Transforming HR into a Strategic Powerhouse with H. Levett Washington

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, Human Resources isn’t just about managing people—it’s about driving strategy, shaping culture, and preparing organizations for the future.
In this episode of Unleash Your Amazing Leadership, I sat down with H. Levett Washington, Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President at QAD Inc., to explore what it really means to lead HR in a world of constant change.

Owning Your Career: The Power of Intentional Choices

Levett shared a pivotal moment early in his career that changed everything. After completing a two-year executive management program, he was offered a leadership role that looked impressive on paper—but didn’t align with his long-term vision.
His mentor asked a simple question: “Is that really what you want to do?”
That moment became a defining one.

“You should always own your career,” Levett said. “Don’t let someone else define your path.”

It’s a reminder that career success isn’t about following the road laid out for you—it’s about creating one that fits your purpose, energy, and values.

The Role of Mentorship and Guidance

Behind every great leader is a network of mentors. Levett credited his grandmother for spiritual grounding, his grandfather and stepfather for modeling integrity, and countless professional mentors for helping him navigate tough decisions.

“You need a mentor—someone who can walk with you through both the tough times and the good ones,” he shared.

Mentorship, he explained, keeps you anchored in humility while still pushing you toward growth.

Parenthood and the Art of Listening

Parenthood, according to Levett, taught him one of leadership’s most vital lessons—listening.
When stepping into a new role, he doesn’t rush to change things. Instead, he spends the first 60–90 days listening and observing.

“You don’t get a handbook for parenting—and leadership is much the same,” he said.

True leaders create space for understanding before they act.

Diversity of Thought: The Catalyst for Innovation

Levett also spoke passionately about the power of diversity of thought.

“Diversity of thought can create or accelerate high-performing teams, organizations, and cultures faster than anything else.”

By bringing together people with different perspectives, leaders create richer solutions and stronger results. It’s not about checking a diversity box—it’s about building an ecosystem where ideas collide to create innovation.

AI and the Future of Leadership

The conversation naturally turned toward the future—specifically, the impact of AI on HR and leadership.
Levett encourages his team to embrace AI not as a threat, but as a tool to boost efficiency and creativity.

“We’re not getting any larger as a team, so how do we get more efficient? How do we use AI to help us in our day-to-day work?”

From writing job descriptions to evaluating processes, AI is freeing leaders to focus on what truly matters—people.

Planting Seeds for the Future

Every experience, Levett reminded us, is a seed. The lessons we learn early in our careers often blossom years later in unexpected ways.

Whether it’s adopting technology, taking on a challenging role, or learning from failure—each moment adds a layer of wisdom that shapes who we become as leaders.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Unleash Your Amazing Leadership is a masterclass in what it means to lead with vision, compassion, and strategy.

Levett Washington reminds us that great leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about listening deeply, learning continuously, and empowering others to grow.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: Transforming HR into a Strategic Powerhouse with H. Levett Washington