Hi, I'm Stacey

—Managing Partner & Founder of UTurn Consulting

Several core principles have guided me throughout my 20+ year career in Human Resources—and they’re also what prompted me to step out on my own and create my own consulting business.

The First

I believe HR is the central nervous system of any high-performing organization, and it’s imperative that the function has a strategic seat at the table.

The success of a company truly lies in the importance it places on all aspects of human resources, as it plays such an essential role in the employee experience, and ultimately—employee engagement and retention.

The Second

Experience matters, and there’s plenty of roles and projects that have shaped my human resources perspective and expertise.

Most recently, I served as the Senior Vice President of HR Operations at XPO Logistics, where I was responsible for North America Payroll, the People Services Center, Global HR Technology, the HR Project Management Office, HR Audit and Compliance, and Workforce Analytics for the company’s 100,000+ employees.

The Third

I always strive to leave projects, people, and departments in a better place than when I found them.

It’s a big reason why I wanted to go back into consulting—I know there are many organizations out there that are looking to elevate their HR functions, but they may not be sure where to begin. Not only do I have the experience and expertise to design a roadmap for you, but I love rolling up my sleeves and executing that roadmap as well.

I’m satisfied whenever I’m able to help companies get past the tangible—what they have—to explore what’s truly possible for their human resources strategy.

What you can expect from working with me: Honesty, integrity, partnership, and deep subject matter expertise.

Making An Impact

Stacey tirelessly and inspirationally led her team in successfully completing the sale of one company, the spin offs of two, publicly traded companies, and the establishment of the LTL division as a stand-alone, pure play leader in the industry. Despite overwhelming odds, Stacey and her team met or beat all deadlines without a hiccup. For any organization facing impossible odds, I’d recommend you place your money on Stacey Woods.

Mike Esposito

Former Senior Vice President, Labor Strategy
XPO Logistics, Inc.

I have had the pleasure of working with Stacey, in her capacity as an HR Technology executive, in Fortune 500 company settings. From my very first interaction with Stacey, I quickly noticed the impact she makes to those around her both professionally and personally. She immediately ramped up on her areas of responsibility and began to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external strategic vendor partners.

Stacey quickly became a sought-after resource for all things HR Technology related. Her keen ability to quickly assess the landscape and build a strategy while also identifying quick wins is unparalleled. Stacey has stepped into situations where resources were limited (or non-existent), resulting in the need to design and build the organization while continuing to make a difference across the company.

Mark Imhoff

Vice President, HR Operations & HR Excellence
Dentsply Sirona

Associations, Memberships & Boards

I’m a proud member of these associations, memberships, and boards:

The Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for senior human resources leaders. As a member of the council, I participate in expert panels and write bylined thought leadership articles to share my insights with a broader audience.

I am a member of Chief, the only private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. Chief is designed for women in the C-Suite, senior executives, and accomplished VPs to strengthen their leadership, magnify their influence, and pave the way to bring others with them.

Apparo is a fantastic nonprofit in Charlotte that assists other nonprofits in our community with the technology solutions and support they need to advance and amplify their work. I’m thrilled to serve on Apparo’s Board of Directors, where I work with an incredible and committed group of people to help advance Apparo’s mission.

Pipeline Angels is changing the face of angel investing and venture capital as well as creating funding for trans women, cis women, nonbinary, two-spirit, agender, and gender-nonconforming founders. The organization’s members serve as the “friends and family” round for entrepreneurs who may not already have support at that critical stage.

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally.

The International Association for Human Resources Information Management (IHRIM) is the leading HRIS professional organization, serving as a trusted community for unbiased training and HR advice since 1980. IHRIM uniquely and positively serves HRIT/HRIS professionals and their organizations at the demanding and ever-changing intersection of HR and Technology.

Awards & Accolades

Over the duration of my career, I’ve received several national, regional, and local recognitions including:

National Diversity Council

Top 50 HR Professionals

National Diversity Council

2021 Power 50 Member

The Mecklenburg Times

50 Most Influential Women in Greater Charlotte

Brokerage Technology CIO Award of Excellence for HR Integration

Wells Fargo Technology & Operations “Top Performer” Award

NAMIC Carolinas’ Outstanding Achievements in Technology Award

The University of South Carolina Outstanding Alumni Award

Named a “Woman to Watch” by Fairygodboss

Named "Top Women to Watch" by Women in Transportation

Previous slide

Next slide

My Writing

One of my core values is to “send the elevator down for others” through relaying my perspectives and expertise—and one way I do that is through written content. Take a look at my latest work, where I talk about leadership, self-care, and offer tips career management.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

4 Simple Shifts to Make Your Next Board Meeting More Engaging

Being a part of a Board of Directors—whether it’s for a corporate entity or nonprofit organization—is an incredibly important role. Not only does it help

How Leaders Can Find The Right Professional Opportunities Outside of Work

Serving on a board of directors for a nonprofit entity, becoming a new member of a professional organization, speaking at a conference, or being part of a networking group: they’re are all incredible ways to meet people, forge new connections, develop partnerships, and use your insights and expertise to make a difference for others.

Managing Remote Teams: Three Respectful, Intentional Tips Based on Experience

It’s hard to believe because for many, it’s what we’ve known for the past year — but prior to COVID-19, close to a quarter of the nation’s employees already worked remotely — and according to Forbes, that amount is supposed to double in 2021.

4 Ways to Ask For What You Want at Work

In our professional lives, asking for what we want—whether it’s a promotion, a salary increase, or a more flexible schedule so we can pick our kids up from school—can feel like we’re taking a big risk. What if our leader says no? How much are we willing to compromise? Is there a right time to ask? There are so many questions swirling around in our heads that often, we scare ourselves into not asking.