Then and now... Natalie McMillan

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Then and now... series, Natalie McMillan, director at HR and organisational development support firm McMillan & Associates, based at Clifton Moor, on the outskirts of York, reveals how a post-maternity leave role sparked her passion for HR, learning about the value of people relationships in the carmaking industry and her passion for mentoring others to succeed.

You’re a director at McMillan & Associates. What does your role entail?

My role spans business leadership, HR, organisational development and board effectiveness.

I have run the business for eight years, leading its growth and supporting my team to perform at their best. 

As an HR consultant, I help businesses stay compliant and use HR to add value.

I also help organisations prepare for the future through organisational development, and I advise boards on governance and development. 

I am additionally deputy chair of a large NHS trust and have served as a non-executive director for more than five years.

Did you always want to work in HR? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

I fell into HR when I went back to work after maternity leave.

I got a job in the NHS that happened to be in the HR department and realised its vast scope.

What was your first job – and did you enjoy it?

It was in the car industry with Honda in a manufacturing and operational role. 

I loved it; it was fast-paced. 

I realised very quickly that the key to success was not just the process but the relationship with people. 

Were there any mentors or individuals who helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

Yes, and yes! 

I was very fortunate to have mentors in my career and people who believed in me. 

I mentor people for the same reason. 

One key lesson was about self-limiting beliefs – we all think someone is better, or that we can’t do something, and my mentors were key in me overcoming those thoughts. 

What attracted you to the HR industry?

Every day is different; expect the unexpected.

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality?

My confidence and ability to step into my own sphere of power and influence.

I realised it's OK for me to be in boardrooms and I don’t need to apologise or feel like I shouldn't be there. 

My roles have brought me many new dimensions because you learn in every role. 

Working at a senior level has enabled me to think strategically and focus on big-ticket items, while not getting dragged into the weeds. 

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