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Welcome to The Practical HR Leader: Practical Solutions for Real Workplace Challenges

By Lori Fambro • Published: July 12, 2026

There is no shortage of information about human resources. A quick online search will produce thousands of articles, opinions, templates, and videos covering virtually every HR topic imaginable. The challenge isn't finding information—it's finding guidance that is practical, credible, and applicable to the workplace situations HR professionals face every day.

That's why I created The Practical HR Leader.

My name is Lori Fambro, MSHRM, MSIOP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, and I have dedicated more than two decades to helping organizations build stronger workplaces through strategic human resources leadership. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of serving organizations across healthcare, local government, public education, and higher education, working alongside executives, managers, and employees to solve complex workforce challenges.

One lesson has remained constant: successful HR isn't about having the perfect policy or memorizing employment laws. It's about understanding people, making sound decisions, leading with integrity, and applying practical solutions that support both employees and organizational goals.

Why The Practical HR Leader?

Early in my career, I often searched for resources that went beyond theory. I wanted tools that answered questions like:

• How do I conduct a thorough workplace investigation?
• What should I document during a difficult employee conversation?
• How do I prepare a manager for a challenging performance discussion?
• Where do I begin when creating or updating an HR process?

What I found was often one of two extremes. Some resources were highly academic and difficult to translate into practice, while others oversimplified complex issues without providing enough context to make confident decisions.

The Practical HR Leader was created to bridge that gap.

Every guide, toolkit, template, checklist, and article you'll find here is designed with one goal in mind: to provide practical, evidence-based resources that professionals can confidently apply in the real world.

What You Can Expect

Whether you're an experienced HR executive, a first-time HR professional, a business owner, a manager, or a student preparing for a career in human resources, you'll find resources designed to help you navigate workplace challenges with greater confidence.

Topics will include:

• Recruitment and talent acquisition
• Employee relations
• Workplace investigations
• Performance management
• HR compliance
• Leadership development
• Compensation and benefits
• HR technology
• Organizational culture
• Professional development
• Public sector HR
• Healthcare HR
• Higher education HR
• K–12 education HR

In addition to educational articles, you'll have access to professionally developed templates, checklists, implementation guides, and toolkits that save time while supporting thoughtful decision-making.

Our Philosophy

The Practical HR Leader is built on three guiding principles.

Practical Solutions. Every resource should help solve a real workplace problem.

Ethical Leadership. HR decisions should be grounded in integrity, fairness, and respect for people.

Better Workplaces. Strong organizations are built by leaders who invest in their people, foster accountability, and create environments where employees can succeed.

These principles shape every product, article, and resource we create.

Looking Ahead

This website is only the beginning.

Over time, The Practical HR Leader will continue to grow into a comprehensive resource for HR professionals and organizational leaders through downloadable toolkits, educational courses, leadership resources, webinars, consulting services, and a community dedicated to sharing practical ideas and proven solutions.

I invite you to explore the resources available, subscribe to our newsletter, and join us as we build a community committed to strengthening the HR profession through practical leadership and continuous learning.

Thank you for being here and for investing in your professional growth. I look forward to being part of your leadership journey.

Welcome to The Practical HR Leader.

Practical Solutions. Ethical Leadership. Better Workplaces.

Why Great HR Is More Than Policies and Paperwork

By Lori Fambro • Coming soon

Coming Soon: Discover how strategic HR creates stronger leaders, engaged employees, and healthier organizations by balancing compliance with a people-first approach. This article will explore real scenarios, practical frameworks, and step-by-step guidance HR professionals can use immediately.

Five Workplace Challenges Every HR Professional Faces—and How to Navigate Them with Confidence

By Lori Fambro • Coming soon

Coming Soon: From employee relations and performance issues to recruitment and compliance, learn practical strategies for addressing today's most common HR challenges—complete with checklists, scripts, and templates.