02 May Thriving Through Change
Tom O’Brien, Vice President of Human Resources at Trinchero Family Estates, explores the transformative power of change. Drawing from personal loss, a thriving career in HR, and his role as a mentor, Tom shares actionable strategies to navigate life’s uncertainties and be able to thrive through change.
The Challenge and Opportunity of Change
Change often arrives uninvited, as Tom experienced early in his career with the sudden loss of his first wife. This life-altering event became a profound lesson in resilience and adaptation. Key takeaways include:
- Shifting Perspectives: Rather than “running away” from difficulties, focus on “running toward” meaningful opportunities.
- Building Support Networks: Surround yourself with trusted friends, family, or professionals to avoid facing change alone.
- Embracing Uncertainty: Accept that life doesn’t follow a set plan. Tom finds inspiration in the author of The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell’s quote: “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
This mindset has not only guided Tom personally but also shaped his leadership and mentoring approaches.
Mentoring Through Change
As a longtime mentor with Menttium, Tom has guided 15 mentees through personal and professional transformations. He reflects on how mentoring can empower individuals to embrace change:
- Collaborative Growth: Mentoring creates a two-way street where mentors often learn from the fresh perspectives of mentees.
- Guiding Through Uncertainty: By focusing on what’s next rather than what’s lost, mentors can help others reframe challenges into opportunities.
- Creating a Safe Space: Establishing trust and open communication helps mentees navigate change with confidence and clarity.
Leading Change with the 7 P’s Plus One
Tom’s extensive HR leadership experience offers insights into how leaders can manage and drive change effectively. His “7 P’s plus one” framework serves as a guide:
- Performance: Focus on results-driven action.
- Principled: Uphold honesty, fairness, and tact when addressing change.
- Process: Simplify complex systems to create adaptable strategies.
- Planning: Align goals with actionable steps for smoother transitions.
- Perseverance: Overcome obstacles by staying committed to the bigger picture.
- Passion: Embrace change with enthusiasm for personal and professional growth.
- Partnership: Build strong collaborations to navigate challenges.
- Phun (Fun): Balance hard work with humor and positivity to stay grounded.
This framework encourages leaders to see change as a chance to innovate and connect with their teams more deeply.
Thriving Through Change
When it comes to thriving through change, Tom emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and letting go:
- Reflect and Reset: Use moments of change to pause, reflect on emotions, and adjust course.
- Release the Past: Holding onto outdated plans or expectations can prevent progress.
- Stay Present: Focus on the now rather than being consumed by uncertainty.
Conclusion
Tom’s reflections on change reveal its duality as both a challenge and a chance for growth. Whether through personal resilience, professional leadership, or the mentoring of others, his insights offer valuable tools for navigating life’s uncertainties. By reframing obstacles and focusing on the possibilities ahead, we can turn change into a source of transformation and wisdom.
About Tom O’Brien
Tom O’Brien is the Vice President of Human Resources at Trinchero Family Estates. With a career spanning roles at Nestlé, Clorox, and now Trinchero, Tom brings deep expertise in HR leadership across industries and cultures. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Illinois and is a longtime partner with Menttium, where he has mentored 15 mentees.