David Ingelmo Tardio is Head of People Customers & Markets at Naturgy in Spain. He earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources - International™(SPHRi™) from HR Certification Institute®(HRCI®).
This interview originally appeared in AEDIPE magazine and is translated and re-printed here with permission. The original Spanish interview is available for viewing.
Why did you decided to earn an HRCI credential?
From my point of view, it is essential to keep HR knowledge up to date. Despite the fact
that throughout my professional career I have been fortunate to work in practically all areas of the profession, as much as possible, you always need to have an updated and broad vision. More and more things are changing faster, and it is necessary to be up to date.
How do you benefit from the HRCI certification?
Personally, I would highlight two things:
-Connecting, in one sole vision, all HR areas [to] see the impact that they have over each other when making decisions.
-Strengthen my knowledge of the HR practice from a strategic point of view, and its impact in the business.
What tips would you give to future candidates?
The most important one is to set a date for the exam. Otherwise, it is easy for the day to day of our jobs to make us postpone the need to study.
What would you highlight from the HRCI-certification process?
In line with what was previously mentioned, the demand for self-discipline, but without a doubt it is worth it. Despite the effort, I must acknowledge that I have enjoyed what I have learned since when you have a certain level of experience, it is allows to immediately transfer what is learned to the day-to-day practice. In addition, you become more conscious of what you do, and the impact on other units of the company.
What are your next challenges?
Without a doubt, maintaining the certification three years from now. In the short term, it will be a challenge to complete the ongoing projects that have an impact on the business of the company and the best way to reach our employees.
What HR initiative are you most proud in your organization?
Truth be told, there are a few, but I would highlight the program for Dual Professional Training. It is a program targeting youth[s] that allows them to experience the context of a real job and acquire a practical experience within the company and its environment. They also have access to the support of experienced mentors which provides a reassurance of receiving quality training that improves their future employability.
How do you see the future of people management?
Promising and with a lot of challenges. There are a lot of topics that are in everybody’s conversations (for example, the digital transformation), but from my point of view, the organizational structure, the development of more agile new structure models serving projects where it doesn’t matter so much the hierarchy is the real challenge that needs to be confronted by companies in an increasingly more complex and shifting environment.
Editor's Note: This article was updated with David Ingelmo Tardio's most recent job title Naturgy.