Hello, I'm Heather S.
Vice President, Global Human Resources | CHRO Transforming organizations through scalable people strategies and culture-driven growth. Heather Smart is a global human resources executive with over 15 years of experience designing and scaling people operations across North America, the UK, EMEA, and APAC. Her career spans deep-tech, advisory, and high-growth environments, where she is recognized for aligning people systems with business outcomes while preserving the human heartbeat of an organization. Currently Vice President of Global HR at a sustainable materials innovator, Heather partners with executive leadership to build high-performing teams, guide workforce transformation, and deliver inclusive talent strategies. Her work blends systems thinking, people analytics, and cultural fluency to create adaptive HR ecosystems that drive engagement, retention, and enterprise readiness. Previously, she led global People and Operations strategy at Three Points Business Advisors, where she rebuilt HR infrastructure across four continents, embedded DEI into business KPIs, and advised founders during periods of high-stakes transformation. Heather’s leadership style reflects her belief that talent innovation is both a science and a craft—grounded in data, fueled by purpose. She holds a Master's in Human Resources and Organizational Development, is completing her MBA, and is certified in leadership coaching, project management, and global HR strategy.
Details
- Location
- Years of Relevant Experience15-20years
- Seniority LevelC-Suite
- Highest Level of EducationMasters
Current / Most Recent Job Title
Chief Human Resources Officer | Chief People Officer
Current / Most Recent Employment
Three Points
Industry
Specific Jurisdictions That I'm Qualified In or Can Cover
Professional Membership / Certification
EDUCATION • MBA, University of the People (Expected Summer 2025) • M.A., Human Resources & Organization Development, University of San Francisco • B.A., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, California State University, Long Beach ________________________________________ CERTIFICATIONS • SHRM-SCP (pending) • GPHR (pending) • Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) • Certificates in Coaching, Leadership Development, and Project Management for Leaders
Skills
Core Skills & Capabilities Global People Operations Extensive experience designing and leading HR functions across the U.S., UK, EMEA, and APAC. Skilled at navigating complex regulatory environments, aligning policies across regions, and ensuring compliance across diverse labor laws and cultural norms. Talent Strategy & Workforce Planning Proven ability to build and evolve end-to-end talent strategies that align with business goals. Experienced in workforce modeling, succession planning, and leadership pipeline development across high-growth and restructuring scenarios. Leadership Development & Coaching Designed and implemented tiered leadership development frameworks that accelerated internal mobility. Certified in coaching with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and enabling executive readiness at all levels. People Analytics & HR Technology Expert in using people data and HR tech (HiBob, ADP, custom dashboards) to drive strategic decisions. Combines operational KPIs and storytelling to influence senior leadership and shape data-backed people strategies. Change Management & Organizational Design Led HR transformation efforts during growth, M&A, product delays, and crisis recovery. Designs scalable org structures and change frameworks that reduce disruption and sustain engagement during transition periods. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Embedded DEI strategy into operational metrics, culture programs, and leadership development. Known for creating inclusive ecosystems that measurably improve engagement, retention, and performance. Cross-Industry Experience Led HR and talent strategies across industries including deep-tech, SaaS, manufacturing, healthcare, education, nonprofit, and hospitality. Known for applying best practices across sectors to build adaptable and scalable people systems. Employee Experience & Engagement Designed holistic employee journeys that integrate onboarding, development, feedback, and retention strategies. Builds employee listening systems and pulse feedback loops to inform action and strengthen culture. Compliance & Risk Mitigation Deep knowledge of California labor law and international compliance. Successfully guided organizations through labor audits, immigration policy transitions, and cross-border employment regulations.
Areas of Professional Interest
Purpose-Driven Organizations I am deeply committed to advancing the missions of companies that solve meaningful problems—whether accelerating sustainability, expanding access to healthcare and education, or supporting responsible innovation. I’m especially drawn to organizations where the people strategy is a key driver of social or environmental impact. Global Workforce Transformation I’m passionate about scaling inclusive, resilient, and future-ready workforces across borders. My focus is on helping organizations navigate the evolving world of work—through strategic talent planning, digital enablement, and leadership development that reflects local and global realities. People Systems That Balance Technology and Humanity I believe in building HR ecosystems that leverage automation and analytics while preserving what makes organizations human. I’m interested in working with companies that understand employee experience as a differentiator, and that invest in both systems and stories. Equity and Inclusive Leadership My work is grounded in the belief that equity is a foundation, not an initiative. I’m driven to shape cultures where inclusive leadership is embedded in business processes, talent decisions, and daily behaviors—across every region, level, and function. Values-Aligned Growth I’m motivated by the challenge of helping companies scale with integrity, ensuring that as they grow in complexity and reach, they grow in clarity, purpose, and responsibility. I enjoy partnering with leaders who view HR as a lever for both performance and principle.