Yara Banks, Visionary Leader, HR Strategist, CEO of BNX Business Advisors
Yara Banks is a visionary leader, HR strategist, and acclaimed author of The Executive Blindspot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line. With over 25 years of combined experience in HR, operations, and leadership development, Yara has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives across industries. As the CEO of BNX Business Advisors, she specializes in helping organizations align their human resources strategies with overarching business goals, transforming HR into a measurable driver of growth, profitability, and innovation.
A certified Woman and Minority-Owned Business leader, Yara has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and small businesses, offering insights that bridge the gap between leadership vision and workforce execution. Her expertise, combined with a passion for empowering businesses, has made her a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader on organizational success.
What have you learned through your 25 years of experience in HR?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people are the lifeblood of any organization. Processes, policies, and profits mean little if your workforce isn’t engaged, empowered, and aligned with your goals. Over the years, I’ve discovered that successful businesses don’t just focus on hiring talent; they focus on nurturing and aligning it. I’ve seen firsthand how a strategic approach to HR transforms a business from surviving to thriving.
Another big takeaway? HR isn’t just about compliance and paperwork. It’s about leadership, culture, and strategy. The organizations that truly win are those that treat HR as a business partner, not an afterthought. Oh, and never underestimate the power of a good onboarding process—it’s like the first chapter in your team’s story with you.
Tell us about BNX Business Advisors and the impact you have made in 2024.
BNX Business Advisors is all about turning HR into a strategic advantage. We specialize in aligning HR processes with business goals, and in 2024, we made waves across industries. From post-merger integrations to leadership development, compliance audits, and organizational redesigns, we’ve helped our clients achieve measurable results.
One of our biggest wins this year was supporting an international chemical company with their accounts payable transformation. We didn’t just clear the backlog and stabilize operations; we rebuilt morale and helped the leadership team find their footing again.
Our expertise spans compliance and risk management, leadership development, organizational design, and workforce planning. Whether it’s creating a seamless onboarding experience, addressing skill gaps, or ensuring a smooth post-merger cultural alignment, we’re all about delivering solutions that impact the bottom line.
How have you bridged the gap between leadership vision and workforce execution?
Bridging that gap starts with communication and clarity. Too often, leaders have a clear vision, but it gets lost in translation before it reaches the workforce. I help leaders simplify their goals into actionable strategies that their teams can actually execute. Think of it as turning a big idea into a set of bite-sized, achievable steps.
I also emphasize the importance of equipping leaders with the tools they need to inspire and guide their teams. Through programs like our LeadForward© Signature Series, we help leaders develop the emotional intelligence, resilience, and communication skills they need to bring their vision to life.
Finally, I ensure alignment by focusing on metrics that matter. Leaders love a good KPI, and I help them see how workforce performance ties directly to those numbers. It’s all about showing leaders that their people aren’t just cogs in the machine—they’re the drivers of the machine.
What will people notice when working with you?
People often tell me they notice two things right away: my energy and my perspective. I bring a mix of enthusiasm and no-nonsense practicality to every project. I’m not just here to tell you what you want to hear; I’m here to give you actionable solutions and walk with you every step of the way.
Clients also notice that I’m deeply invested in their success. I approach every challenge as if I’m part of their team, not just an outside consultant. I ask the tough questions, dive into the details, and always connect the dots between people, processes, and profits.
Oh, and I love a good laugh—even during tough conversations. Humor is underrated in business, but it can be a great way to break down barriers and bring out the best in people.
Tell us about your book, The Executive Blindspot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line. What was it like working with Michelle Gines of Purpose Publishing on your book?
The Executive Blindspot is my love letter to leaders who are ready to transform their organizations but don’t quite know how. It explores the hidden challenges that arise when HR and leadership aren’t aligned—and more importantly, how to fix them. The book is packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and a little humor to keep it engaging.
Working with Michelle Gines at Purpose Publishing was an absolute dream. She has this incredible ability to take your ideas and turn them into something cohesive, impactful, and polished. She pushed me to think bigger and dig deeper, and she made the whole process feel effortless. If you’re ever thinking about writing a book, Michelle is the person you want in your corner.
As a much sought-out speaker, what are your topics? Where can we see you next?
As a speaker, my goal is to inspire while delivering actionable insights. My most popular topics include:
- “The ROI of HR: Aligning People Strategies with Business Goals.”
- “Leadership Blindspots: Overcoming Barriers to Growth.”
- “Post-Merger Success: HR Strategies for Cultural Alignment.”
You can catch me next at the Black Entrepreneurship and Technology Summit in Tuskegee Alabama where I’ll be talking about how HR alignment can drive innovation and profitability. After that, I’ll be having several book tour events across the country so keep an eye on my LinkedIn for updates!
Yara Banks is a visionary leader, HR strategist, and acclaimed author of The Executive Blindspot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line. With over 25 years of combined experience in HR, operations, and leadership development, Yara has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives across industries. As the CEO of BNX Business Advisors, she specializes in helping organizations align their human resources strategies with overarching business goals, transforming HR into a measurable driver of growth, profitability, and innovation.
A certified Woman and Minority-Owned Business leader, Yara has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and small businesses, offering insights that bridge the gap between leadership vision and workforce execution. Her expertise, combined with a passion for empowering businesses, has made her a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader on organizational success.
What have you learned through your 25 years of experience in HR?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people are the lifeblood of any organization. Processes, policies, and profits mean little if your workforce isn’t engaged, empowered, and aligned with your goals. Over the years, I’ve discovered that successful businesses don’t just focus on hiring talent; they focus on nurturing and aligning it. I’ve seen firsthand how a strategic approach to HR transforms a business from surviving to thriving.
Another big takeaway? HR isn’t just about compliance and paperwork. It’s about leadership, culture, and strategy. The organizations that truly win are those that treat HR as a business partner, not an afterthought. Oh, and never underestimate the power of a good onboarding process—it’s like the first chapter in your team’s story with you.
Tell us about BNX Business Advisors and the impact you have made in 2024.
BNX Business Advisors is all about turning HR into a strategic advantage. We specialize in aligning HR processes with business goals, and in 2024, we made waves across industries. From post-merger integrations to leadership development, compliance audits, and organizational redesigns, we’ve helped our clients achieve measurable results.
One of our biggest wins this year was supporting an international chemical company with their accounts payable transformation. We didn’t just clear the backlog and stabilize operations; we rebuilt morale and helped the leadership team find their footing again.
Our expertise spans compliance and risk management, leadership development, organizational design, and workforce planning. Whether it’s creating a seamless onboarding experience, addressing skill gaps, or ensuring a smooth post-merger cultural alignment, we’re all about delivering solutions that impact the bottom line.
How have you bridged the gap between leadership vision and workforce execution?
Bridging that gap starts with communication and clarity. Too often, leaders have a clear vision, but it gets lost in translation before it reaches the workforce. I help leaders simplify their goals into actionable strategies that their teams can actually execute. Think of it as turning a big idea into a set of bite-sized, achievable steps.
I also emphasize the importance of equipping leaders with the tools they need to inspire and guide their teams. Through programs like our LeadForward© Signature Series, we help leaders develop the emotional intelligence, resilience, and communication skills they need to bring their vision to life.
Finally, I ensure alignment by focusing on metrics that matter. Leaders love a good KPI, and I help them see how workforce performance ties directly to those numbers. It’s all about showing leaders that their people aren’t just cogs in the machine—they’re the drivers of the machine.
What will people notice when working with you?
People often tell me they notice two things right away: my energy and my perspective. I bring a mix of enthusiasm and no-nonsense practicality to every project. I’m not just here to tell you what you want to hear; I’m here to give you actionable solutions and walk with you every step of the way.
Clients also notice that I’m deeply invested in their success. I approach every challenge as if I’m part of their team, not just an outside consultant. I ask the tough questions, dive into the details, and always connect the dots between people, processes, and profits.
Oh, and I love a good laugh—even during tough conversations. Humor is underrated in business, but it can be a great way to break down barriers and bring out the best in people.
Tell us about your book, The Executive Blindspot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line. What was it like working with Michelle Gines of Purpose Publishing on your book?
The Executive Blindspot is my love letter to leaders who are ready to transform their organizations but don’t quite know how. It explores the hidden challenges that arise when HR and leadership aren’t aligned—and more importantly, how to fix them. The book is packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and a little humor to keep it engaging.
Working with Michelle Gines at Purpose Publishing was an absolute dream. She has this incredible ability to take your ideas and turn them into something cohesive, impactful, and polished. She pushed me to think bigger and dig deeper, and she made the whole process feel effortless. If you’re ever thinking about writing a book, Michelle is the person you want in your corner.
As a much sought-out speaker, what are your topics? Where can we see you next?
As a speaker, my goal is to inspire while delivering actionable insights. My most popular topics include:
- “The ROI of HR: Aligning People Strategies with Business Goals.”
- “Leadership Blindspots: Overcoming Barriers to Growth.”
- “Post-Merger Success: HR Strategies for Cultural Alignment.”
You can catch me next at the Black Entrepreneurship and Technology Summit in Tuskegee Alabama where I’ll be talking about how HR alignment can drive innovation and profitability. After that, I’ll be having several book tour events across the country so keep an eye on my LinkedIn for updates!
