Redefining HR with Humor, Honesty, and Impact

SUZANNE LUCAS

Co-founder

HRLearns

HR has a reputation problem. It’s often seen as rigid, bureaucratic, and detached from the realities of the workplace. But Suzanne Lucas has spent her career proving otherwise. With her sharp wit, no-nonsense advice, and deep understanding of human behavior, she has transformed the way professionals think about HR.

Widely known as the “Evil HR Lady,” Suzanne doesn’t just talk about HR—she revolutionizes it.

An Unconventional Journey into HR

Suzanne’s journey into HR wasn’t a straight path. She originally pursued political science, but a twist of fate led her to a job in HR analytics at Wegmans in 1999. At the time, HR data was a foreign concept to most companies, but Suzanne quickly became an expert. Her ability to analyze workforce trends and implement data-driven solutions set her apart early on.

From there, she moved into the pharmaceutical industry with Wyeth, where she not only managed HR data but also led complex employment law initiatives, layoffs, and organizational restructuring. She approached every challenge with compassion, ensuring that even difficult transitions were handled with dignity and care.

Mastering HR Through Improv

But writing was just the beginning. Suzanne became a sought-after speaker, known for her engaging presentations and unconventional training methods.

One of her most effective tools? Improvisational comedy.

As a trained improv performer, she recognized that the principles of improv—adaptability, quick thinking, and collaboration—were the same qualities that made great HR leaders. She incorporated these techniques into her training, teaching HR professionals to embrace uncertainty and respond dynamically to workplace challenges.

Balancing Tech and the Human Touch

While she champions HR technology, Suzanne warns against over-reliance on automation at the expense of human connection.

HR is not a compliance department; it’s the bridge between employees and leadership. The moment we lose sight of that, we stop being effective.

human judgment. One of her most infamous stories involves an AI hiring system that rejected 29,000 applicants for a single role, proving that technology, while powerful, is only as good as the humans behind it. This balance between embracing innovation and maintaining the human touch has become a cornerstone of her philosophy.

From Blogger to Thought Leader

Despite her growing success in corporate HR, Suzanne noticed a gap—HR professionals needed straight talk, clear guidance, and a touch of humor to navigate the complexities of the job. That’s when she started her blog, Evil HR Lady.

What began as a passion project quickly became one of the most respected HR resources online. Suzanne’s ability to break down complex labor laws and workplace issues in an accessible and engaging way earned her widespread recognition.

Soon, she was writing for major platforms like Inc.com, CBS MoneyWatch, and ERE Recruiting Intelligence. Her readership skyrocketed, with millions turning to her insights each year.

HR is not about policies—it’s about people. If you forget that, you’ve already failed.

Building the Future with HRLearns

In 2024, Suzanne co-founded HRLearns, an organization dedicated to training HR and Talent Acquisition professionals. HRLearns isn’t just about compliance and policy—it’s about equipping HR teams to be strategic leaders who drive business success.

Her training programs…Her training programs focus on real-world applications, helping HR professionals create an immediate impact in their organizations. Whether through live webinars, in-person workshops, or online courses, Suzanne ensures that her teachings are both practical and transformative.

A Legacy of Influence

Her impact extends far beyond training rooms and conference stages. With over 28,000 Twitter followers, 41,000 LinkedIn connections, and a thriving HR community, Suzanne is a leading voice in HR thought leadership. Whether she’s delivering a TEDx talk, speaking at DisruptHR, or coaching executives, her message remains clear: HR is not about enforcing rules—it’s about empowering people.

Suzanne Lucas has reshaped the HR landscape by proving that it can be insightful, strategic, and yes, even fun. She continues to push the boundaries of what HR can be, equipping professionals with the tools, confidence, and humor they need to thrive. In a field often weighed down by regulations and red tape, she reminds us that at the heart of every HR decision is a person. And that’s exactly where the focus should be.