HR & TA Career Development
HR & TA Career Development
Are you ready to
Are you ready to
Are you ready to
Are you ready to
Being excellent at your job is not the thing that gets you promoted in HR or TA. What actually gets you promoted is knowing how to be seen as promotable, as strategic, as ready, is a specific, learnable set of skills. Skills that no program actually bothers to teach you.
(Which is a little ironic, given that you spend your days developing everyone else's careers.)
But don't worry, I can help.
Being excellent at your job is not the thing that gets you promoted in HR or TA. What actually gets you promoted is knowing how to be seen as promotable, as strategic, as ready, is a specific, learnable set of skills. Skills that no program actually bothers to teach you.
(Which is a little ironic, given that you spend your days developing everyone else's careers.)
But don't worry, I can help.
Where you might've seen me:
Where you might've seen me:
WHAT I DO
WHAT I DO
Which one of these is keeping you up at night?
Which one of these is keeping you up at night?
Which one of these is keeping you up at night?
Which one of these is keeping you up at night?
Pick your flavor of stuck. (Don't worry — there's a way out of all three)
Pick your flavor of stuck. (Don't worry — there's a way out of all three)
1
You're doing everything right.
Nobody seems to notice.
You know your stuff cold, you put out fires nobody else wants to touch, and you deliver — every single time. But "strategic partner" aren't words that comes up in your reviews.
"Meets expectations" does though. A lot.
Here's the thing: being great at execution isn't the same as being seen as strategic.
That gap is fixable. But it doesn't fix itself.
2
You've been told you're next.
It's been 84 years.
There's a very specific kind of awful that comes with perpetually almost being there.
You're not a beginner. You're not being managed out. You're just hovering in a weird purgatory where you keep delivering, keep getting told you're on the right track, and somehow the promotion announcement keeps featuring someone who (let's just say) has not been doing what you've been doing.
3
You just got promoted.
Now you're terrified.
You wanted this, you worked for this, and now that you have it, you're realizing nobody gave you a manual for leading an HR or TA function.
(Because there isn't one. Wild, right?)
The good news is that you don't have to figure it out by yourself or wait for your boss to teach you what they never learned either.
1
You're doing everything right.
Nobody seems to notice.
You know your stuff cold, you put out fires nobody else wants to touch, and you deliver — every single time. But "strategic partner" aren't words that comes up in your reviews.
"Meets expectations" does though. A lot.
Here's the thing: being great at execution isn't the same as being seen as strategic.
That gap is fixable. But it doesn't fix itself.
2
You've been told you're next.
It's been 84 years.
There's a very specific kind of awful that comes with perpetually almost being there.
You're not a beginner. You're not being managed out. You're just hovering in a weird purgatory where you keep delivering, keep getting told you're on the right track, and somehow the promotion announcement keeps featuring someone who (let's just say) has not been doing what you've been doing.
3
You just got promoted.
Now you're terrified.
You wanted this, you worked for this, and now that you have it, you're realizing nobody gave you a manual for leading an HR or TA function.
(Because there isn't one. Wild, right?)
The good news is that you don't have to figure it out by yourself or wait for your boss to teach you what they never learned either.
about me
Hi, I'm Preston.
I've been exactly where you are.
Hi, I'm Preston.
I've been exactly where you are.
Hi, I'm Preston.
I've been exactly where you are.
Four times over, I've been the Head of Talent — at startups, enterprises, and everything in between. I've built recruiting functions from scratch and led HR teams in conditions that would give most people a stress fracture. Before all that? I was a mid-level HR and TA professional wondering when doing great work was going to finally translate into something.
It did. I made Director-level by 27. Not because I was the smartest person in the room — but because I figured out how to stop being seen as the person who "handles things" and start being seen as a strategic partner. That's what I teach now.
Through Guideline Talent, I work with HR and TA professionals who are done waiting to be noticed, and ready to actually do something about it. I hold the SPHR and SHRM-SCP credentials, teach through UT and Maven, and speak at conferences including SHRM, RecFest, and DisruptHR.
TESTAMONIALS
TESTAMONIALS
Real feedback from real humans (mostly).
Real feedback from real humans (mostly).
Real feedback from real humans (mostly).
Real feedback from real humans (mostly).
“Truly one of the best! So thankful to have been taught by [him]! If you haven’t taken any of Preston’s classes, I highly recommend doing so. His teaching style and depth of knowledge are top tier.”
Sarah
HR Generalist
“Preston’s expertise was invaluable. His communication was always clear, timely, and effective. I highly recommend Preston without reservation.”
Gavin G.
Director of Recruiting
“[Preston’s session was] a thoughtful an informative presentation on building and leading talent acquisition teams.”
Gabrielle B.
Partner, Talent Strategist
“[Preston’s training was] perfect for a senior recruiter ready to take on the next step of management”
Keri
Fractional Head of Talent
“Preston Sharpston brings the goods. Check him out. You will be glad you did.”
Scott M.
HR Executive
“Preston is the epitome of what right looks like regarding Human Resources. Preston could teach a master class in effective and humanistic recruiting, and he should. He'd fill the room, and they'd ask for encores.”
James L.
Senior Vice President
“I've spent years in HR and truly value those who can translate strategy into actionable steps. Preston does this exceptionally well. If you want to grow as an HR or TA leader, I highly recommend working with Preston.”
Debra S.
HR Business Partner
“Preston is a rare gem. He possess a calming strength that impacts the audience in front of him. He is a constant learner and created tools and collateral that we continue to use today! One of the most impressive qualities of Preston would be his authentic integrity. It was an honor and privilege to work with Preston.”
Savannah J.
Chief Administrative Officer
“Bark bark bark!” *wags tail*
Abby The Poodle
Chief Napping Officer
“Truly one of the best! So thankful to have been taught by [him]! If you haven’t taken any of Preston’s classes, I highly recommend doing so. His teaching style and depth of knowledge are top tier.”
Sarah
HR Generalist
“[Preston’s training was] perfect for a senior recruiter ready to take on the next step of management”
Keri
Fractional Head of Talent
“I've spent years in HR and truly value those who can translate strategy into actionable steps. Preston does this exceptionally well. If you want to grow as an HR or TA leader, I highly recommend working with Preston.”
Debra S.
HR Business Partner
“Preston’s expertise was invaluable. His communication was always clear, timely, and effective. I highly recommend Preston without reservation.”
Gavin G.
Director of Recruiting
“Preston Sharpston brings the goods. Check him out. You will be glad you did.”
Scott M.
HR Executive
“Preston is a rare gem. He possess a calming strength that impacts the audience in front of him. He is a constant learner and created tools and collateral that we continue to use today! One of the most impressive qualities of Preston would be his authentic integrity. It was an honor and privilege to work with Preston.”
Savannah J.
Chief Administrative Officer
“[Preston’s session was] a thoughtful an informative presentation on building and leading talent acquisition teams.”
Gabrielle B.
Partner, Talent Strategist
“Preston is the epitome of what right looks like regarding Human Resources. Preston could teach a master class in effective and humanistic recruiting, and he should. He'd fill the room, and they'd ask for encores.”
James L.
Senior Vice President
“Bark bark bark!” *wags tail*
Abby The Poodle
Chief Napping Officer
“Truly one of the best! So thankful to have been taught by [him]! If you haven’t taken any of Preston’s classes, I highly recommend doing so. His teaching style and depth of knowledge are top tier.”
Sarah
HR Generalist
“I've spent years in HR and truly value those who can translate strategy into actionable steps. Preston does this exceptionally well. If you want to grow as an HR or TA leader, I highly recommend working with Preston.”
Debra S.
HR Business Partner
“Preston Sharpston brings the goods. Check him out. You will be glad you did.”
Scott M.
HR Executive
“[Preston’s session was] a thoughtful an informative presentation on building and leading talent acquisition teams.”
Gabrielle B.
Partner, Talent Strategist
“Bark bark bark!” *wags tail*
Abby The Poodle
Chief Napping Officer
“[Preston’s training was] perfect for a senior recruiter ready to take on the next step of management”
Keri
Fractional Head of Talent
“Preston’s expertise was invaluable. His communication was always clear, timely, and effective. I highly recommend Preston without reservation.”
Gavin G.
Director of Recruiting
“Preston is a rare gem. He possess a calming strength that impacts the audience in front of him. He is a constant learner and created tools and collateral that we continue to use today! One of the most impressive qualities of Preston would be his authentic integrity. It was an honor and privilege to work with Preston.”
Savannah J.
Chief Administrative Officer
“Preston is the epitome of what right looks like regarding Human Resources. Preston could teach a master class in effective and humanistic recruiting, and he should. He'd fill the room, and they'd ask for encores.”
James L.
Senior Vice President
HOW I HELP
HOW I HELP
Services & Pricing
Services & Pricing
Services & Pricing
Services & Pricing
No two people are in the same situation, which is why there are a few ways to work together. Here's what each one looks like:
No two people are in the same situation, which is why there are a few ways to work together. Here's what each one looks like:
$225
per individual, per workshop
These are not webinars where you take great notes and then forget everything by Thursday. These are focused 3-hour intensives with clear goals, a small group (capped at 25 for a reason), and practical tools you can use asap.
INCLUDES:
3-hour intensive with clear goals and outcomes
Live, capped at 25 attendees for maximum impact
Packed with practical, immediately usable takeaways
Recording and materials access (forever)
20% off anything else you book within 30 days
WORKSHOPS
HR & TA CAREER ACCELERATOR
$2,100
save $500 with code GUIDELINE500
payment plans available
A 6-week cohort with 6 live workshops, plus 3 private 1:1 sessions with me. Capped at 10 people (which means you'll actually know everyone in the room and they'll know you.)
INCLUDES:
6 group sessions, 90 minutes each (live + recorded)
3 private 1:1 coaching sessions with Preston (60 min each)
On-demand async support via text and voice notes
Recording and materials access (forever)
100% off all workshops and events while enrolled
20% off all workshops once complete — for life
A cohort of peers who are doing the same work you are
$1,020
per 3-session package (or $340/each)
Three private sessions with a 4x Head of Talent, for for when you want the attention to be entirely on you — your goals, roadblocks, and specific company dynamics. No group, no curriculum: just the work that matters.
INCLUDES:
3 private 60-minute 1:1 sessions
Full focus on your goals, your situation, your specific challenges
Access to resources and development materials
Unlimited async support during session months
1:1 COACHING
$225
per individual, per workshop
These are not webinars where you take great notes and then forget everything by Thursday. These are focused 3-hour intensives with clear goals, a small group (capped at 25 for a reason), and practical tools you can use asap.
INCLUDES:
3-hour intensive with clear goals and outcomes
Live, capped at 25 attendees for maximum impact
Packed with practical, immediately usable takeaways
Recording and materials access (forever)
20% off anything else you book within 30 days
WORKSHOPS
HR & TA CAREER ACCELERATOR
$2,100
save $500 with code GUIDELINE500
payment plans available
A 6-week cohort with 6 live workshops, plus 3 private 1:1 sessions with me. Capped at 10 people (which means you'll actually know everyone in the room and they'll know you.)
INCLUDES:
6 group sessions, 90 minutes each (live + recorded)
3 private 1:1 coaching sessions with Preston (60 min each)
On-demand async support via text and voice notes
Recording and materials access (forever)
100% off all workshops and events while enrolled
20% off all workshops once complete — for life
A cohort of peers who are doing the same work you are
$1,020
per 3-session package (or $340/each)
Three private sessions with a 4x Head of Talent, for for when you want the attention to be entirely on you — your goals, roadblocks, and specific company dynamics. No group, no curriculum: just the work that matters.
INCLUDES:
3 private 60-minute 1:1 sessions
Full focus on your goals, your situation, your specific challenges
Access to resources and development materials
Unlimited async support during session months
1:1 COACHING
$225
per individual, per workshop
These are not webinars where you take great notes and then forget everything by Thursday. These are focused 3-hour intensives with clear goals, a small group (capped at 25 for a reason), and practical tools you can use asap.
INCLUDES:
3-hour intensive with clear goals and outcomes
Live, capped at 25 attendees for maximum impact
Packed with practical, immediately usable takeaways
Recording and materials access (forever)
20% off anything else you book within 30 days
WORKSHOPS
HR & TA CAREER ACCELERATOR
$2,100
save $500 with code GUIDELINE500
payment plans available
A 6-week cohort with 6 live workshops, plus 3 private 1:1 sessions with me. Capped at 10 people (which means you'll actually know everyone in the room and they'll know you.)
INCLUDES:
6 group sessions, 90 minutes each (live + recorded)
3 private 1:1 coaching sessions with Preston (60 min each)
On-demand async support via text and voice notes
Recording and materials access (forever)
100% off all workshops and events while enrolled
20% off all workshops once complete — for life
A cohort of peers who are doing the same work you are
$1,020
per 3-session package (or $340/each)
Three private sessions with a 4x Head of Talent, for for when you want the attention to be entirely on you — your goals, roadblocks, and specific company dynamics. No group, no curriculum: just the work that matters.
INCLUDES:
3 private 60-minute 1:1 sessions
Full focus on your goals, your situation, your specific challenges
Access to resources and development materials
Unlimited async support during session months
1:1 COACHING
$225
per individual, per workshop
These are not webinars where you take great notes and then forget everything by Thursday. These are focused 3-hour intensives with clear goals, a small group (capped at 25 for a reason), and practical tools you can use asap.
INCLUDES:
3-hour intensive with clear goals and outcomes
Live, capped at 25 attendees for maximum impact
Packed with practical, immediately usable takeaways
Recording and materials access (forever)
20% off anything else you book within 30 days
WORKSHOPS
$1,020
per 3-session package (or $340/each)
Three private sessions with a 4x Head of Talent, for for when you want the attention to be entirely on you — your goals, roadblocks, and specific company dynamics. No group, no curriculum: just the work that matters.
INCLUDES:
3 private 60-minute 1:1 sessions
Full focus on your goals, your situation, your specific challenges
Access to resources and development materials
Unlimited async support during session months
1:1 COACHING
HR & TA CAREER ACCELERATOR
$2,100
save $500 with code GUIDELINE500
payment plans available
A 6-week cohort with 6 live workshops, plus 3 private 1:1 sessions with me. Capped at 10 people (which means you'll actually know everyone in the room and they'll know you.)
INCLUDES:
6 group sessions, 90 minutes each (live + recorded)
3 private 1:1 coaching sessions with Preston (60 min each)
On-demand async support via text and voice notes
Recording and materials access (forever)
100% off all workshops and events while enrolled
20% off all workshops once complete — for life
A cohort of peers who are doing the same work you are
WHY WORK WITH ME?
WHY WORK WITH ME?
There are a lot of ways to invest in your career. Let's look at them.
There are a lot of ways to invest in your career. Let's look at them.
There are a lot of ways to invest in your career. Let's look at them.
There are a lot of ways to invest in your career. Let's look at them.
Made for Mid-Level
Highly Practical
Strategic Focus
PromotionFocused
Promotion Focused
Live Delivery
Flexible Options
1:1 Coach Access
Unique To You
Your Investment
SHRM & HRCI Certification
Mixed
No
Mixed
No
No
No
No
No
$350 - $495 each
Master’s Degree (Average)
Mixed
No
No
No
Mixed
No
No
No
$40,000 - $120,000
CHRO Programs (Wharton, Berkely)
No
Mixed
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$15,000 - $22,000
University-Based HR Certificates
No
No
No
No
Mixed
No
No
No
$1,000 - $5,000
People Leader Accelerator
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$10,000
TroopHR Academy
Mixed
Mixed
Mixed
No
No
No
No
No
$700/year
AIHR COURSES & Membership
Mixed
Mixed
Mixed
No
No
No
No
No
$1,125 - $1,850/year
Guideline
Talent
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$2,101 or less
Conferences & Industry Events
Mixed
Mixed
Mixed
No
Yes
Mixed
Mixed
No
$200 - $5,000 each
Made for Mid-Level
Highly Practical
SHRM & HRCI Certification
Mixed
No
Master’s Degree (Average)
Mixed
No
CHRO Programs (Wharton, Berkely)
No
Mixed
University-Based HR Certificates
No
No
People Leader Accelerator
No
Yes
TroopHR Academy
Mixed
Mixed
AIHR COURSES & Membership
Mixed
Mixed
Guideline Talent
Yes
Yes
Conferences & Industry Events
Mixed
Mixed
Strategic Focus
Promotion Focused
Live Delivery
Mixed
No
No
No
No
Mixed
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Mixed
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mixed
No
No
Mixed
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mixed
No
Yes
Flexible Options
1:1 Coach Access
Unique To You
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mixed
Mixed
No
Your Investment
$350 - $495 each
$40,000 - $120,000
$15,000 - $22,000
$1,000 - $5,000
$10,000
$700/year
$1,125 - $1,850/year
Under $2,000
$200 - $3,000 each
THE ROI OF INVESTING IN YOURSELF
THE ROI OF INVESTING IN YOURSELF
Your investment isn't small, but the return won't be either.
Your investment isn't small, but the return won't be either.
Your investment isn't small, but the return won't be either.
Your investment isn't small, but the return won't be either.
Here's the thing about staying put: it also has a cost. It's just one you can't see on a spreadsheet. The promotion that went to someone else. The salary bump that didn't happen. The title that keeps feeling like it's almost yours. Run your own numbers below.
Here's the thing about staying put: it also has a cost. It's just one you can't see on a spreadsheet. The promotion that went to someone else. The salary bump that didn't happen. The title that keeps feeling like it's almost yours. Run your own numbers below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions, answered.
Your questions, answered.
Your questions, answered.
Your questions, answered.
Is this for HR, TA, or both?
I'm earlier in my career. Is the Accelerator the right fit?
What's the difference between the Accelerator and 1:1 coaching?
Do you offer payment plans for the Accelerator?
Do you work with companies or teams?
What's the refund policy?
Is this for HR, TA, or both?
Both — and the overlap is intentional. Whether you're in talent acquisition, an HR generalist role, or HR business partnering, the strategic skills that accelerate a career are remarkably similar. If you're not sure it's a fit for your specific situation, just book a call. We'll figure it out together in about 15 minutes.
I'm earlier in my career. Is the Accelerator the right fit?
The sweet spot is 3–8 years of experience — enough that you've got real context to apply the work to, but you're not yet in a senior leadership seat. If you're earlier than that, reach out before enrolling and let's make sure the timing is right. If you're further along, we should still talk — but 1:1 coaching might serve you better than the group cohort.
What's the difference between the Accelerator and 1:1 coaching?
The Accelerator is a cohort experience — you go through the program alongside 7–9 other HR and TA professionals, which adds a layer of peer learning and accountability you don't get 1:1. Coaching is just you and me, fully focused on your specific situation. Worth noting: the Accelerator already includes three 1:1 sessions with me, so you get some of both either way.
Do you offer payment plans for the Accelerator?
Yes. Reach out at preston@guidelinetalent.com and we'll work something out.
Do you work with companies or teams?
Yes! For teams of 4 or more, a customized cohort delivery is available. Reach out directly to discuss pricing and logistics.
What's the refund policy?
Is this for HR, TA, or both?
Both — and the overlap is intentional. Whether you're in talent acquisition, an HR generalist role, or HR business partnering, the strategic skills that accelerate a career are remarkably similar. If you're not sure it's a fit for your specific situation, just book a call. We'll figure it out together in about 15 minutes.
I'm earlier in my career. Is the Accelerator the right fit?
The sweet spot is 3–8 years of experience — enough that you've got real context to apply the work to, but you're not yet in a senior leadership seat. If you're earlier than that, reach out before enrolling and let's make sure the timing is right. If you're further along, we should still talk — but 1:1 coaching might serve you better than the group cohort.
What's the difference between the Accelerator and 1:1 coaching?
The Accelerator is a cohort experience — you go through the program alongside 7–9 other HR and TA professionals, which adds a layer of peer learning and accountability you don't get 1:1. Coaching is just you and me, fully focused on your specific situation. Worth noting: the Accelerator already includes three 1:1 sessions with me, so you get some of both either way.
Do you offer payment plans for the Accelerator?
Yes. Reach out at preston@guidelinetalent.com and we'll work something out.
Do you work with companies or teams?
Yes! For teams of 4 or more, a customized cohort delivery is available. Reach out directly to discuss pricing and logistics.
What's the refund policy?
WHO THIS IS FOR
I work with a very specific person. Is this you?
HR or TA pro in the US or Canada
3-8 years into your career
Non-leader or first-time leader
Ready to advance your career
Willing to invest in yourself
WHO THIS IS FOR
I work with a very specific person. Is this you?
HR or TA pro in the US or Canada
3-8 years into your career
Non-leader or first-time leader
Ready to advance your career
Willing to invest in yourself
CONTACT PRESTON
CONTACT PRESTON