Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Schuler.
Hi Cindy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from New Jersey. I attended the University of Maryland/College Park. I decided to stay in the DMV area after graduation because it is a melting pot and I knew that opportunities would be available in a large metropolitan area. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, so I worked for a law firm doing administrative work while I was earning my degree. After graduation, I began working as Legal Secretary and pursued my Masters Degree at night while working full-time during the day. Instead of going the law school route, I finished my Masters Degree in Business Administration and began my career in HR as an HR Manager at a Boston based law firm in Washington, DC. I knew I still had time to decide if law school was my destiny, so I managed lawyers to get a lay of the land! Needless to say, I continued to manage law firms for 20+ years.
Throughout my 20 year career, I was fortunate enough to start from the bottom and experience all areas of HR. As I climed the corporate ladder, I decided that I wanted to work in all areas of HR and that I had a particular interest in organizational cultures and building a foundation where people could thrive in the law firm environment. My longest tenure was with D.C. based intellectual property firm where I oversaw Talent Management and earned the title of CHRO.
I had wonderful mentors who pushed me to excel. The experience I gained in the legal industry laid the foundation for me to gain the confidence to eventually step out and establish my own human resources consulting business. I am now almost four years in and a small woman-owned business doing what I love, and the outcome has surpassed my initial hopes. I am servicing clients with the knowledge I gained during a successful in-house career so that they too can be successful!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest fear was taking that “leap” into entrepreneurship. There is always that seed of doubt about “when to jump” and the question of “Will I succeed?” but it was the best decision I have ever made. That does not mean there have not been bumps in teh road. It takes a lot of thought and time to launch a business. It takes a task list of what needs to be done to establish a business. The administrative piece of running a business is time consuming, but learning how to work smarter has allowed me to focus on “the business.” For every mistake I have made, I have gained a learning opportunity. In the end, my purpose is to serve and help others grow and build healthy organizational cultures, and I can honestly say that professionally, I could have never imagined a reward like this.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about IntegriStar HR Consulting?
IntegriStar HR Consulting is a woman owned small business that offers fractional HR services, professional development and training, and leadership coaching.
IntegriStar is known for blending deep HR expertise with practical, real-world solutions that leaders can immediately apply. Clients recognize IntegriStar for tackling high-stakes people issues—investigations, leadership training, coaching, and transitions, DEI, and difficult conversations—with clarity, confidence, and credibility.
IntegriStar stands out for delivering engaging, no-fluff training and consulting that drives real behavior change, not just compliance.
I am most proud of the integrity, professionalism, and candor in which services are delivered and of the recent launch of The Leadership Vault which is a micro-learning academy delivering practical, high-impact 30-minute leadership sessions that equip leaders to handle real workplace challenges with confidence, influence, and executive presence.
IntegriStar is flexible and works with each client individually to tailor services to the need of that particular client. Flat fees and hourly rates are available to all clients depending on the project.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes. Steven Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (book)
Jim Collins -Good to Great (book)
Center For Creative Leadership (blogs and LinkedIn posts)
SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management (offers resources and HR certifications)
Simon Sinek – YouTube videos, philosophy on leadership
Verna Myers – DEI pioneer
My mentor – Robert K. Burger
Pricing:
- Flexible hourly and flat rates based on the project
- Leadership Vault webinars and courses are flat rates
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.integristarhrconsulting.com
- Instagram: @integristar
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/cindys1
