For today’s episode, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with my bosses, Kiah Jones and Karen Robinson. Karen and Kiah are the CEOs and Co-Founders of K+K Reset, an HR consulting agency. The conversation felt like an extension of our regular post-Zoom chats, where they tend to pave trails of wisdom. This time, we got to delve into their story in full. Our conversation ranged from discussing why they perform skits as part of their anti-harassment training, to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on theater artists, to never asking for an invite to your own party.

K+K Reset first entered the Broadway space in 2021 with the reopening of Moulin Rouge after the pandemic. They jumped in full speed ahead and now seem to be permanently parked on The Great White Way. With over 130 productions under their belts, it was no surprise that Kiah and Karen had a plethora of topics to discuss when it came to being HR Business Partners in the commercial theatre world. Kiah and Karen’s story is especially inspiring considering how they went from having no intentions of ever working on Broadway to being an integral partner in productions like Moulin Rouge, Merrily We Roll Along, and A Doll’s House.

What We Learned (Or Were Reminded Of)

⭐️ When we go, we get.

⭐️ Work on your soft skills—they can be the hardest ones.

⭐️ Inspect what you expect.

⭐️ No is a full sentence.

⭐️ Always try to assume positive intent. 

⭐️ Try to meet people where they are, rather than where you think they should be.

⭐️ Don’t be afraid to bring your lived experience to your work.

⭐️ Listen to understand. Being heard is so close to being loved.

One of the many things I love about working with Kiah and Karen is how open, honest, and kind they always are. Their company has reconstructed what HR looks like in both the corporate and entertainment worlds. They lead a company that prioritizes advocating for all and seeing the humans behind it all. They’ve cultivated something that all organizations should strive for: a culture of caring, accountability, and trust.

“You have to be humble enough to interrogate yourself and have a level of self-awareness so that you can show up properly for the people on your team.” 

— Kiah Jones

“Realize that every team member is a whole human. Really understand who they are.” 

— Karen Robinson 

Check out this week’s episode to hear all about How Kiah Jones and Karen Robinson Got On Broadway.

Resources

K+K Reset

EDIA Director, Brian Harlan Brooks & EDIA Resources

Columbia University

Seven Pillars of HR

What’s a Company Manager?

What’s a General Manager?

—uchenna agbu 💫