In this chapter of our #BuildTogether series, Associate Jane Kratochvil reflects on career evolution, parenting, and how she supports the next generation in the industry through her leadership role in Human Resources.
Do you think your lived experience influences your approach to leadership? If so, how?
I would say my perspective as a parent has had the greatest influence on my approach to leadership.
Being a parent builds empathy, compassion, and the ability to truly listen. You want to lead your children toward a happy, healthy life, and I see leadership in the workplace the same way. It’s about listening to your team, understanding what they’re saying, and supporting them so the firm and the people within it can thrive together.
What does leadership mean to you today, and how has that definition evolved over time?
Leadership hasn’t necessarily evolved. It’s always been rooted in listening, hearing people, and working together toward a common goal. From my HR lens, leadership isn’t about rigid rules or directives; it’s about collaboration, clarity, and working together to get where you need to go.
Early in my career, leadership often looked like strict hours, firm rules, and little flexibility. Now leadership is about creating alignment, supporting people, and achieving goals together rather than dictating how work gets done.
What are you most proud of as you look back over your career—whether an achievement, learning, or personal growth?
I’m proud of how my career has evolved over the past 25 years here at S2 from project administration to executive support, office management, marketing, proposals, and eventually HR. I didn’t set out to work in HR, but it turned out to be exactly where I was meant to be. Each step built on the last.
What gives me the most satisfaction is working with people and helping them reach those “aha” moments. HR work often happens quietly, behind the scenes, without recognition—but seeing someone grow, gain clarity or move forward because of a conversation is incredibly fulfilling. That’s what I’m most proud of.
How do you hope to support and advocate for the next generation of leaders?
Support often happens quietly through coaching, listening, and being present in the background. I see advocacy as helping people think through challenges, supporting their growth, and giving them the tools to move forward. It also means helping people understand what truly makes them happy and supporting them as they work toward it. This is where people excel—by doing work they are genuinely passionate about.
What advice would you give to individuals looking to enter or grow in the industry?
Do what makes you happy, what you are passionate about. There will always be aspects of any job that aren’t your favourite. But if you’re genuinely happy with what you’re doing, you’ll grow, you’ll thrive and you’ll achieve what you want. That’s what matters most.
