Empowering Future HR Leaders: A workshop for Aspiring HR Business Partners
On Thursday 31st October we were joined by Ami Bartrip (Global HR Leader @ Microsoft) to discuss “Empowering Future HR Leaders: A workshop for Aspiring HR Business Partners”. Ami talked us through her career so far, the role of a HRBP, how to become a successful business partner, and how she got to where she is today.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, HR is no longer just a support function—it’s central to an organisation’s success. A key driver of this shift is the HR Business Partner (HRBP), a strategic role that bridges the gap between HR practices and business goals.
HRBPs act as the vital link between HR and the wider business. They work closely with business leaders to identify and address the people needs that drive success. Offering guidance on HR issues, coaching leaders to improve their effectiveness, and supporting initiatives that boost team performance and organisational culture, HRBPs don’t simply react to problems. Instead, they proactively anticipate challenges and align HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring the workforce is motivated, capable, and ready to meet both present and future demands.
Key Responsibilities of HRBPs:
- Liaison between HR and Business: HRBPs act as the bridge connecting the HR function with the business, making sure people strategies are in sync with the company’s goals.
- Providing Guidance, Support, and Coaching to Business Leaders: They guide business leaders on HR issues and coach them to improve leadership skills, boost team performance, and strengthen company culture.
- Driving HR Initiatives: HRBPs lead key HR initiatives that align with the company’s strategy, including diversity and inclusion (D&I), and organisational design.
Behaviours of Successful HRBPs:
- Proactive and Long-Term Focused: HRBPs look ahead, anticipating people needs and ensuring HR is aligned with business strategy to stay agile in the face of change.
- Consultative Approach: They act as trusted consultants, asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and using data to provide recommendations that drive results.
- Storytellers: HRBPs use data and insights to tell stories that help leaders make informed decisions and achieve business objectives.
In short, HRBPs are much more than HR experts—they’re strategic partners who help shape the business’s future with people strategies that really make a difference. They’re essential in building a workforce that’s not just effective today, but ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Ami’s Top Tips:
Ami’s career has been shaped by her ambition and willingness to grab opportunities, all while staying true to who she is and nurturing her curiosity. She’s focused on self-awareness, thinking about what she wants to be known for, and has embraced self-coaching. Ami has actively sought advice, learning from both her wins and challenges, and has invested in her growth through a leadership coach and mentors—one of which is from outside of HR. She’s developed skills in coaching, influencing, and commercial strategy, and has built a strong support network, including a sponsor to back her career. Embracing change, viewing setbacks as part of the process, and maintaining a good work-life balance have been crucial to her success.
