Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Abbott.
Hi Jennifer, 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?
In 2002, Jennifer relocated from Toronto Canada to Los Angeles and began her tenure at USC. Over the following decade, she steadily ascended through roles within the Auxiliary Services Division, honing her leadership and operational skills. Jennifer made the difficult decision to move into the CEO/MOM role in 2011 to be a leader for her 3 boys over the next few years. Jennifer stayed active by volunteering in roles of President, Vice President, and Treasurer for a multitude of community non-profits.
In 2016, Jennifer made the move to re-enter the workforce and eventually made the crucial decision to join full time the company she Co-Founded, Human Element Company. Jennifer is currently the Executive Officer for Human Element Company, a Staffing and HR Agency. In support of Human Element Company Jennifer not only serves internally as a Fractional HR director but does so for multiple small to medium size companies. Jennifer adeptly guides and supports companies in optimizing their Human Resources strategies within the parameters of their budget constraints.
In addition, Jennifer Co-Founded a local Lean In Circle and has been the spear head to growing Lean In into 10 additional Circles within SCV. Jennifer is also the Founder and Chairwoman for International Women’s day for WEWIL Collaborative (Women Empowering Women in Leadership), an organization that offers women centric professional development. Jennifer currently serves as Chairwoman for InfluenceHer, a Chamber of Commerce Women’s networking group as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the SCV Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer is a futuristic restorative achiever with a deep appreciation of belief and discipline.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
1. When I transitioned back into the workforce after taking time off to focus on family and community, I faced the challenge of rebuilding credibility in a rapidly evolving HR landscape. Instead of seeing the gap as a setback, I leaned into my lived experience, updated my certifications, and embraced the unique perspective I brought — one rooted in empathy, adaptability, and real-world leadership.
2. One of the biggest challenges I faced as a business owner in the HR space was learning to protect my time and value. Early on, I gave too much of myself away — free advice, endless availability, and emotional labor — all in the name of being helpful. Over time, I realized that setting clear boundaries wasn’t just healthy, it was essential to growing a sustainable, impactful business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Feeling overwhelmed and in need of guidance when it comes to HR matters, but not sure where to begin?
You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of human resources. At Human Element Company, our mission is to empower small and medium-sized companies by enhancing the strength and efficiency of their HR departments. A healthy HR function is essential for overall success. Human Element Company can provide HR consultant services to do an HR wellness check in your company. We work closely with both employees and leadership teams to conduct a comprehensive analysis. By collaboratively identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), we aim to foster a holistic understanding of your HR landscape. Our goal is to help you optimize your HR practices.
From there, we tailor our strategies to your organization’s specific needs and aspirations, ensuring a customized path to a healthy HR space that aligns with your unique goals. Some of the HR solutions, depending on what we find in our analysis, are the following:
Fractional HR Director Services: A fractional HR Director is an experienced HR professional who works with your organization on a part-time or as-needed basis. They provide high-level strategic guidance, leadership, and expertise in human resources. This service is particularly valuable for smaller companies that may not need a full-time HR Director but still require access to senior HR leadership to address complex HR challenges and opportunities.
HR Specialist: An HR Specialist is a professional with in-depth knowledge and expertise in a specific area of human resources. These areas can include but are not limited to recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, compliance, or training and development. HR Specialists focus on delivering specialized support and solutions in their designated field, helping organizations address HR issues with precision and effectiveness.
HR Generalist: An HR Generalist is a versatile HR professional who is well-versed in various aspects of human resources. They handle a broad range of HR responsibilities, such as recruitment, employee onboarding, policy development, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance. HR Generalists play a pivotal role in maintaining the day-to-day HR operations and ensuring that HR functions run smoothly across the organ
At Human Element Company, we understand that each organization is unique, and we’re here to adapt our services to your specific requirements. Whether it’s budget constraints, fluctuating headcount needs, seasonal demands, or your preference for hourly visits, contract, or permanent employees, we offer a flexible approach to meet your HR needs. Our goal is to provide you with the right HR solutions that fit seamlessly into your business model, ensuring a healthy and thriving HR department. Your journey to a thriving HR environment begins with us, and we’re excited to embark on it together.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is living in alignment with my values while making a meaningful impact on the people and communities I care about. It means having the freedom and time to show up fully for my family, my community, and myself — without sacrificing my sense of purpose or wellbeing.
Professionally, success is doing work that matters alongside people I respect, and being recognized and compensated for the knowledge, experience, and heart I bring to the table. It’s using my voice and influence to empower others.
Personally, success is cultivating joy — whether that’s exploring something new like champagne, building memories with my children, or giving back through WEWIL, Zonta as well to women and underserved populations by creating space for growth, connection, and advocacy. It’s about being time affluent, present, and intentional — not just productive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.humanelementcompany.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanelementcompany
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-abbott-aston/
- Other: [email protected]
