moving from coach to player; the perspective is a little different on the ice.
The COVID Years: When Everything Shifted
The thing I most appreciated about the COVID years was that we got closer to so many of our clients. The questions were new, and we all had to become experts in this uncharted territory. We had to balance compassion with compliance, and we saw values in action every day. This was when culture really showed and it proved to me that we really can know our clients even if we’re never in the same room. (And we made some amazing additions to our team! Here’s looking at Lisha, Karen and Suzanne.)
Today: Clarity and Confidence
The dust settled; our team evolved. We continued to see familiar challenges—misclassification, confusion, outdated policies, managers doing their best without enough support.
We could not be more clear that HR doesn’t have to be cold or corporate. It doesn’t have to be scary. It needs to be clear, thoughtful, and grounded in real-world decision-making. And yes, it helps when there’s a sense of humor and a lot of empathy involved.
What Hasn’t Changed
Our core belief has stayed the same: HR supports the business and the humans doing the work. We are fulfilled when we help leaders make confident decisions, not just avoid mistakes.
And there’s still coffee involved. Always.
Looking Ahead
Eight years in, I’m as energized as ever. Watching the evolution of work, the promise of technology, and learning to work smarter are all the reasons why I want to keep Affogato different (in a good way).
To our clients, partners, colleagues, and community: thank you for trusting us, challenging us, and sticking with us! We’re grateful for every conversation that started with, “Can we talk this through?”
Happy Birthday to Us! And if you’re celebrating with an affogato of your own, send us a picture—we’ll send you a cup of coffee on us. ☕🍨
Jonna, Lisha, Suzanne and Karen