AN INTERVIEW WITH
Emma Holliday
Executive Director - HR, joined NCR in 2011
AN INTERVIEW WITH
Emma Holliday
Executive Director - HR, joined NCR in 2011
Could you begin with a brief overview of your background, career journey and what brought you to NCR?
Before NCR, I worked in the field of recruiting for about 15 years. For much of my early career, I was specifically focused on research and recruitment for senior roles in corporations around the globe. These roles included technical, commercial and more. I worked recruiting for several years in more of a delivery consultant role at different organizations before I realized that I did not feel personally challenged.
In that sort of role, I felt that I could not really grow beyond what I did day to day. Every three or so years, I would find myself looking for more to do, which led to me looking externally to find another role. It was exciting work, but I found myself in a cycle of placing somebody in a role, staying connected with them, but then not really seeing them go along their career journey. I knew that in the natural progression of my career, I wanted to be able move in-house and grow professionally.
When I found out about an opportunity at NCR, I was immediately intrigued by the story of the company’s transformation. At the time, which was about 11 years ago, NCR was beginning the transformation of its reputation as a hardware company, focused on ATMs and moving towards software-as-a-service. The idea of a company dramatically working to change their footprint, expand what they do and the markets they cater to compelled me. I understood that this was a global organization that ultimately would provide a lot of opportunities that would allow me to grow in-house while not being siloed in one area.
During the interview process, I was provided with clear direction on the types of roles I would be supporting. I immediately saw where I could deliver impact and results. I am based in central London and was able to interview with HR business partners, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) vice-president and a range of other people. The thought of being able to work closely and collaboratively with these leaders excited me and brought me to NCR.
I started at NCR in February of 2011 as an individual contributor recruiter, supporting sales and professional services for EMEA. Over the years, my role has changed quite a bit and I have been able to take on the additional responsibility of being the global talent acquisition director. This role focuses on nurturing employee candidates and recruiter experiences.
"The idea of a company dramatically working to change their footprint, expand what they do and the markets they cater to compelled me. I understood that this was a global organization that ultimately would provide a lot of opportunities. The thought of being able to work closely and collaboratively with these leaders excited me and brought me to NCR."
What was the biggest difference between working at NCR and your previous company?
I had not worked at a company where there’s a strong push to continue to grow and innovate. Some people are not very comfortable with change. It can put us outside of our comfort zone. However, I view change as an opportunity to try something new or do things a different way. NCR’s push for innovation fuels my work and has opened doors for me to meet and gain exposure to many people. I think that before NCR, my surroundings and standard day to day were too familiar. This caused me to move from one firm to another.
At a certain point, I was not feeling stretched. I think a big part of what makes NCR different than my previous company is that I am constantly learning and feel stretched. Learning while growing my career makes me feel alive and purposeful. I am doing different things and making significant contributions every day.
"Learning while growing my career makes me feel alive and purposeful. I am doing different things and making significant contributions every day."
What advice do you have for prospective candidates considering applying to NCR?
My advice to potential candidates is to be authentic and yourself. Also, raise your hand if something isn’t clear. If you have a question or anything that is causing you concern, you must use your voice. When it comes to planning your career, I encourage you to never sit, wait and hope someone is going to notice you and invite you to have an opportunity. As individuals, we should be in tune with what we’re driven by, what we aspire to do and what we need to be comfortable at work. Have open conversations with your managers so they can figure out how to best support you.
To have a long tenure at NCR or any company, it is important to be transparent with our managers and each other. Raise your hand and share what you would like to do more of and that you would like to get involved in a certain project. The more we share our interests, we open the door for career growth and a sense of fulfillment in our work. You will know that you have a purpose in why you’re here and what you do.
“When it comes to planning your career, I encourage you to never sit, wait and hope someone is going to notice you and invite you to have an opportunity.”
How would you describe #NCRLife culture?
I think there is a diverse culture within NCR. We have our NCR shared values of Customer FIRST (customer, fun, innovation, respect, success, teamwork) which we all work to uphold. Additionally, however, NCR culture is very inclusive, supportive and trusting. The culture at NCR has a strong history of hiring people based on their capability and trusting that they can do the job. Employees are not micromanaged. They are trusted to know what is required of their role and deliver results. I think this environment enables people to do their job effectively and enjoy a better work/life balance.
Now that we have returned to the office in a hybrid work model, I think NCR has really highlighted connection being the center of our culture and has created many avenues of breathing life into connecting us through events, business resource groups (BRGs) and activities. I think NCR is very united in supporting everyone from diverse backgrounds and spotlighting the many different subcultures we have here.
How do you feel like you've grown professionally, personally or both during your time at NCR?
During my time at NCR, my personal life has changed significantly. When I joined NCR, I settled down and had a child. Now, I am a single parent and primary co-parent of my amazing nine-year-old daughter. My personal life has gone on a full-circle journey in that regard.
In terms of professionally, I began as a recruiter that had managed a few teams before. Since my start at NCR, I have been able to manage a lot more teams. I started with managing a region, two regions and then a global team. I have led in many ways and have been able to learn all the different parts of talent acquisition. Professionally, I have been able to gain a whole lot of experience with different business areas, leaders, and styles.
What are you most often doing or where are you most likely to be found?
As I mentioned earlier, I have a nine-year-old daughter. Her name is Evie. Most of the leisure time I have I choose to spend with her. She is an absolute blessing. We love spending time outdoors, going to the movies and spending quality time together away from devices. It’s just the two of us and we have a good time talking and connecting.
I also have an amazing circle of female friends who support me through everything in life. I love going out to see live music bands. I enjoy all types of music such as indie, rock n’ roll and jazz. I love music that can just get me dancing.