Tracey Russell
Director, Field Human Resources
Taco Bell
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Very early in life, I realized I didn't know what I wanted to do for a living.
I went to college, then after that, I went to Cosmetology school and was still career challenged.
I held several jobs in the beauty industry moving back and forth across the country. I was unhappy.
Until I landed in Chicago. It was there that I took control of my future and quit a job I hated.
Got down to my last $300 and landed a job in an HR department for a retail company. I finally knew.
Years later I relocated to CA working at Carl's Jr and Blockbuster (may they rest in peace) HR.
Then I got a call from a Taco Bell recruiter. I told her I would never work in fast food again. Ever!
11 years later, I'm still here and I love to Live Mas!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
North Olmsted High School
North Olmsted High School
Career
Director, Field Human Resources
I lead the Field HR Team supporting Restaurant Operations.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Food
Business
Working with Others
Day to Day
A great day in Taco Bell Field HR is visiting restaurants and meeting all types of different people. Having the opportunity to help someone understand how to be a better leader, what they need to do to grow their career or simply just listen to their hopes and dreams makes for a worthwhile day. I also spend time with my Team coaching and building their know-how helping them be better leaders themselves.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Learning the basic principles and practices of HR sets a good foundation. Then find an internship or entry level job to practice HR theory applying it to real life situations. Text book HR is a great starting point, however to grow into a higher level career status, you also have to understand how to be a strategic business partner and have overall great business acumen.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I don't know anything about HR so why would anyone hire me to do that type of work? I'm scared to death to fail so I don't know if I want to do this."
