Good HR advice comes from having been in the room.
I'm Shawna Boyko, Founder & Principal of HR Catalyst. I help business owners and leaders navigate difficult people decisions with experience, perspective and a practical way forward.
Human issues rarely fit neatly into a policy.
The hardest people decisions usually involve competing pressures, incomplete information and relationships that still matter after the decision is made.
Over more than two decades working with senior leaders, I've seen how much difference clear advice and good judgment can make. Sometimes what's needed is a people strategy. Sometimes it's help with one difficult conversation, a risk that can't be ignored or a change that needs a steady hand.
I created HR Catalyst to offer that kind of support directly: thoughtful, experienced HR partnership that helps leaders make sound decisions and actually carry them out.
Less complexity. More clarity.
Clear thinking. Straight answers. Real progress.
Good HR advice should make decisions easier to understand—and next steps easier to take.
Experience before jargon.
We look at the whole situation—not just the policy—and consider risk, context and consequences.
People matter.
How a decision is handled matters just as much as the decision itself. Respect and fairness are part of the work.
Advice you can use.
No unnecessary complexity. Just a clear scope, honest recommendations and practical next steps.
I've led the work, not just advised on it.
My background spans financial services, post-secondary education and mission-driven organizations. I've worked alongside executive teams, led complex HR portfolios and supported leaders through workplace change, workforce planning and sensitive employee matters.
Today, I personally lead HR Catalyst engagements and can draw on experienced associates when a project calls for additional capacity or expertise.
Professional background: MBA, University of Calgary · Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) · Prosci change management training · Workplace investigations and conflict-resolution training.
Tell me what you're working through.
Whether you're facing one difficult people decision or need an ongoing HR partner, we'll start by understanding the situation and finding the right level of help.