Membership
The People Collective
Membership Criteria
TPC is a peer community for senior HR, People, Talent Management, and Talent Acquisition leaders who are actively practicing in the field.
We know that “senior” looks different depending on company size, industry, and structure — so we focus on experience and seniority over title. The goal is simple: a room where every member feels they’re among true peers.
All prospective members are pre-screened and approved before receiving an invitation.
The best path to TPC membership is through a connection with a current member or by being on our radar through the broader HR community. If you’re interested, the best thing you can do is stay engaged. Feel free to reach out to us directly at hello@peoplecollective.co; we’re always open to a conversation.
- Director / VP-level or above, or equivalent in scope and accountability
- 15+ years into their HR/People leadership career
- At or near the top of their organization’s HR decision-making
Member Spotlight
Hear from our members
“I lead transformational people initiatives that enable business growth, organizational effectiveness, and long-term talent sustainability across complex, international environments……read more”
“I lead HR Shared Services at CCC, overseeing the teams and processes that support employees and leaders across leave administration, immigration, compliance, employee relations, and HR operations……read more”
“I’m an HR executive and advisor – I help companies build people functions that drive the business, with a focus on AI, workforce strategy, and the kind of culture that makes people want to stay……read more”
“Global Total Rewards executive with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise compensation, benefits, and executive pay programs in complex, fast-growing organizations. I joined TPC to network with peers in the field and learn from others. Practical real-world experience…..read more”
“I help organizations make better hiring decisions by creating clearer recruiting systems, stronger partnerships, and more thoughtful candidate experiences. Most recently, I led TA for a global law firm’s business services functions, including Business Development, Operations…..read more”
“As the owner of MLP Leadership Coaching and Consulting, Michael is an executive coach, leadership development advisor, and human capital consultant to leaders and their organizations. He also serves as fractional CHRO and HCM consultant to the PE firm Sheridan Capital Partners….read more”
“TPC is a fabulous community to be a part of, I wished I had joined sooner! It has been fun meeting new HR colleagues in Chicago and Madison. I’d recommend people prioritize attending TPC’s in-person events, to learn from experts on a variety of relevant topics. Every session I have attended has been very energizing!”
“The People’s Collective stands out as a best-in-class professional network—well run, highly curated, and continuously evolving. As a founding member, I’ve seen the strength of its leadership and the quality of its membership drive meaningful conversations and real learning. It’s a community I prioritize because it consistently delivers value.”
“The People Collective is a gift that keeps on giving. When I found a senior people leader opportunity, Tim and Amy helped make the right connection, and I got the job. Beyond its outstanding programming, this community of senior HR leaders supports one another, creates meaningful opportunities, and truly lifts each other up.”
Michael Polydoris
Chicago, IL
Owner & Executive Coach
MLP Leadership Coaching and Consulting
ABOUT MICHAEL
As the owner of MLP Leadership Coaching and Consulting, Michael is an executive coach, leadership development advisor, and human capital consultant to leaders and their organizations. He also serves as fractional CHRO and HCM consultant to the PE firm Sheridan Capital Partners.
I started my own coaching firm a number of years ago and ultimately became a solopreneur. It was a side gig that ramped up and became my full-time — and I will (hopefully) never have to get another job-type job again.
WHY TPC?
Solopreneur consulting can be a pretty isolating WFH environment. I was looking forward to becoming connected to the larger Chicagoland HR community. I’ve had the good fortune to make a number of business connections that have helped grow my business — but the personal relationships have been the most valuable. The best part of TPC has been connecting with other members and helping them with their careers and making helpful connections for them.
TPC CONNECTIONS
Courtney Heinrich — best lunch company ever. There are a number of TPC members I now call friends and see outside of events: Rob Boysen, Jim Viola, and Jennie Jamrock. And I just became a contract Executive Coach for Highland Performance Solutions, which came about after a TPC event and connecting with the amazing Patty Carl.
CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON
This type of career has natural ebbs and flows that are quite unpredictable — coaching clients move on, engagements end, projects get completed. I’m focused on growing my practice and am particularly looking to add another large institutional client to engage my full range of offerings.
HOW TPC MEMBERS CAN HELP
I’d love introductions to meet more smart, whole-hearted leaders — to learn what they do and explore how I can help, whether professionally through my business or personally as a connection.
OUTSIDE OF WORK
I’m a total socio-economics-political podcast junkie, I train with my MMA/boxing trainer twice a week, and I’m a voracious audiobook listener. But above all, my wife and I love having people over for dinner parties — I’ll dirty every pot and pan in the house cooking for friends.
CONNECT WITH MICHAEL
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mpolydoris
Chicago, IL
Talent Acquisition Consultant
Room To Think
Bio
I help organizations make better hiring decisions by creating clearer recruiting systems, stronger partnerships, and more thoughtful candidate experiences. Most recently, I led TA for a global law firm’s business services functions, including Business Development, Operations, HR, and Legal Recruiting & Development. Today, I bring that same experience to clients through my own practice, Room To Think.
Why I joined TPC / favorite memory
I joined TPC because I wanted to be part of a community of people professionals who could share ideas honestly, learn from one another, and build real relationships. What I’ve valued most is how generous people are with their knowledge, connections, and perspective. And going to the Cubs game was definitely one of my favorite nights of the summer!
A career milestone I’m proud of
Receiving an offer from Kirkland & Ellis was a milestone in itself. After ten interviews and an extensive background process, I remember wondering whether I was really worthy of the opportunity.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the difference I was able to make once I got there. We were operating without an ATS, so much of the work was manual. Even so, we created greater transparency for executive stakeholders, strengthened how TA partnered with the business, and helped shift how the team thought about their roles, their impact, and their responsibility to one another.
That change in perspective mattered to me as much as any process improvement.
What I’m working on now
I’m growing Room To Think, my talent acquisition, recruiting operations, and executive search practice, while also exploring my next full-time leadership role. My career has largely been in professional services, including advertising, marketing, communications, and most recently legal. I’m particularly interested in finding ways to make hiring work better, creating processes that make sense, give people the information they need, and leave enough room to actually think before making decisions.
Who I’d like to connect with
I’m hoping to connect with people in HR and TA who have a problem they are willing to talk through and experiment with. I love puzzles, especially the kind where the first question is, “What could be better?” followed by, “How do we actually make that happen?” I’m always interested in trading ideas with people who are building, scaling, or rethinking recruiting functions and who enjoy figuring things out together.
Fun facts
I’ve discovered a real love for travel and long-distance hiking. Recent hikes include the Camino, Tour du Mont Blanc, Yellowstone, and Banff. I’d love some ideas of where to go next. I also grew up on the North Side of Chicago and lived on Sheffield, so being a Cubs fan was inevitable. Go Cubs Go!
CONNECT WITH KATIE
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katieomeara/
Website: r2think.com
Chicago, IL
Head of Total Rewards,
Focus Financial Partners
Global Total Rewards executive with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise compensation, benefits, and executive pay programs in complex, fast-growing organizations.
Why I joined TPC / favorite memory
I joined TPC to network with peers in the field and learn from others. Practical real-world experience and input has helped to transform my career and strengthen my skills. It also gave me confidence in myself and my skills.
Most importantly, being part of TPC has connected me with people who have shared their experiences, supported my growth, and encouraged me to continue learning and developing throughout my career.
A career milestone I’m proud of
I have participated in three Workday implementations and directed two. I am particularly proud of leading a job architecture project that transformed a complex organization into a well-governed framework for defining jobs, levels, responsibilities, and career progression. We established a common language and consistent approach, along with governance to ensure the structure could evolve. This work reinforced that job architecture is about people, clarity, and simplifying work. It required patience, as meaningful transformation takes time, iteration, and listening.
Who I’d Like to Connect With
Networking with others has helped me advance in my career and I am always interested in working with others to help give back and learn.
Hobbies, favorite activities, or interests
I am a proud girl dad to three outstanding women who continue to inspire me every day. My family places a strong value on community, connection, and interfaith work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
CONNECT WITH IRA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benefitsofhr/
Chicago, IL
Principal,
Pathlight People Advisory
I’m an HR executive and advisor – I help companies build people functions that drive the business, with a focus on AI, workforce strategy, and the kind of culture that makes people want to stay.
Why I joined TPC / favorite memory
I joined TPC to connect with other HR leaders and find a community. I also really enjoy the opportunity to learn and network.
Currently focused on
I am very interested in increasing my fluency in AI and strategic workforce planning expertise, which I feel is a place where HR has the opportunity to lead.
What support, connections, resources or expertise are you seeking right now, and how can fellow TPC members help?
I am looking for both full-time and fractional opportunities with a focus on VC- or PE-backed companies, M&A-active organizations, and firms navigating meaningful people transformation.
Hobbies, favorite activities, or interests
My husband and I love to travel, learning and exploring other cultures. I also love trying out different cuisines, reading, and playing with my French Bulldog, Remy.
CONNECT WITH MICHELLE
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michellemesina/
Chicago, IL
Director, HR Shared Services,
CCC Intelligent Solutions, Ltd.
I lead HR Shared Services at CCC, overseeing the teams and processes that support employees and leaders across leave administration, immigration, compliance, employee relations, and HR operations. My focus is building scalable, people-centered solutions that make HR easier to access, more consistent, and more effective across the company.
Why I joined TPC / favorite memory
I joined TPC to connect with other HR professionals and stay current on trends in the marketplace. One of the standout sessions for me was Alison Fragale’s talk, inspired by her book Likeable Badass.
A career project, win, or milestone
One of the milestones I’m most proud of is helping transform HR Shared Services into a more integrated and strategic service model. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened compliance programs, modernized leave administration, enhanced immigration support, and begun leveraging AI and automation to improve how employees access HR information and services.
Currently focused on
This year, I’m focused on building the next generation of HR Shared Services by creating simpler, smarter experiences for employees and managers. That includes expanding our use of AI and automation, strengthening operational processes, and ensuring our team can scale effectively while still delivering a high-touch employee experience. My goal is to help HR move beyond being a support function and become an even stronger enabler of the employee experience and business success.
What support, connections, resources or expertise are you seeking right now, and how can fellow TPC members help?
I’m seeking support from TPC through meaningful connections, shared learning, and access to thought leaders who challenge and inspire my growth.
Hobbies, favorite activities, or interests
Beyond my HR work, I’m passionate about travel, reading, physical fitness, and exploring new ideas that make everyday life more enjoyable.
CONNECT WITH FRANCESCA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francesca-schmidt/
Chicago, IL
Business Human Resources Director at AbbVie
Global HR Executive at AbbVie, supporting our business to achieve results through people by partnering with executive leaders to develop talent strategies, strengthen leadership capabilities, and create high-performing, inclusive cultures.
As a global HR executive, I lead transformational people initiatives that enable business growth, organizational effectiveness, and long-term talent sustainability across complex, international environments
Why I joined TPC?
I joined TPC to connect with and learn from an exceptional community of HR executives across the Chicago area.
Beyond the professional growth and exchange of ideas, the most valuable aspect has been building meaningful friendships and establishing roots in Chicagoland as someone originally from Brazil.
Currently focused on
This year, my primary focus is continuing to accelerate my learning in the biopharmaceutical industry after spending more than 11 years in agribusiness and joining AbbVie about 16 months ago. I am focused on deepening my understanding of the business, strengthening my ability to serve as a strategic thought partner to executive leaders, and identifying new ways HR can drive meaningful business impact.
Equally important, I am investing in building strong, trusted relationships across the organization. I believe that credibility and influence are built through meaningful connections, and my goal is to establish a solid network of partnerships that enables collaboration, supports leadership effectiveness, and helps drive long-term success.
What support, connections, resources or expertise are you seeking right now, and how can fellow TPC members help?
I’d love to continue learning from HR leaders who have deep experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and have successfully navigated complex business transformations. I’m also looking to expand my network across Chicagoland, exchange best practices, and gain new perspectives on how HR can create strategic business impact. Most importantly, I value building authentic relationships and would welcome opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from fellow TPC members.
Hobbies, favorite activities, or interests
Outside of work, I’m passionate about staying active and challenging myself physically. You’ll often find me running, doing HIIT workouts, practicing yoga, or strength training, and I typically exercise twice a day.
I also love spending quality time with my husband, unwinding with a great streaming series, especially mysteries and true-crime shows, and spoiling my dog, a little brown Shi-Tzu that gets everything he wants.
CONNECT WITH BRUNA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bruna-abdanur/