Lindsay K. Mattes, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is the founder and president of Kinder HR, a TEDx speaker, and Amazon bestselling author of “Don’t Be A D!ck HR Advice for a Kinder, Healthier and More Successful Workplace.”
“With a deep passion for leadership and human resources, I have dedicated my career to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential,” Mattes says.
For her expertise in the human resources field, Marquis Who’s Who has selected Mattes as a Top Industry Leader.
The Importance of Human Resources
Mattes specializes in assisting small to medium-sized companies that do not have established human resources teams to handle their HR needs. She also focuses on training and development.
“At Kinder HR, our mission is to equip leaders with immediately usable skills that foster growth and success in both personal and professional spheres. Our comprehensive training programs are designed to develop confident, competent leaders who can navigate the complexities of today’s workplace with ease,” Mattes says.
With more than 25 years of experience, Mattes has held various human resources positions, including HR generalist and director of HR. She believes employees are the heart of the company, but in the corporate world, human resources departments often act as policy enforcers without considering the needs of their employees.
Mattes founded Kinder HR to encourage a different approach, emphasizing the importance of kindness in the business world.
Don’t Be a D.I.C.K.
In 2024, Mattes delivered a TEDx Talk titled “The Secret to a Better Workplace: Don’t Be a D.I.C.K.,” which discouraged those in human resources leadership roles from engaging in harmful practices. The acronym D.I.C.K. stands for dismissive, insensitive, callous, and killjoy, traits that she believes are the hallmarks of toxic leadership. Her talk, like her Amazon bestselling book, challenges professionals to recognize and eliminate these behaviors in themselves and others.
Mattes doesn’t just share her advice in talks and books; she maintains a prominent social media presence, posting helpful videos and other content on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
“Whether through my books, speaking engagements or tailored training sessions, my goal is to inspire and enable leaders to thrive, creating positive and productive environments for all,” Mattes says.
Mattes acknowledges that it can be difficult to practice kindness, especially in challenging situations, but she believes kindness can have a significant impact on workplace dynamics. She encourages those who hear or read her message to explore their behaviors and ensure they do not exhibit the traits of negative leadership. She notes that self-awareness is the first step in personal development and encourages others to create a positive workplace environment founded on respect.
Mattes’ goals include speaking on larger stages about human resources issues and continuing to promote her book. She is passionate about working with leaders and organizations that want to make positive and immediate changes in their workplaces.
Mattes’ advice to any person working in human resources or running a company is simple: “Do your best to be kind. But if you can’t be kind, at least don’t be a D.I.C.K.”
