Tom Forde, SHRM-SCP

In this Contract/Consulting role, returning to the organization I helped build from 7 employees to where it is today, I am supporting Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and HR Operations initiatives during a high-volume growth period. Partnering across the employee lifecycle to assist with recruiting coordination, onboarding, learning support, process improvement, and day-to-day People Operations activities. Key areas of support include: • Talent acquisition and hiring coordination • Interview scheduling and candidate experience • Onboarding and employee lifecycle support • Learning and development initiatives • HR administrative and operational processes • Cross-functional partnership with People and business teams

In this contract/consulting role, I was dedicated to fostering employee growth through impactful learning experiences tailored for the construction industry. • Developed and implemented training programs that enhance operational excellence and employee skills. • Collaborated with stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure best-in-class training. • Led the implementation of advanced learning technologies, including Cornerstone Learning and LinkedIn Learning.

As the senior learning partner for our U.S. Commercial organization, I lead initiatives that elevate leadership, accelerate performance, and embed sustainable behavior change. I partner closely with executive and frontline stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, Ventures, Finance, and People Services to co-create learning experiences that drive business results and leadership growth. My work spans design, facilitation, and coaching across multiple modalities, including 1:1 executive coaching, cohort-based leadership programs, and enterprise learning strategies. I act as both strategist and practitioner—facilitating high-impact sessions for senior leaders while advising on scalable development pathways and capability-building across the organization. I also consult cross-functionally with People Ops, Talent & DEI, and Operational COEs to embed inclusion, psychological safety, and business alignment into every learning touchpoint. Specialties & Focus Areas: Executive Coaching & Presence Senior Leader Enablement Leadership Development Strategy Inclusive Culture & DEI Enablement Sales & Marketing Capability Building High-Impact Onboarding Cross-Functional Stakeholder Consulting ROI-Driven Program Design Brand Portfolio: White Claw, Mike’s Hard, Cayman Jack, Bearface Whisky, Dillon’s, Glendalough, Mas+ by Messi, and others. CPG My approach is grounded in insight, agility, and measurable impact—bringing both structure and heart to learning that supports the complexity of leadership today. Reason for departure: Industry downturn; L&D function elimination.

As Director of L&D (Facilitation & Design) at JLL, I led the design and execution of enterprise learning programs that supported business growth, leadership development, and employee engagement across a global real estate services organization. My focus was on aligning learning to business strategy, scaling development experiences, and enhancing the coaching culture within the firm. Highlights: • Designed and delivered high-impact talent programs contributing to a 95% Net Promoter Score (NPS) and record learner satisfaction • Led the evolution of core learning products and leadership offerings to reflect JLL’s growth priorities and organizational values • Created scalable, engaging experiences using tools like Camtasia, Rise360, and Workday LMS—optimizing delivery and adoption • Partnered cross-functionally to strengthen people manager capability and leadership presence at scale • Embedded coaching practices into leadership journeys, underpinned by certifications in Gallup CliftonStrengths, HBDI, and Mental Health First Aid Key Achievements: • Designed and delivered all core DEI learning initiatives, including the seven-part “Neurodiversity 101” series, which received internal acclaim and drove awareness, empathy, and inclusive team practices • Served as invited moderator and speaker for multiple Business Resource Group (BRG) events, contributing subject matter expertise and deepening engagement across diverse communities • Led Building Pride’s Chicago Chapter, driving a 3x increase in attendance at community and volunteer events and forging new partnerships that expanded visibility and allyship • Collaborated cross-functionally to embed DEI principles into onboarding, leadership development, and learning strategy across the enterprise Tools & Platforms: Camtasia, Articulate Rise, Workday LMS, Slido, Kahoot, MyLearning Reason for departure: Career advancement

As a strategic HR business partner within JLL’s People Experience team, I shaped and delivered progressive HR strategies to drive engagement, inclusion, and performance across global teams. I partnered with senior leadership to embed DEI principles, lead organizational change, and elevate the employee experience through targeted people initiatives. Key Contributions: • Recognized for my impact and immediately recruited into the L&D team—affirming my strength in talent development and leadership enablement • Spearheaded the global rollout of DEI learning programs across JLL Technologies (JLLT), ensuring alignment with company values and talent strategy • Led key change management initiatives that improved organizational readiness and strengthened stakeholder relationships across HR and business lines • Fostered a culture of inclusion and engagement through proactive HR strategy, coaching, and team development across diverse business units Reason for transition to L&D: Recruited by JLL into the Learning & Development team based on success and strategic influence in the HRBP role

As the sole HR leader at Hotel Rehabs—a fast-scaling general contractor consistently ranked on the Inc. 5000—I built and led the entire people strategy across a nationally distributed workforce. I owned all facets of HR, including recruitment, learning and development, performance management, compliance, culture, and retention—working closely with senior leadership to scale operations during a period of rapid growth. Key Achievements: • Reduced Time to Hire by 60% and boosted ROI by 40% through implementation of JazzHR and targeted talent pipeline strategies • Built a high-engagement performance management process with 100% team participation and structured development pathways • Created and facilitated onboarding and training programs that supported scalable growth and cross-functional learning • Developed a strategic LinkedIn presence that drove a 98% increase in company followers and elevated employer brand awareness • Championed employee relations and morale through creative cultural initiatives, recognition programs, and retention-focused events • Ensured national compliance and safety during COVID-19 protocols across 12 active sites, managing leave, disability, and payroll audits via Gusto HRIS This role required end-to-end HR ownership with a hands-on, strategic mindset—an experience that built my global HR foundation and reinforced my passion for people-centered leadership. Reason for departure: Transitioned with company support to expand global leadership capabilities and learning strategy experience

In this foundational HR role, I supported JLL’s Hiring and Transitions team during a period of sustained growth, contributing to smooth onboarding, offboarding, and internal movement processes across the U.S. business. Working across multiple HR systems and with varied stakeholder groups, I developed the operational discipline, adaptability, and cross-functional exposure that would shape my career in HR, learning, and development. Key Contributions: • Supported full-cycle recruitment and employee transitions for corporate and field-based hires, ensuring compliance and a consistent employee experience • Played a critical role in coordinating onboarding logistics and documentation, improving processing time and new hire engagement • Demonstrated exceptional time management by balancing contract HR responsibilities with an active international performing career—showcasing agility, focus, and professional presence • Built trusted relationships across HR functions while working under both JLL corporate and third-party staffing assignments Reason for departure: End of contracted assignments through JLL and City Staffing

Vocal Performance Major. Member of the a cappella group, "The Xtension Chords". Member of "UIUC Concert Choir". Traveled to Russia. Scholarship recipient. Highlighted and noted Alumni in the School of Music.

School of Music Vocal Fellow recipient. Major roles in three productions per season.