Canadian HR Expert Series: Johanna Hildebrand

We launched this series to celebrate Canadian HR leaders, the people shaping culture, leadership, and the way we work. 

Meet Johanna Hildebrand, Manager of HR Solutions at People First HR Services. Her career journey from manufacturing to HR consulting has been guided by one principle: growth through learning. Today, she leads a team of HR Consultants for one of Canada’s best known HR firms. Her team provides flexible fractional and on call HR support to organizations of all sizes across Canada.

In recognition of her impact, Johanna recently won the 2025 Momentum Award from CPHR Manitoba.. The award celebrates HR professionals who have established their expertise and leadership, become trusted resources to their colleagues, and are moving long-term priorities forward.

From Political Science to HR by Accident

Like many in the profession, Johanna did not predict a career in HR.

“I thought I’d go into politics,” she says. “I was studying political science and history, driven by the idea of influencing change and reshaping systems.”

After graduation, she accepted a receptionist role at a manufacturer. Within months, the HR manager encouraged her to step into HR. What started as an assistant role grew into generalist work, program coordination, and eventually an exciting HR career she fully embraced.

At first, the fit was uncertain. “My first year in HR was rocky. I even wondered if it was the right path for me. But with a new manager and mentor, everything shifted. I began to see how HR let me apply the same instincts that drew me to politics: evaluating systems, dismantling what does not work, and building new ones to create positive impact.”

People First HR and Flexible HR Solutions

Today, Johanna manages a team at People First HR Services, an HR consulting firm that supports the entire employee lifecycle from recruitment to leadership development to career transitions.

Her team is responsible for two of the most flexible and extensive HR services in Canada:

• Outsourced HR: Consultants become embedded members of a client’s team, providing hands-on help with everything from policy development to employee relations.
  
  
• HR On Call: A service that gives clients immediate access to expert advice and an extensive library of HR templates, available via email or phone.
  
  

“It is about meeting organizations where they are,” Johanna says. “Sometimes we are building HR programs from scratch. Sometimes we are evolving what exists. The variety keeps the work exciting.”

Why HR?

What kept Johanna in HR was not being a “people person” in the traditional sense.

“I have never described myself as a people person. What I love is problem-solving. Helping leaders troubleshoot, shifting perspectives, finding creative solutions, and working alongside them so they are invested in change.”

For her, HR is not about keeping people happy all the time. “It is about tackling the hard stuff. Getting into the nitty gritty details. Having the courage to address difficult situations and create environments where people and businesses can succeed.”

Empowering Leaders and Working with People

For Johanna, the best moments come when she can empower leaders and employees to find their own solutions.

“It is so rewarding to see someone reframe a challenge, take ownership, and feel capable of making decisions. We are here to enable success. That is when real growth happens.”

The flip side? People.

“Tongue in cheek, I sometimes say the hardest part of HR is people. Everyone comes with different life experiences, motivators, and communication styles. Not everyone wants to do the work well, and that creates tension. Meeting people where they are is one of the hardest but most important lessons I have learned.”

That, and active listening. “Early in my career I thought I could solve everything with the ‘right’ approach. I have learned there is no one right way. Creativity comes from staying open to new perspectives.”

The HR Misconception

One misconception Johanna wants to correct: HR is not there to “do the hard stuff” for managers.

“Our role is not to take over tough conversations managers want to avoid. It is to coach, support, and empower them to have those conversations effectively. HR is a partner, not a dumping ground. And it is not just about advocating for either the employer or the employee. It is about creating balance where both can thrive.”

Rethinking the Way We Work

When asked about the biggest HR topic today, Johanna points to the evolving way of work.

“The way we work is evolving faster than ever. Hybrid models, new generations, economic pressures, AI. HR touches all of it, and keeping pace is hard.”

She is not afraid to go bold: “Sometimes I think we need to burn down systems that no longer serve us and start over. The pandemic showed us how much room there is to rethink work. If we are courageous, we can build workplaces that are more innovative and accessible. For example, creating environments where neurodiverse employees can thrive.”

AI in HR: Efficiency, Not Replacement

Johanna and her team already use AI tools daily to improve efficiency, from generating reports to creating resources for clients. But she draws a clear line.

“AI cannot replace critical thinking. It is not there to do the judgment work for us. It is there to free up time, create efficiencies, and let us focus on higher-value conversations.”

She cautions HR teams to be mindful of bias and privacy but sees huge potential for AI to support the profession if used responsibly.

Optimism and Courage

If Johanna could leave HR professionals with one message, it would be this:

“Be optimistic about human potential and courageous enough to act on it. HR is not about shying away from mistakes or hard conversations. It is about creating environments where people can grow, ask questions, and challenge how things have always been done. When you combine optimism with courage, the potential is limitless.”

It is that blend of optimism and courage that earned Johanna recognition from her peers and the 2025 Momentum Award from CPHR Manitoba, underscoring her reputation as both a problem-solver and a leader moving the profession forward.

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