Michelle Wilkinson

Year of Graduation: 2005

  • Course Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource
  • School University of Wolverhampton Business School
  • Nationality British
  • Career industry Human Resources
  • Current job title Founder & CEO
  • Current Company Arbitrium Now Ltd.

Thoroughly enjoyable season of my life, full of rich learning, relationship building, and exploration to build depth of expertise and confidence in business change and development.

I was studying whilst starting my first career job. I chose Wolverhampton as it offered the course I wanted, was near to where I was living at the time, and the lecturers looked strong and diverse. The lectures and experiences were diverse, rich in discussion and learning, and experiential. I especially liked the residential trip to Portugal. It provided a fun networking opportunity, with heaps of practical learning and application towards some of the theories we had learnt back in the classroom.
It gave me a good grounding and practical insight as well as experience in change management and how organisations evolve. Deeper understanding of how to design products, and to consult with the business partners to support them in change, people experiences, and business cycles.
My role involves three aspects: 1. Leading a team, and community to create a best in class HR function across North America, in order to enable our business to win the consumer and in market. 2. Being accountable for the setting and execution of our people experience and culture for our 20,000 employees across two countries, seven locations, and multiple functions. 3. Being a business leader, a member of the Global HR Senior Leadership team, reporting the CHRO, being responsible for shaping the culture of today and tomorrow, ensuring we are high performing, and sustaining our organisation for the future. A typical day starts with me catching up on what is happening in the world externally, as well as internal news. Preparing for discussions on culture, talent pipeline, leadership, diversity and inclusion as well as HR Foundations. In addition to this, coaching and mentoring others, and showing presence by visiting teams across North America and Canada to be the people leader champion. I usually end my day preparing for the next before I go to do some sports or meditation in the evenings.
Most rewarding parts of the job is having the opportunity to shape and lead the culture of our organisation. To see those who you coach and mentor grow and develop towards a greater level of fulfilment than before. Seeing the impact of our people products and services make a difference to the sustainability and growth of our company, so it becomes a better company than what it was before.
Do what you are passionate or curious about. If you are lacking confidence and feel fearful of failure, feel the fear and do it anyway. Take every opportunities, explore. Whatever will be, will be. It’s not always about your result or final grade; it’s about your attitude, skill and experience.