Lessons in leadership: How to become a Boss B*tch

When I was a little girl, I never imagined I'd become a Chief Executive Officer. What child dreams of managing an HR software company? Yet, here I am. When the chance to lead the business I helped build from the ground up came knocking, I seized the opportunity with both hands. The leap to CEO has been a test of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. And it's been a voyage filled with invaluable lessons. 

Mastering execution early and navigating acquisition

Back in 2013, I joined HRLocker as a bright-eyed Product Manager. My hard work and passion propelled me through various roles—Head of Product Marketing, Chief Marketing Officer, and eventually Chief Operating Officer in 2021. Burning ambition drove me forward. However, a dedication to personal and professional development is what fuels an ascent up the corporate ladder. 

My early experience in business-critical, revenue-focused roles taught me that achieving goals is never straightforward. Innovation and growth are iterative and peppered with difficulties. I discovered the power of perseverance—that it's better to take a leap, stumble, and try again than stagnate. It's a mantra that proved indispensable during HRLocker's recent acquisition.

When I took the helm as CEO after our integration with ISH Group in 2024, my first mission was to rebuild the senior leadership team while steadying the ship during the company's most substantial transformation. As my earlier roles taught me, not being afraid of failure, determination, and adaptability were paramount. These qualities have both shaped my management style and guided me through uncharted waters. 

The shift from doing to leading

People expect chief execs to have all the answers. But as I've come to realise, true leadership isn't about being all-knowing. It's about recognising knowledge gaps and taking proactive steps to address them. It's a commitment to self-reflection and a striving to be the best organisational head you can be. 

Competent leadership involves empowering your people. You should be providing the right resources, boosting confidence, and fuelling autonomy to excel and innovate, not controlling their every move. It's about fostering an environment where employees feel free to challenge themselves and realise personal, professional, and business goals, not stifling creativity by micromanaging.

Effective management isn't about doing everything, either. A boss who wades into day-to-day operations risks eroding workplace confidence and morale. Instead, a CEO should focus on setting a long-term vision, crafting strategies, and aligning the entire team. Think of it as being the captain of a ship—you ought to be navigating the tides, making necessary course adjustments, and uniting the crew to row in sync, not grabbing the oars. 

Embracing challenges head-on

Transitioning to the head of a business is never plain sailing. Prevailing gender norms and the underrepresentation of women in tech further amplify the challenges. When stepping into leadership roles, women often find themselves managing steeper expectations than their male counterparts. My experience as one of the few women in the executive suite has been no different. Still, it has also yielded invaluable lessons.

First and foremost, don't be afraid. Your presence in the room signifies your worth. Imposter syndrome can loom large, but adopting empowering tactics will help. Speak assertively, carry yourself with confidence, take ownership of your ideas, and back decisions with data. Most importantly, don't hesitate to shine a light on gender bias or discrimination when you encounter it.

Balancing the competing demands of being a business leader and a parent is an eternal juggling act. As a mother to three young boys, one with additional needs, I understand the importance of advocacy. That's why fighting for what's right on behalf of my employees and customers is at the heart of my executive philosophy. But I couldn't do it without a strong support system. A trusted team that genuinely has your back is worth its weight in gold.

Key takeaways

Transitioning to Chief Exec has been a steep learning curve. I've failed fast and learned faster, gaining essential insights that can help others overcome common challenges. One crucial lesson is prioritising, delegating, and using tools to manage your time better. There are only so many hours in a day, after all. Honing in on what truly matters to the business will ensure you lead with clarity and purpose.

Leading a competitive organisation also means you're often working at breakneck speed, making swift decisions, and pivoting rapidly. Still, change is inherently complex, so you can't expect your workforce to deliver perfection overnight. Great leaders manage expectations, shifting focus from immediate results to a dedication to continuous improvement. It isn't about pushing people forward. It's about inspiring everyone to embark on the journey together.

As the public face of your company, you must develop relationships with key media, industry, and business players. Nurturing your network with regular check-ins, face-to-face events, and social gatherings is a must. It's not just about making and keeping connections; it's the only way to forge partnerships, gather valuable insights, and capitalise on new business opportunities that will drive growth and innovation. 

Final words of wisdom

The move to CEO isn't just a title change. It's a shift in mindset, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others. My advice to those aspiring to leadership is simple: Make personal and professional learning and growth your priority. Spend time building and maintaining a supportive network because you can't do it all alone. Acknowledge your weaknesses and know when to ask for help. And, most importantly, don't wait for the perfect moment—seize opportunities, believe in yourself, and be a boss b*tch like me!

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About Crystel Robbins Rynne, Chief Executive Officer
Crystel has worked with HRLocker since 2013. As CEO, she is responsible for streamlining RevOps within the company. She works cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders and identifies opportunities to position HRLocker for growth. Crystel is a passionate employee experience advocate and host of the popular HRLocker webinar.

About HRLocker
HRLocker is an Ireland-based SaaS HR platform serving SMEs in Ireland and the UK. With a broad suite of HRIS functionalities, including performance management, ATS, and time tracking, HRLocker simplifies workforce management for growing businesses. The platform has built a strong reputation for innovation and customer focus, enabling SMEs to streamline HR processes and foster productive, engaged teams.
For more information, please visit https://hrlocker.com/.