Joni-Gaye Cawley, SPHR, MBA, PMP, is an accomplished HR consultant, corporate trainer, and author of The 
Influential HR: Earning Respect and Gaining a Seat at the Decision-Making Table. Specializing in recruitment, performance management, and customized training, Joni-Gaye collaborates with diverse organizations to drive excellence in HR practices and leadership development.
1. How has your HRCI certification impacted your HR career, and what inspired you to pursue it? HRCI certification has enhanced my professional credibility, especially among persons outside Jamaica who are familiar with the certification. In a previous role, I saw an advertisement for a senior director HR position at another organization. I felt confident applying because it required an HRCI certification.
My inspiration came from my desire to give myself a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. I wanted to position myself as a leader in HR with an internationally recognized certification.
2. In your opinion, what is the most significant benefit of obtaining an HRCI certification? How has it helped your career? My certification has opened doors to senior roles. It shows I am serious about HR and committed to continuous professional development. Now that I am an HR consultant, my certification offers more credibility with international clients. The HRCI certification enhances my professional brand as a trusted, certified HR advisor.
3. As a seasoned HRCI certification holder, what advice would you give to individuals considering an HRCI certification? Do not delay. Do your research now and start your certification journey at the soonest opportunity. HRCI certification is an investment in your future. In chapter 9 of my book, The Influential HR: Earning Respect and Gaining a Seat at the Decision-Making Table, I state, “Professional certification is a crucial instrument that equips HR managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively fulfill their responsibilities as stewards of the organization's most valuable asset, its people.”
4. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your HR career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey? The biggest influence on my HR career has been working with Naomi Holness, former Chief HR Officer of GraceKennedy Ltd. She exemplified exceptional leadership and a commitment to human resource development. Naomi taught me the importance of balancing empathy with strategic decision-making.
5. Can you share any recent professional achievements or new developments in your HR career that you are particularly proud of? I am proud of publishing my first HR textbook, The Influential HR: Earning Respect and Gaining a Seat at the Decision-Making Table. It is available on Amazon. I am also proud to have expanded my HR consultancy to include training under my HR Expert Academy division. I now conduct workshops online and in person on emerging trends like artificial intelligence (AI) in HR, HR data protection, and digital accountability systems. I have received excellent feedback about my workshops.
6. What are your future career goals, and how do you plan to continue growing and developing as an HR professional? My future career goals include deepening my expertise in adult education and technology to make HR more efficient. I would like to help organizations prepare for the future. I am pursuing an MPhil/PhD in Education which aligns with my mission to empower individuals and organizations through knowledge. I also plan to become an attorney specializing in Employment Law.
7. Lifelong learning is critical in the HR field as the modern workplace is continually changing. How does HRCI recertification play a role in ensuring you stay relevant and impactful in your career? HRCI recertification ensures I remain current with global HR trends and best practices. The recertification process encourages me to pursue meaningful professional development activities—from attending workshops to delivering training on emerging HR topics. My aim is to always keep my HRCI certification up to date.
8. Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the HR industry? One of the biggest challenges will be navigating the rapid pace of technological advancements, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence, while maintaining the human element in HR. This presents an opportunity to integrate AI and data analytics into HR processes, enhancing decision-making and efficiency. Another challenge is integrating Gen Z and Gen Alpha when entering the workforce. Their needs and expectations differ from those of previous generations. HR needs to navigate all these challenges at the same time.