Leaving behind a stable career in search of new opportunities is a daunting decision, especially when one is already established in their field. For Robie Torre-Gonzales, taking that leap of faith led to a journey of growth, leadership, and purpose. After decades in human resources, she co-founded People Bureau International FZLLC, a company dedicated to transforming HR professionals into strategic leaders who drive business success.
Robie started her career in the UAE in 2009 as an HR Senior Executive in a leading electronics retailer. With her expertise in human resources, she played a crucial role in strengthening employee engagement and welcoming the concept of inclusivity even before DEIB came into place. This initiative contributed to its recognition as a Great Place to Work. Over time, she rose through the ranks, gaining multiple promotions and proving her ability to lead and innovate.
Even with over 20 years of experience in HR, Robie realized that many professionals, especially those in the early and mid-stages of their careers, struggled to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. This realization, coupled with the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, led her to establish People Bureau International in 2020. She explains that People Bureau International was born out of a realization that took decades of experience in HR to fully understand. She and her business partner saw that HR professionals often lacked confidence and real-world guidance to thrive beyond just knowing policies and frameworks.
Together, they launched the company with the goal of mentoring HR professionals, helping organizations restructure, and redefining how HR leaders grow and lead. Since then, the journey has been both rewarding and challenging. They have helped organizations build HR strategies and fill complex roles, but more importantly, they have mentored HR practitioners to step into their power, not just as compliance enforcers but as strategic partners who shape business success.
Bridging the gap: Addressing the challenges in HR
HR has evolved significantly, moving beyond administrative tasks to playing a key role in business strategy. However, many HR professionals continue to face challenges in adapting to this shift. Robie identifies three major hurdles that HR practitioners encounter today. Many HR professionals enter the field with strong academic knowledge but struggle when faced with real-world challenges. Navigating leadership dynamics, driving culture change, and handling employee relations require more than just technical skills—they require confidence and strategic thinking. People Bureau International provides mentorship and real-world HR guidance, ensuring professionals don’t just understand the rules but know how to apply them effectively to drive business success.
One of the biggest frustrations for HR practitioners is not being recognized as key decision-makers within their organizations. The challenge isn’t just about having a seat at the table—it’s about knowing how to use that seat effectively. Through leadership coaching and communication strategies, People Bureau International helps HR professionals build their executive presence, strengthen their business acumen, and confidently position themselves as strategic partners. The rise of AI, automation, and remote work has transformed the HR landscape. Many professionals feel unprepared for this rapid shift. Robie emphasizes the importance of upskilling and staying ahead of these changes. She shares that they equip HR practitioners with modern HR strategies, insights into future trends, and the tools to balance people-first strategies with data-driven decision-making. By doing so, People Bureau International ensures that HR professionals remain relevant and impactful in the evolving industry.
Empowering HR leaders with confidence and impact
Robie believes that true HR leadership isn’t just about knowing policies—it’s about leading with confidence, influence, and strategic thinking. To help professionals develop these qualities, People Bureau International focuses on personalized mentorship and coaching. Confidence in HR leadership often comes from experience, but many professionals struggle with self-doubt when stepping into higher roles. Their mentorship programs provide one-on-one coaching, real-world case studies, and scenario-based learning to help them build the confidence to navigate complex workplace challenges.
Rather than just teaching theories, People Bureau International immerses professionals in real business challenges. They bridge the gap between knowledge and execution by guiding HR leaders on how to align initiatives with organizational goals. This hands-on approach helps them transition from task-driven roles to strategic leadership positions. HR leaders must not only possess knowledge but also can communicate and lead effectively. They equip professionals with executive presence, storytelling techniques, and stakeholder management skills, helping them gain credibility and influence within their organizations.
The pandemic redefined HR’s role in organizations, positioning it as a business-critical function. Moving forward, Robie envisions a future where HR is seen as a driver of organizational success rather than just a support function. She asserts that HR is no longer about just managing policies, payroll, and compliance—it’s about influence, business alignment, and people-driven innovation. For too long, HR has been seen as a back-office function, but that’s changing. HR professionals are now expected to be strategic partners who shape business success.
At People Bureau International, Robie and her team are ensuring that HR professionals don’t just evolve with the industry—they lead it. She affirms that they don’t just train HR professionals—they empower them to be seen, heard, and valued as key business partners. Her company’s mission extends beyond business success; it is about uplifting HR professionals and Filipino entrepreneurs in the UAE. As the past president and current member of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Human Resources Practitioners’ Association in the UAE (FILHR-DNB), she has also played a crucial role in fostering a strong HR community.
