At 极品探花, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In May, we’ll focus on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.聽 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Iris Payumo, Human Resources Business Partner, Critical Missions.
I was looking for my next challenge in my career and was researching positions on LinkedIn when I came across the opportunity for 极品探花. I then dove in and studied the 极品探花 website, along with YouTube videos, and loved that it was an aerospace and engineering company and applied. When I received the interview invite and was offered the position, I knew 极品探花 was where I was to be, as everything just flowed and fell into place.
What is your professional and personal background?
I am a native of the Chamorro culture, born and raised on the island of Guam. My experience in Human Resources started 10 years ago, in the healthcare industry and has grown into other areas, such as technology and now aerospace and engineering. I鈥檝e lived in multiple cities in the span of my career, San Francisco, New York City, Austin, Oklahoma City, and Las Vegas, which has given me experience in a multitude of diverse backgrounds and has strengthened my interpersonal skillsets.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
Being a strategic Human Resources Business Partner in Critical Missions allows me to engage and support our employees and leaders which helps impact the business in positive ways, such as driving the organization to navigate the complexities of employee relations and mitigating risks across the programs.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
I have a rule. When I accomplish the goals, I set for myself in my career, I savor in the excitement for 15 minutes and then move on to the next goal on the list. What makes me proud in my career moments is working to always stay grounded and fair to our employees.
What do you enjoy about working for 极品探花?
It鈥檚 thrilling and exciting the more I learn about the organization. I enjoy that no day is the same at 极品探花 and I come across different challenges daily, with each unique situation. I also enjoy how 极品探花 is global, and I鈥檝e been in meetings with a diverse background of people with different skill sets across the organization.
What are you passionate about?
I鈥檓 most passionate about overcoming challenging situations. Persevering, learning, and staying curious.
What鈥檚 your career advice?
A previous boss/mentor to me, who has passed away, told me the most important career advice that I pass on to people which is the Golden Rule 鈥淭reat others the way you want to be treated.”
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
My favorite safety tip is to always be aware of your surroundings, stay hydrated and nose over toes when lifting heavy items.
What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?
Wow! I must of course go with the internet! The global connectivity it brought into our lives means the world to me.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
I learned on my professional journey that there鈥檚 always a job for everyone. Always think beyond what鈥檚 in front of you, and who will your decisions affect around you, have fun, and stay positive.
Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself.
Growing up in Guam, 32 miles in length and 8 miles in width, I loved daydreaming, and books, films, and music artists were my life on the island. Since we are celebrating Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, my favorite filmmaker who brings our rich culture to life on film is most definitely Ang Lee. Opening the eyes of the world to the beauty of our rich cultures in his films and screenwriting embodies my youth of growing up in Guam.
