Danielle Siwek of Mound, Minnesota highlights the need for proactive HR strategy and local service to support long-term business and community resilience.
MOUND, MN / ACCESS Newswire / February 26, 2026 / Danielle Siwek, Strategic Planner at Emerson's Measurement Solutions business group, is raising awareness about the growing importance of workforce planning and community involvement in today's changing business climate.
With nearly a decade of experience in human resources across Village Automotive Group, OSI, AspenTech, and Emerson, Siwek has seen firsthand how fast business conditions can shift. Through acquisitions, restructures, and leadership changes, she has worked on the front lines of organizational change.
"Change is normal," Siwek says. "If companies want to stay strong, they have to think ahead about their people strategy. You cannot separate people strategy from business strategy."
Her message comes at a time when workforce challenges are increasing nationwide. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, millions of jobs remain unfilled across industries. At the same time, research from McKinsey shows that companies with strong talent planning and internal mobility strategies are significantly more likely to outperform peers in productivity and long-term growth.
Siwek believes proactive workforce planning is no longer optional.
"Strategic planning means asking simple questions early," she explains. "What skills will we need next year? What structure supports growth? If you wait until there's a gap, you're already behind."
Throughout her career, Siwek has experienced multiple acquisitions, including the transition from OSI to Emerson, the spin-off to AspenTech, and a later re-acquisition. Each transition required steady leadership and clear communication.
"Acquisitions test your ability to stay calm," she says. "People look to HR for stability. Clear communication solves most problems."
Data supports that view. Studies from Gallup show that employees who feel informed and supported during change are far more likely to remain engaged and productive. Yet many organizations still struggle with long-term workforce alignment.
Siwek is also emphasizing that leadership does not start at the executive level. She encourages professionals at all stages of their careers to take ownership of their growth.
"Stay adaptable," she says. "Keep learning. Every role prepares you for the next one."
Beyond the workplace, Siwek is also advocating for stronger community engagement. She supports organizations such as the Red Cross, Soles 4 Souls, and Bridging. Her commitment to service began during college, when she volunteered as a reading and math tutor in Minneapolis.
"Business doesn't exist in a vacuum," she says. "Companies are part of communities. When we give back, we strengthen the environment we all depend on."
Volunteerism remains a key driver of community resilience. According to AmeriCorps, millions of Americans volunteer each year, contributing billions of hours of service. Research consistently shows that civic engagement improves social stability, economic opportunity, and workforce readiness.
Siwek believes professionals can make a difference through small, consistent actions.
"You don't have to lead a major initiative," she says. "Start by mentoring someone. Volunteer locally. Support causes that align with your values."
She also credits her focus on wellness with helping her maintain balance during periods of rapid change. Currently completing a 300-hour yoga teacher training, she sees mindfulness as an important leadership tool.
"Yoga teaches patience," she says. "It reminds me to slow down and respond, not react. That mindset carries into strategic work."
As businesses continue to adapt to economic shifts, technology changes, and global competition, Siwek is encouraging both leaders and individuals to take responsibility for long-term thinking.
"Think ahead about your skills. Think ahead about your team. Think ahead about your impact," she says. "That's how you build something that lasts."
Call to Action
Professionals can take steps today by investing in continuous learning, seeking mentorship, volunteering in their communities, and engaging in thoughtful workforce conversations within their organizations. Long-term stability begins with individual action and consistent engagement.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Danielle Siwek
Danielle Siwek is a Strategic Planner at Emerson in the Measurement Solutions business group. Based in Mound, Minnesota, she has held progressive HR leadership roles at Village Automotive Group, OSI, AspenTech, and Emerson. She is passionate about workforce strategy, community involvement, and wellness, and supports organizations including the Red Cross, Soles 4 Souls, and Bridging.
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SOURCE: Danielle Siwek
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