Meet Jill, Founder of Vybrant HR — The Fractional CPO Helping Companies Thrive Through Their People

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

Hi, I’m Jill! I'm an HR executive, Fractional Chief People Officer, and the founder behind Vybrant HR, where I help growing companies build strong, people-centered foundations. I partner with startups and small, growing businesses that want strategic HR leadership without the full-time overhead, bringing clarity, structure, and a little spark to everything from culture and performance to compliance and people strategy. Vybrant HR was born from my passion for helping organizations unlock their potential through their people. I’m a connector at heart, a culture curator by craft, and a proud wife, mom of three, dog lover, and fitness enthusiast who believes great leadership starts with authenticity and empathy.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No, I did not. I was very passionate about leading HR within my prior organization. As the company grew, my role remained comparable based on the industry. I began speaking with other female entrepreneurs, which sparked my interest to go off on my own. I created my own website and logo and initially did my own marketing. I love the creative element of owning my own business while pursuing my craft!

Are you a mamaprenista?

Yes! It's amazing having my girls see me run my own business. If I'm slammed, that's ok, because business ebbs and flows. At the same time, I can often plan out (aside from sick days) my schedule to be there for their various activities. The pressure is pressure I put on myself and not from the larger corporation. I'm more motivated than ever to have a successful and growing business to support myself and my family now and well into the future!

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

Initially, I made my website on WIX and my logo and branding on Canva. I bootstrapped everything myself. I began by networking within my existing network, strategically reaching out to my connections to do virtual or in-person coffee chats. My first two clients were both personal referrals. I also joined my local chamber of commerce and a virtual networking group. I achieved my first year goals by month 11, which I'm incredibly proud of. I've learned a lot but am ready to elevate the business!

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I'm most proud of the success I've seen in just 18 months since Vybrant HR launched. I believed in myself and the value I can add to my clients, and it's paid off. I love what I do and knowing I'm adding value to each of my clients in different ways.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I don't know what I don't know, so I'm excited to dive in, meet incredible women, and make connections, while also learning and utilizing the tools available as I grow my business!

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

I leave it more open-ended: Tell me about who "Jill" is (insert candidate's name). I'm really trying to understand what drives/motivates the individual. As an HR professional, I know that everyone is uniquely motivated - there's no one-size-fits-all. This helps understand if their passions and motivations align with the culture.

What did you go before starting your own business?

I began my career in technical recruitment across healthcare and various federal agencies (DoD, NSA, CIA, etc.). After itching to support the employee throughout their lifecycle, I pursued my MBA and immediately moved into Human Resources (still overseeing recruitment under that umbrella). I served as the Chief People Officer of my last organization for nearly 7 years, growing the company from 55 to 130 employees, from 3 to 30 states across the US.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I had been itching to go off on my own; however, I had golden handcuffs. My prior organization was invested in by private equity, and we parted ways in April 2024. I launched Vybrant HR in May 2025 and haven't looked back - it's been the best decision of my career thus far, but I needed the prior experience to be where I am today!

Do you have any recent wins?

I attended my first conference as an exhibitor - a local biotech conference. It went extremely well! I have a prospective client that has verbally agreed to join on effective January 1, 2026!

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

Instagram - frankly, I'm addicted. It's full of inspiration, a peek into my friends and family (near and far), a way to share my life on my terms, and a creative space.

Who are your customers?

Professional services organizations with 10-75 employees with no HR or HR as an "other duties as assigned" to a member of the executive staff, CFO, Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant, etc.

What's your top productivity tip?

Just dive in. Often, overthinking is what holds you back!

What's your favorite business tool?

ChatGPT (paid). With the right prompts, ChatGPT has supported my marketing, sales, drafted emails, SOPs, policies, and so much more. It has saved me a tremendous amount of time, allowing my to maximize my efficiency.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I started Vybrant HR to ensure I had balance. Working in-house in HR, I was never able to turn it off. Now, I set the tone and boundaries with clients. I can be there for my family and work on my terms. If I work in the evening, it's on my terms because that works best for me to get ahead of the next day. It's empowering to have control of your own schedule.

How do you avoid burn-out?

Make time for yourself. Schedule in "me" time. For me, that's making sure I fit in a workout, whether in my basement, either before the kids get up or mid-day, or a fitness class (huge SolidCore fan!). Taking care of myself ensures I can give my all to my clients, family, and friends.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Being new to this space, my advice is to dive in and take advantage of all there is to offer!

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