About

I’m Gerard.
I find purpose in meeting the needs of growing companies.

Gerard Borda - business casual

Why I Started Start Smart HR

After years as a management consultant and HR executive in Corporate America, I made a conscious shift. My MBA and extensive consulting background taught me how businesses evolve, and my tenure inside large organizations showed me what strong, business-aligned HR looks like when it’s working well.
Now, I bring both perspectives to small and midmarket companies, helping them build the structure, clarity, and credibility they need to move forward confidently, attract investment, or prepare for what’s next.
I don’t arrive with preset ideas. I listen closely, pressure-test assumptions, and co-create HR strategies that leverage a deep playbook grounded in your reality — tailored to your stage, your team, and your goals.
That’s what drives me: working alongside leaders navigating complexity, offering grounded guidance, and delivering HR support that unlocks momentum and growth.

What Guides Our Work

Business-First Thinking: HR only works when it works for the business.
Executional Clarity: No fluff. Just tools that work and scale with you.
Practical Foundation: We meet you where you are, then help you build what’s needed to support what’s next.
Trusted Partnership: We tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

A Bit More About Me

I work best with leaders who value clarity, context, and candid partnership.
Based in Atlanta, I stay grounded by fly fishing, reading sci-fi, and spending time with my family — and outdoors with my dog, Tessa, when time allows.

You can learn more about my professional background and work on LinkedIn.

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