How Emerging HR Leaders Can Influence Culture Without Big Titles

In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, we explore how emerging HR leaders can influence organizational culture without relying on formal authority or senior titles, by building credibility, fostering trust, and driving meaningful change from within.

Host Riha is joined by Sarah Eryan, uman Resources Director for the Middle East and Africa, at Fragomen, to discuss how early and mid-career HR professionals can shape culture through everyday interactions, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of employee needs. Together, they unpack how influence is built through consistency, communication, and the ability to align people's practices with business outcomes.

About the Speaker

Sarah Eryan is a Human Resources Director for the Middle East and Africa with over 22 years of experience spanning people strategy, leadership, and business transformation.

She partners closely with senior leadership teams to translate business strategy into practical, human-centered decisions that drive performance, adaptability, and long-term growth. Her work focuses on shaping future-ready organizations in an increasingly complex and evolving world of work.

A strong advocate for modern HR, Sarah is passionate about moving the function beyond processes to become a true driver of how work gets done. She believes that the most effective workplaces are built by human leaders, those who lead with empathy, sound judgment, and the courage to make meaningful decisions.

Her approach centers on culture as a lived experience, grounded in authenticity, trust, and empowerment. She is also deeply committed to responsible business practices, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, employee wellbeing, and sustainability.

Timestamps

(04:16) - For someone starting in HR without a high-ranking title, what are some practical first steps they can take to begin making an impact on the organization’s culture?

(09:30) - How can emerging HR leaders use their informal influence, relationships, and internal networks to drive cultural change within the organization?

(14:47) - How important is it for HR leaders to align their personal leadership style with the organization’s core values? What strategies can help in that alignment?

(19:46) - Trust is essential to influence. How can an emerging HR leader build trust quickly, even without formal power or a big title?

(25:55) - How can emerging HR leaders play a role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the company, and why is this a crucial part of influencing culture?

(32:33) - What are some common challenges that emerging HR leaders face when trying to influence culture, and how can they overcome resistance to their ideas?