Michele Kauinui
Director of Human Resource Services
ALTRES
Michele Kauinui is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 11 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Michele
As the Director of HR Services for SimplicityHR by ALTRES, I oversee a team that provides HR support and guidance to over 2,500 businesses throughout Hawaii. Our services include payroll and benefits administration, workers’ compensation and risk management, safety and HR training, and HR consultation. Our clients come from a wide array of industries, ranging from mom-and-pop shops to corporate environments.
Prior to joining ALTRES 19 years ago, I began my HR career in the hospitality industry at hotels such as the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Halekulani Hotel. There, I focused on recruitment, benefits, and employee relations. It was a welcome opportunity to work in both union and non-union corporate environments, offering a change from my prior experiences.
I hold undergraduate degrees in Human Resource Management (HRM) and International Business, and a graduate degree in HRM. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes three teens, traveling, doing yoga, and running in races.
Question and Answer with Michele
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.).
In-Person, Video Conference, Email, Phone Call, Text / SMS
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
Serving as a mentor in Cohort 10 was such a wonderful experience! Recognizing the value of a strong professional network, I look forward to being a reliable and trusted resource for my mentee, supporting both their personal and professional growth in a meaningful way. Mentorship not only allows me to share invaluable lessons and insights I’ve gained throughout my career, but it also provides an opportunity to learn fresh perspectives from my mentee. It’s my small way of giving back to the community that has significantly shaped my professional journey.
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
If I am paired with a mentee who is an HR professional or interested in exploring HR as a career, I can share my knowledge and experience in areas such as recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits, compliance, employee and labor relations, organizational structure, and training and development. I would focus our time on areas my mentee is most interested in.
From a career development perspective, I’d also be more than happy to share experiences that have shaped my career path, including the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way.
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
I look forward to having regular communication with my mentee and serving as a trusted advisor and resource. I welcome any feedback on how I can better support our mentor-mentee relationship. Since my mentee will be dedicating time to participate in the program, I am committed to providing them with a positive mentorship experience.
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
My approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution is collaborative. I recognize that everyone has their unique perspectives and behavior styles, and I strive to be mindful of these differences when working and communicating with others. Finding common ground, in any form, is a positive step forward.
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
I would like to learn about my mentee’s specific objectives for participating in the program so that we can strategize the best ways to achieve those goals.