Clear HR Consulting Turns 10 - Reflections From Cissy Pau

Looking back over the past ten years, it is difficult to imagine that a little germ of an idea would turn into what Clear HR Consulting has become.

In January 2004, I was at a crossroads in my career. I had just completed five challenging years as HR Manager at an aerospace company which had suffered through the challenges of the 9/11 attacks and the SARS outbreak. Along with most of the organization and the rest of my HR colleagues, I had been let go.

What was my next step?

Would I continue down the typical career path of an HR professional and progress through the management and executive ranks at a new company, or would I go out on my own and launch an HR consulting business?

After a few tentative steps towards the world of entrepreneurship, Clear HR Consulting launched on May 26, 2004. Looking back at what I know now, it is amazing how far this idea has evolved. My vision for Clear HR was and remains to help small businesses, the cornerstone of our economy, become great employers by providing clear, practical advice. My hope was if a small business treats its employees well, it would lead to happier employees. The positive ripple effect this would have on their families and communities could be profound.

We are grateful for our clients and are humbled that they have entrusted us with some of their most sensitive people and business challenges. We are proud to have played even a small part in their success.

The “we” of Clear HR Consulting over time grew to include Andreas, my partner in business and in life and the glue behind Clear HR’s operations; Klaudia, our wonderful, dedicated and warm-hearted HR advisor; and our amazing network of subject matter experts and specialists.

We’ve also added 2 junior consultants-in-training, our beautiful little boys, Matthew and Markus, who are already a hit with some of our clients. Matthew is itching to attend client meetings to learn what they’re all about. The worlds of personal and work life are beautifully intertwined and I am grateful to be working with family and friends who are so committed to serving our clients, while also placing family as the highest priority.

“The days are long, but the years are short.” We were given this insight when we became parents. The same can certainly be applied to our third “baby”, the business. The long hours and tough days have flown by and I am astounded at how quickly ten years has passed and how much we have accomplished.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success. Thank you to our loyal clients, service providers, business advisors and strategic partners. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you being an integral part of the Clear HR family.

As well, I give a very special thank you to the late Peter Thomson. Without our fateful meeting on January 20, 2004 at BCIT, and without your encouragement for me to start this business, Clear HR Consulting wouldn’t have even started. Thank you, Peter.

As a celebration of our 10th anniversary, you will see that we have come up with a contemporary new logo and look, thanks to the talented Tamara Brooks of October 17 Media. We will continue to tweak and add new initiatives and service offerings to continue to serve the HR needs of small businesses. We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond.

With gratitude and sincere appreciation,
Cissy