About Us
Sue Whitaker - Founder & Director
For over 20 years I have been working in corporate HR, working across different sectors specialising in helping people to develop personally and professionally.
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Then in 2023 everything changed for me as I became my mother's long distance care giver...​I had been helping her to do things over the internet for a while - but more was required...
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For a while I worked full time, whilst trying to advocate for her to live as independantly as possible and to manage things remotely. Then in 2024 it was clear that it was not possible and I left full time employment.
After a career break to reflect and plan my next steps, I made the decision to create my own business and hence Black Star HR was created...
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Why the name Black Star HR?
The name Black Star was choosen in honour of my beloved cat, Tipsy we rescued her and she was with us for 14 years, until she passed aged 21 in May 2024.
​She was my little star, who was with me through a lot of life challenges - we had a special bond and I am blessed to have had her in my life.
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HR is the profession through which I gained alot of my knowledge, skills and experience - so I did not want to forget where things started.
Mission
Empower individuals and businesses to unlock their full potential through self-leadership and strategic coaching, fostering confidence, resilience, and sustainable growth.​​
Purpose
To provide transformative guidance that helps professionals and entrepreneurs lead themselves effectively, make intentional decisions, and build thriving businesses with clarity and purpose.
Our Values
Tipsy, my cherished companion of 14 years, has been a profound teacher in shaping my values. I deeply value kindness and compassion towards others, alongside mutual trust and respect. CARE is at the heart of everything I do. It felt only natural that the values I embrace in my business should reflect that same experience.
Curiosity
Always exploring, learning and investigating to find the right solutions.
Authentic
Being true and honest aligning actions with genuine beliefs.
Respect
Treating others with dignity and valuing different perspectives.
Encouragement
Lifting others up with support, positivity, and guidance.
What I do outside of work
I enjoy spending time visiting various green spaces. My 'mid-life crisis' has been owning horses and I enjoy riding them, which combines my love of animals and the outdoors nicely.
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I started to crochet in 2018 and I make blankets, hats and various other items for charity. I enjoying watching TV and listening to podcasts whilst doing this under the watchful eye of my cats, whom are fascinated with yarn.
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I've taken part in various charity events to raise funds for causes close to my heart and also volunteer for a charity supporting animals and wildlife in the UK.