“People spend a third of their lives at work. I can’t think of a more rewarding profession than helping make those lives better,” says Ralph Kellogg, Senior Human Resources Executive at Lutheran Family Services in Omaha, Nebraska. This simple yet profound statement summarizes his mission and the driving force behind his impressive career in human resources.

As an introverted extrovert, Ralph has found his niche in a field that allows him to make a significant impact on people’s lives while managing the delicate balance between social interaction and thoughtful strategy. His approach to HR goes beyond traditional boundaries, focusing on creating inclusive and supportive work environments that benefit both employees and their families.

Ralph’s passion for workplace mental health advocacy sets him apart in the HR landscape. He recognizes that a positive work environment is not just about productivity and profitability, but also about nurturing the overall well-being of employees. “My goal in embarking on an HR career was the opportunity to create positive work environments for people,” Kellogg explains, highlighting his passion for holistic employee support.

At Lutheran Family Services, he has implemented human capital strategies that go beyond the typical HR playbook. His initiatives focus on supporting employees both professionally and personally, recognizing that a happy, healthy workforce is the cornerstone of a successful organization.

Ralph’s impact extends beyond the office walls. Active in his community, he frequently participates in spaces where conversations about inclusive and supportive work environments are celebrated. This community engagement not only enriches his professional perspective but also allows him to share his insights and learn from others.

As the workplace continues to progress, particularly in the wake of recent global changes, Ralph’s approach to HR serves as an alarm for organizations looking to prioritize employee well-being. His work reminds us that when we invest in creating positive work environments, we’re not just improving job satisfaction; we’re enhancing quality.

Let us explore his journey:

A Legacy of Support and Empowerment

Lutheran Family Services (LFS), founded in 1892, is one of Nebraska’s largest nonprofit organizations. It has earned accolades like the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award and the Human Resources Association of Midlands IDEAL Award for its leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. LFS offers a wide range of services, including family preservation, individual and family support, economic empowerment, education, health, and wellness services.

LFS’s comprehensive offerings include pre- and post-adoption services, foster care, case management, crisis intervention, workforce development, ESL assistance, mental health services for children and adults, and specialized support for military veterans. With a focus on creating positive environments and empowering individuals and families, LFS continues to uphold its legacy of community service and support.

Illustrious Career in Human Resources and Training

Ralph’s journey in Human Resources began unexpectedly but quickly evolved into a passion for leadership and coaching. Early in his career, he assumed high-level leadership roles, allowing him to lead individuals, teams, and departments. His commitment to creating supportive and thriving work environments became evident through his various initiatives and accomplishments.

Among his most notable achievements, Ralph implemented domestic partnership benefits prior to the legalization of gay marriage and played a pivotal role in securing the IDEAL Award by writing its application. He has been a vocal advocate for transparent and compassionate work environments, particularly concerning mental health and wellbeing issues.

Ralph also introduced paid parental leave and mental health days for employees, demonstrating his dedication to employee welfare. Additionally, he has served as a mentor for Braven, supporting first-generation college students, and has graduated from both the Leadership Diversity and Leadership Omaha programs.

Leadership Approach

Ralph approaches his role as a leader in human capital and organizational development with a strong sense of curiosity and empathy. He recognizes that, despite his extensive experience, he may not fully understand the lived experiences of his colleagues.

This awareness drives him to take action thoughtfully, balancing it with the need to slow down, listen, and exercise patience. Ralph enjoys creating environments that support and foster positive change, though he acknowledges that not everyone will immediately embrace such changes.

He has learned that incremental change can be more effective in supporting both the organization and its people. Understanding that aiming for perfection can demotivate and demoralize employees, he focuses on finding compromise and common ground to support the workforce and the organization.

Commitment to Nurturing

Ralph’s passion for creating and facilitating spaces for learning and conversation on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging is deeply personal. As a gay man, he has navigated situations involving coded language, discrimination, and the pain of hearing disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ community from trusted individuals unaware of his identity. These experiences have fueled his desire to create environments where people feel safe and courageous enough to be their authentic selves.

Ralph values one-on-one connections and ensures confidentiality when someone shares private thoughts or information. He focuses on listening rather than problem-solving and works diligently to accept people as they are, rather than how he thinks they should be.

When encountering hesitation, he reassures individuals of their safety and his support. While this approach does not guarantee lifelong friendships, he ensures that during their time together, individuals will feel honored, safe, and supported to the fullest extent possible.

Expertise at Connections Point Consulting

As a Principal Consultant at Connections Point Consulting, Ralph leverages his extensive skills and credentials in employee relations, strategic HR management, and dispute resolution to support and empower individuals and teams.

His goal with every client is to deliver exceptional human resources services transparently and professionally. Ralph collaborates with clients to assess risks and devise solutions that bolster both their business and their leadership capabilities.

When addressing specific challenges, such as employee relations or dispute resolution, Ralph listens to all parties involved, serving as a neutral third party to help defuse tensions. He provides clients with tools to engage in constructive conversations, emphasizing common interests and deeper issues rather than surface-level conflicts.

A Catalyst for Change

Ralph has served as a catalyst for change management and organizational transformation through his personal and professional experiences. One significant example is his decision to come out at work as a member of the LGBTQ community in 2013.

Despite a traumatizing experience in 2005 when he was outed by his manager, which led to devastating personal and professional consequences, he chose to come out again when he was named Manager of the Year.

His decision to attend the corporate celebration with his husband had a profound impact, inspiring others in the organization to feel safe and supported in their own identities.

Another key example is Ralph’s openness about his struggles with mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he was approached by human resources colleagues seeking ways to address the isolation, anxiety, and fear experienced by employees.

He developed the ACT model to coach and support employees and managers dealing with mental health issues. This initiative led him to deliver a TEDx Talk, where he emphasized the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Sharing Knowledge and Insights Across Roles

Ralph plays essential roles at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc., the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Bellevue University, where he shares his expertise in HR, retail, contact center, and technology services. He actively engages with peer list services within the HR and nonprofit communities, using these platforms to share insights and stay updated on industry trends.

Ralph also contributes to the field through a monthly blog focused on HR topics, offering practical advice and thought leadership. Additionally, he leverages public speaking opportunities to share ideas and provide valuable feedback, signifying his commitment to advancing knowledge and best practices in these domains.

Nurturing Growth and Collaboration

Ralph finds deep motivation in witnessing others grow and succeed in their roles, stemming from his personal journey to find fulfillment in human resources. Having experienced the indecision of searching for his professional niche, Ralph empathizes with those navigating similar paths and delights in seeing individuals thrive and find happiness in their work.

When tackling complex problems with teams and individuals, Ralph advocates for a methodical approach. He believes in breaking down challenges into manageable components, emphasizing small steps towards achieving larger goals.

This approach not only overwhelms but also creates a more thoughtful and respectful environment for problem-solving. His vow to use collaborative and measured strategies underscores his dedication to supporting others in achieving impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Evolving Leadership with a Focus on Respect and Growth

Ralph’s leadership journey has evolved meaningfully throughout his career, shaped by experience and reflection. Starting out, he was driven by a fear of making mistakes and sought perfection, often expecting others to share his intensity and dedication. Over time, he learned valuable lessons from both successes and failures, humbling him and prompting a shift in his leadership approach.

Today, Ralph prioritizes setting clear expectations, providing coaching, and following up with his team members. He has abandoned the pursuit of perfection in favor of encouragement in an environment where humility and grace succeed.

Identifying the complexity of individuals beyond their professional roles, Ralph highlights treating people with respect and dignity. This approach not only builds stronger relationships but also supports personal and professional growth among his team members.

Staying Current in HR and Training Fields

Ralph is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in human resources and training. He avidly engages with resources from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), which provides him with valuable industry information.

His interest in politics and current affairs also keeps him informed about changes in the employment arena. Additionally, his roles as an educator at Bellevue University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha ensure that he remains aware of the latest developments in human resources, qualifying him to offer a rich and current teaching experience.

Navigating the Challenges

Ralph faced a substantial challenge when his professional and personal responsibilities collided in 2013. As a new leader in the human resources and training function at a financial services firm, he was also grappling with his mother’s diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Living 1,110 miles away from her and being her only child, he had to manage her care from a distance, which included finding a suitable nursing home with memory care services.

This period was marked by intense emotional and logistical struggles. Ralph had to learn about Medicare, Medicaid, and care facilities while managing the demands of his job, which included working with a labor union. The constant worry and guilt over his mother’s situation, coupled with the pressure to perform well professionally, led to a time of frustration and anger.

He directed this challenging time by learning to ask for help, trusting the caregivers at his mother’s facility, and giving himself grace. This experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience, perspective, and the importance of moving forward, even when circumstances are beyond one’s control.

The Future of Human Resources

Ralph sees the future of Human Resources (HR) transforming significantly through technology, remote work, and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). AI and machine learning are streamlining recruitment, enabling data-driven decisions, and enhancing employee engagement. The shift to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, requires new strategies for onboarding, team building, and maintaining company culture.

HR professionals are prioritizing employee well-being and mental health support, while DEI initiatives are becoming central to creating inclusive workplaces. Continuous learning and development are also crucial, with HR fostering a culture of lifelong learning through ongoing training and upskilling opportunities.

Ralph believes HR is evolving into a strategic partner in organizational success by leveraging technology, supporting remote work, prioritizing DEI, and promoting continuous learning. He plans to stay ahead of these trends to continue contributing effectively to the field.