Suzanne Hawkins Highlights the Power of Empathy in Motherhood and Leadership

Long before the title of HR Director, a young woman was fighting for her dreams with a law book in hand. She faced uncertainty and unfairness, turned the pages to learn and change the course of her life completely, eventually, the lives of many others. At just 24, Suzanne Hawkins was navigating pregnancy complications, a relationship breakdown, and a workplace that offered little compassion. “They wouldn’t even let me eat at my desk,” she recalls. But instead of breaking her spirit, the experience sparked her determination – no one else should have to endure what she did. That moment became the seed of a lifelong career in HR.

A Career Forged in Empathy

Suzanne’s journey began at BPP, where she immersed herself in Employment Law. Over the next three decades, she built an extraordinary career that spanned every corner of HR as administrator, officer, manager, business partner, and now Director. Along the way she studied, in 2012 gained a Masters in HR Management and recently gained FCIPD accreditation. Each role was more than a rung on the ladder for her; it was a lesson in resilience, empathy, and the power of fairness.

“Every position gave me a new lens to see the human side of work,” Suzanne reflects.

Lessons in Leadership

Leadership didn’t come to her without its hard lessons. Suzanne admits the turning points were often the toughest ones. There were moments that forced her to show vulnerability, balance competing priorities, or make difficult calls.

“I learned the hard way that leadership isn’t about being unbreakable – it’s about being honest, fair, and sometimes vulnerable.”  These lessons shaped her leadership style grounded in transparency, empathy, and adaptability.

Building Culture, Not Just Policy

When Suzanne joined Carlisle Support Services, she inherited a fragmented HR function with disjointed processes, outsourced compliance, and a lack of voice by team at the table. Five years on, she has reshaped it into a credible and values-driven department. She brought recruitment in-house, embedded wellbeing and performance strategies, and aligned policies with the company’s core values.  

“I couldn’t have achieved this without such a brilliant team who share the same vision and passion”.

She has built an impeccable culture that thrives on its own, without her active involvement. “What makes us different is simple, we listen. And when people are heard, they flourish.” Suzanne’s proudest achievement is watching her team grow into confident, independent leaders who now help drive the business forward.

Life Beyond the Boardroom

Suzanne’s job title only scratches the surface of who she is and the impact she has. Away from the office, she swims daily, using the water as her sanctuary. “Swimming gives me time to process the day – it’s my thinking time,” She has a passion for singing and, after a couple of sessions in the studio, even released a single. She also loves baking, and traveling with her family. As a devoted mother, wife, and daughter, she treasures time with her children, cares for her mum, and dotes on her eight-year-old dog; these passions keep her grounded, joyful, and balanced in life.

Beyond What Meets the Eye

Mentors and family have shaped Suzanne’s outlook, but her guiding principle stays her own ‘look deeper.’

“Don’t judge by appearance or circumstance; see the person, value their contribution, and meet them with fairness.” It’s a philosophy she applies in work and in life, driving her commitment to inclusion and authenticity.

Legacy in Action

Through challenges, triumphs, and everyday chaos, Suzanne has built a legacy. Her true value lies not in her list of duties, but in her character, her resilience, and the positive energy she brings to every interaction. She is the one who offers a listening ear, mentors junior colleagues, and consistently lifts the spirits of the entire team.

“HR is listened to. It’s valued. And that’s not through me – it’s through the amazing people I’ve brought in,” she says.

She is a natural leader and a source of inspiration, making her an invaluable part of the team in ways no job description could ever fully capture. Her courage to make work, and life, a little fairer for everyone makes her unique.