Strategic HR Leadership: About Laura Lyons

People Operations | Total Rewards | AI-Enabled HR | Global Workforce Strategy

I enable growth and balance through authenticity. That's my guiding vision, and it shapes how I lead, build scalable people programs, and help organizations navigate growth and change.

I'm Laura Lyons, a strategic People Operations and Total Rewards leader with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations scale through modern HR practices, thoughtful leadership, and AI-enabled ways of working.

As a dual citizen of Canada and the United Kingdom, I've partnered with organizations across North America and supported global teams throughout EMEA, NAMER, LATAM. My expertise spans People Operations, Total Rewards, compensation, benefits, organizational effectiveness, and HR transformation in high-growth, fast-paced environments.

I believe the future of HR is one where technology and AI enhance—not replace—great leadership. By combining strategic thinking with modern tools, I help organizations create scalable people programs while enabling leaders to spend more time focusing on what matters most: their people.

Throughout my career, I've partnered with executive teams to build modern, scalable People functions that align business strategy with an exceptional employee experience.

My areas of expertise include:

• Global People Operations
• Total Rewards strategy, including compensation, benefits, equity, and wellness
• Compensation governance and manager enablement
• AI-enabled HR workflows and process optimization
• Organizational design and workforce planning
• Leadership coaching and talent strategy
• HR technology, including Workday and process improvement
• Employee engagement and workplace culture
• Global payroll and HR operations
• Change management and business transformation
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Most recently, I've been leading global People Operations and compensation initiatives across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, developing scalable governance, manager resources, operational frameworks, and modern HR processes that improve consistency, efficiency, and the employee experience.

AI is transforming the future of Human Resources, and I'm passionate about helping organizations embrace it thoughtfully.

I leverage AI to accelerate research, improve documentation, strengthen manager enablement, streamline HR workflows, and create more scalable employee experiences. My philosophy is simple: AI should reduce administrative work so HR professionals can spend more time coaching leaders, solving complex business challenges, and creating meaningful employee experiences.

I believe great People teams create environments where both organizations and employees can thrive.

My approach combines business strategy with empathy, helping leaders make confident decisions while building cultures rooted in trust, clarity, accountability, and psychological safety. I enjoy partnering with leaders through growth, organizational change, and transformation while ensuring the employee experience remains at the center of every decision.

Outside of work, you'll usually find me reading, experimenting with new recipes, walking my two pugs, Max and Chloe, or enjoying a Peloton workout or yoga session. I believe taking care of ourselves allows us to show up as better leaders, partners, and teammates.

I'm always interested in connecting with founders, People leaders, and organizations that are building the future of work.

Whether you're looking for a strategic People Operations leader, want to exchange ideas about AI in HR, or simply enjoy conversations about leadership, workplace culture, and modern HR, I'd love to connect.inclusive workplace cultures, and leading HR transformation across industries and continents.

As a dual citizen of Canada and the UK, I’ve worked extensively across North America and supported global teams through complex, high-growth environments. My sweet spot? Designing and leading Total Rewards and People programs, including compensation and benefits, that align with business strategy and elevate the employee experience.

What I Do

From retail and energy to fast-growing tech startups, I’ve led initiatives that span:  

- Global Total Rewards design (compensation, benefits, equity, wellness)  

- HR operations and global payroll  

- Leadership development and talent strategy  

- Employee engagement and inclusive workplace culture

At Wonolo, I built HR infrastructure from the ground up, including scalable compensation and benefits programs that supported a rapidly growing, mission-driven team. I’ve partnered with executive leadership to ensure every people initiative supports business success and long-term sustainability.

What Drives Me

I believe HR should make work work, for the business, and the people behind it. I’m especially passionate about mental health in the workplace and often speak on how leaders can foster psychological safety, resilience, and team well-being. Through my blog, I explore how to create cultures where employees thrive, not just survive.

Outside of Work

I’m a lifelong wellness advocate, a dedicated Peloton rider, and a believer in the power of yoga to recharge and rebalance. My two pugs, Max and Chloe, are never far from my side.

Let's Connect!

Whether you’re interested in discussing potential opportunities or simply want to chat about HR, wellness, or leadership, feel free to explore my blog or reach out to me via email, phone, or connect with me on LinkedIn.