HR Grapevine 2015 Speakers - Lesley Baxter, Director Human Resources, Warner Bros

Lesley Baxter, Director Human Resources, Warner Bros, will be speaking at this year’s HR Can Change the World conference. She talks to HR Grapevine about her motivations and inspirations…

What have been the highlights in your career journey that have enabled you to sit where you are today?

As someone who left full time education at 16 obtaining a BA Hons Degree with the Open University was just the most amazing experience.  It opened the door to Post Graduate HR qualifications and  a great career in HR. The opportunity at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden to partake in the journey from building site to fully functional businesses, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which consistently receives 95%-plus good customer service reviews on Trip Advisor was a definite highlight. Standing in the lobby of the tour observing the excitement of the visitors is a pleasure.

What motivates you and drives you?

Making a difference, whether it is helping an individual in some way or knowing I have been an integral part of achieving the commercial success of a business whilst maintaining a great culture and ethos.  That’s what drives me - it’s not a personal driver in terms of I want to earn more or I need to get to the next level, it’s how can I make a difference to the business. Because with every business you run, it’s not just about you; it’s about the employment you’re providing and it’s about the difference you make to people’s lives. People spend more time at work than they do with their family, if you can make it a place they enjoy coming to, then they will put more in and then your business will do well.

How do you know when you’ve done a good job, what gives you satisfaction?

If I can go home with my head held high. A very wise person a long time ago said to me "people can take everything from you except your dignity and your pride, they can only take that if you give it up," and I always think I have a sense of pride.

Who inspires you?

The first name that comes to mind is Richard Branson. I know people who have worked in his companies, and there seems to be a great ethos throughout them. I have read his books, seen a  program on Necker Island and I love the way that he appears to  value everybody no matter what their role is. Also, Steven Hawking - he’s truly inspirational in what he’s achieved; I have a quotation of his stuck on my PC: "Always remember to look up at the stars, don’t always look down at the ground" which always inspires me to learn and grow.

Why does Warner Brothers matter to you?

Media, whether it is movies, TV, books or games create  a world for people to escape into. They can make people laugh, cry, and put people in touch with their emotions. A long-running TV series like Friends leads people to believe that they know those characters and I’ll often hear in the office "do you remember that episode when Monica did that?" To be a part of that genre is a privilege.

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