About Boyd Empowerment

Empowering HR Leaders To Grow, Inspire, And Drive Lasting Results

At Boyd Empowerment, we believe leadership always begins with people—human-centered, empathetic, and grounded in integrity. We also believe the mastery of leadership is not a destination but a lifelong journey, where continual growth in both process and people skills forms the foundation for lasting success.

We empower HR professionals to lead with confidence, self-awareness, and courage—making bold, ethical, and strategic decisions that drive measurable business results. Our work ensures that leadership development directly translates into tangible contributions to the bottom line while advancing the human side of leadership.

We embrace a holistic vision of success, where professional achievement and personal fulfillment thrive in tandem. Sustainable leadership thrives when well-being, balance, and happiness are prioritized alongside performance.

HR Leadership Development Program

Our relationships are built on trust, truth, and high-touch support. We are not transactional partners—we are long-term allies, committed to mutual respect, honest dialogue, and celebrating every success along the way.

drew shrimplin

Drew Shrimplin
Founder, Boyd Empowerment

Drew’s Autobiography

I vividly remember my first corporate job in my mid-20s, thinking, “There should be a role focused on helping people identify and use their talents while creating a supportive, efficient work environment. Inspiring and respectful leaders would be nice, too.”

Here I am 35 years later doing that very work and loving it. Throughout my career, I have fallen down more times than I can count, accumulating knowledge and wisdom to help people be more satisfied and organizations perform better.

Over 16 years at Fort James, Georgia Pacific, and CNO Financial Group, I advanced from a benefits clerk to VP of HR. Along the way, I earned a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University and certifications from the Co-Active Training Institute for coaching and Hogan Assessments. In 2006, I founded Boyd Empowerment, advising clients from small family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries.

I live in the Chicago area with my partner Greg. In our free time we can usually be found exploring new restaurants or catching a show with friends.

Our Approach to HR Leadership Development

We know HR leaders carry a unique responsibility: you’re not only building your own leadership, you’re shaping the culture and capabilities of entire organizations. That’s why our approach is designed to help HR professionals grow with clarity, confidence, and impact.

hr business development programs

Human-Centered First

We believe leadership starts with people. Our process helps you understand yourself more deeply—your strengths, blind spots, and leadership style—so you can connect authentically with others and lead with empathy.

Practical and Business-Driven

Strong HR leadership is about care for people and delivering results. We help you translate business strategy into HR action, giving you the tools to influence stakeholders, accelerate organizational performance, and position HR as a true strategic partner.

Personalized and Sustainable Growth

No two leaders are alike. That’s why we tailor every development experience to your goals, your organization, and your leadership journey. We also focus on sustainability—helping you find joy, energy, and fulfillment in your role so you can thrive long-term.

Guided by Experience

With over 35 years in HR leadership, Drew brings a rare blend of credibility, empathy, and practical wisdom. He’s been where you are—navigating complex people challenges, balancing competing demands, and driving results—and he’s committed to helping you succeed.

In short: we don’t just develop HR leaders. We empower HR professionals to become confident, business-savvy, and people-centered leaders who create lasting impact.

Science-Backed Insights with Hogan Assessments

As a certified Hogan practitioner, Drew uses this powerful, research-based tool to help HR leaders deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their leadership capability, and dramatically improve their effectiveness as HR professionals.

Trusted by more than 75% of Fortune 500 companies, Hogan Assessments help leaders:

  • Identify their leadership style
  • Recognize their core strengths
  • Understand their impact on others
  • Address behaviors that may be holding them back

In every engagement, Drew ensures these insights translate into practical strategies that elevate both leadership and organizational success.

Real Change Starts With the Right Support

“While I have sought Drew’s counsel on HR strategies, his greatest impact was helping me identify my natural gifts and find fulfillment as an HR leader. Drew’s respectful way of delivering challenging messages with clarity and compassion gave me the confidence to make significant changes in how I contribute to my clients and to their businesses.”

Christopher Pett
President, Pett Consulting

HR Leadership Development Programs

Ready to Be an Empowered Leader?

We know that great HR leadership changes everything—how businesses perform, how teams thrive, and how leaders themselves find purpose and joy in their work. Our mission is simple: to walk alongside HR professionals as trusted allies, equipping them with the clarity, courage, and tools to lead with impact.

With real-world experience, science-backed insights, and a deeply human approach, we help you grow not just as a professional, but as the leader you were meant to be. Because when HR leaders are empowered, organizations flourish—and people do, too.