CultureFirst HR provides strategic human resources expertise to credit unions, financial institutions, and small businesses. We help organizations build, strengthen, and optimize their people programs with clarity and purpose.
"Approachable. Practical. Actionable. Human." — CultureFirst HR
Blending strategic HR insights with industrial-organizational psychology and organizational development principles.
We meet clients where they are, understand their business, and deliver solutions they can confidently put into practice.
Strategic workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development frameworks that build a pipeline for the future.
Culture design, engagement strategies, psychological safety, and wellbeing programs that create workplaces where people thrive.
Conflict resolution, investigations, terminations, offboarding, and union relations managed with professionalism and care.
Individual and team coaching, 360 assessments, performance management, and leadership programs grounded in I/O psychology research.
Change readiness, organizational structure design, and transformation support to help your organization evolve effectively.
Recruitment and onboarding, compensation, reward and recognition, and HR operational support tailored to your needs.
With over two decades of experience, CultureFirst HR brings deep expertise across the full spectrum of human resources.
Owner & Founder of CultureFirst HR — CPHR, Master of Administration in Leadership
Laurie Smith is an accomplished HR professional with over two decades of experience in talent development, leadership development, culture design, and change management. She is dedicated to organizational, team, and individual success through innovative, evidence-based solutions.
Her work centers on creating cultures that foster collaboration, engagement, and continuous growth for board members, leaders, and employees. Laurie has played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of organizations across the credit union system, including CEO recruitments, CEO performance planning, HR strategy, employee engagement, and board assessments.
As an accredited Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a holder of a Master of Administration in Leadership from the University of Regina, Laurie brings a unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience to every client engagement.
Laurie brings a passion for helping organizations build strong cultures, develop leaders, and navigate change with confidence.
Previously: Affinity Credit Union, Central 1, SaskCentral, TCU Financial Group
Connect on LinkedIn arrow_forwardWe blend strategic HR insights with industrial-organizational psychology and organizational development principles to deliver solutions that work.
We meet you where you are. No jargon, no judgment — just practical guidance you can trust.
Every recommendation is grounded in what actually works, not what sounds good on paper.
We deliver solutions you can implement immediately. Clear, measurable, and effective.
People are at the center of everything we do. We believe in the power of connection and shared purpose.
CultureFirst HR has deep roots in the credit union sector, with extensive experience supporting organizations across Saskatchewan and beyond.
CEO recruitments, board assessments, CEO performance planning and reviews, strategic HR planning.
Leadership development, succession planning, performance management, and workforce planning tailored for credit unions.
Culture design and execution, employee engagement, change management, and organizational development.
CultureFirst HR has proudly partnered with credit unions across Saskatchewan, co-hosting the Directors' Dialogue: Leading for Sustainability — the first provincial gathering of its kind in over a decade.
At CultureFirst HR, we root our recommendations in rigorous I/O psychology research — because leadership development and culture change shouldn't be a leap of faith.
A systematic literature review found that effective succession planning requires top management commitment, a clear link to business strategy, and a focus on developing high-potential employees — not just reactive replacement planning.
Research across 383 employees found that work environment and team relationships are the strongest predictors of engagement, accounting for 67% of the differences between employees. Culture matters more than perks.
A meta-analysis of 200 studies confirmed that leadership development is highly effective — but impact depends entirely on the type of intervention and alignment with organizational goals.
In-depth interviews with at-risk employees revealed that tangible support — from managers, colleagues, and organizational resources — is what keeps people afloat. The gap between received and lacking resources is where burnout lives.
CultureFirst HR has earned a reputation for delivering practical, human-centered HR solutions that make a real difference.
"Laurie brings a passion for helping organizations build strong cultures, develop leaders, and navigate change with confidence. The work she's doing in the Credit Union system is making a big difference."
"Bringing together Credit Union Directors, CEOs, and Governance Professionals reminded us of something powerful: connection isn't a nice-to-have — it's a strategic advantage."
"CultureFirst HR helped us build a succession planning framework that develops local talent, supports business continuity, and creates a culture of growth. Their approach is practical and grounded in research."
Answers to common questions about CultureFirst HR's services, approach, and expertise.
Let's talk about how CultureFirst HR can help you develop leaders, strengthen your culture, and create lasting change.
Email Laurie arrow_forwardlaurie@culturefirsthr.com • Based in Regina, SK