Another edition of Maria Pinto’s Spotlight Series, In Her Own Words, is here. Each month, we feature the dynamic, stylish, and powerful women who inspire us daily.
This month’s spotlight features Heather Poladian, HR Consultant for One Digital.
SHOP THE LOOK: Maud Top | Alex 2 Skirt | Roxelana Coat | Skinny Python Belt
What was your path to getting where you are today?
My journey into HR started over 20 years ago as a Recruiter at a headhunting firm and I fell in love with the people side of the business right away. That passion led me to a talent acquisition role at a finance firm, and eventually into HR Business Partnering, which is really where I found my stride.
From there, I had the incredible opportunity to do HR work across a wonderfully diverse range of industries: marketing, startups, nonprofits, and more. Each experience added a new layer to how I think about people, culture, and what organizations really need to thrive.
Making the move to the consulting side has been the most rewarding chapter yet. It's given me the chance to take everything I've learned over the past two decades and apply it in meaningful ways across an even broader range of companies and challenges. What I love most is that no two clients are the same, and that variety keeps the work exciting, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling every single day.
What are some challenges you've faced in your job or in your life, and how have you tackled them?
One of the biggest challenges I've faced, both in my career and in life, is accepting that I won't always have all the answers. Stepping into various leadership roles over the years, many of which were new territory for me, meant that I often had to figure things out as I went. And that can feel uncomfortable at times!
But what I've learned is that not having all the answers isn't a weakness, it's actually an opportunity to grow, stay curious, and lean on the people around you.
The way I've learned to tackle that uncertainty is by starting with the end goal in mind and working backwards from there. When I get clear on what success looks like, the path to get there becomes so much more manageable, even when the road isn't perfectly mapped out yet.
That approach has served me well across every industry I've worked in and every team I've had the privilege of supporting. It's a reminder that great leadership isn't about having all the answers…it's about knowing how to find them.
What hobbies, organizations, or philanthropies are you involved in?
Outside of work, I love keeping busy with things that bring me joy and feed my creativity! I'm an avid gardener, have a deep passion for interior design, love to travel with my husband and—perhaps most unexpectedly—I'm a salsa dancer! It's one of my favorite ways to unwind and have fun. Fun fact: I met my husband Salsa Dancing in Pittsburgh, PA.
On the philanthropic side, I'm honored to serve on the Women's Board of The Goodman Theatre, supporting one of the most celebrated theater institutions in the country. I'm also a proud member of The Girlfriends, Inc., an amazing organization that brings together accomplished women who are committed to community, sisterhood, and service.
Both organizations are incredibly close to my heart, and I feel grateful every day to be surrounded by such inspiring, driven women who are making a real difference.
How do you create a work-life balance for yourself?
Work-life balance is something I'm really intentional about, especially as someone who works remotely. When your home is your office, the boundaries between work and personal time can blur very quickly if you're not careful!
One of the best decisions I made was creating a dedicated home office space that is used exclusively for work. Having that physical separation makes it so much easier to "leave" work at the end of the day, and resist the temptation to jump back online after hours.
But beyond the physical boundaries, I'm a big believer in starting the day in a way that sets a positive tone. Most mornings, I head to the gym first thing; exercise is non-negotiable for me and truly fuels how I show up for the rest of my day. And weather-permitting, I love tending to my little balcony garden every morning. There's something so grounding about starting your day connected to nature, even in a small way. It brings me a real sense of calm and gratitude before the workday begins.
Staying committed to the things that bring me joy—whether that's the gym, my garden, or salsa dancing—is ultimately what keeps me balanced, energized, and showing up as my best self both personally and professionally.
What do you love about being a woman? What is one of the biggest challenges? What brings you joy?
One of the things I love and appreciate most about being a woman is the sisterhood. I deeply value my "girl tribe:” the incredible women who show up for you, challenge you, celebrate you, and lift you up. I've been really lucky to build a beautiful community of women, and that circle brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
As for challenges, being underestimated simply because you are a woman, or finding yourself underrepresented in male-dominated spaces, is something so many of us have experienced. It can be frustrating, but I've learned to let that fuel me rather than discourage me. There is something powerful about walking into a room with quiet confidence and proving that your voice not only belongs there, it matters.
And joy? For me, joy is simple. It's laughing around a table with women who truly know and inspire you. It's the conversations, the support, the shared experiences. Those connections are truly irreplaceable and a reminder of just how powerful women are individually and together.
SHOP THE LOOK: Junko Top | Kayra Skirt
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d describe my personal style as ”French girl chic” meets “rocker chic”—and honestly, I think that combination says a lot about who I am!
There's an effortless elegance to French-inspired style that I'm really drawn to—clean lines, timeless pieces, and that understated confidence that never feels overdone. But then there's also an edgier, bolder side of me that loves a little rock-and-roll attitude thrown into the mix. Together, it creates a look that feels both polished and unexpected.
I think personal style is such a fun extension of personality, and for me, it's always been a creative outlet. Whether I'm dressing for a work meeting or a night out, I love putting together looks that feel authentically me.
How are you dressing right now?
As a consultant who works remotely, my relationship with getting dressed has actually been a really fun evolution! Rather than building my wardrobe around the traditional office environment, I now get to pour my fashion energy into how I show up in my personal life and honestly, I'm loving it.
It's given me a lot more freedom to lean fully into my personal style—whether that's a chic weekend look, dressing up for a night out, or simply finding joy in the everyday details of how I present myself. Fashion has always been a creative outlet for me, and having that flexibility has made it even more fun and intentional.
That said, I still love putting my best foot forward on video calls, so my fashion still makes an appearance from the waist up!
What is important to you when it comes to buying clothing?
When it comes to building my wardrobe, versatility is everything. I really value pieces that are truly interchangeable where I can reach into my closet, pull things together quickly, and have them just work. Effortless coordination is the goal!
Easy care is also a big priority for me. I don't want to spend my precious time ironing or fussing over high-maintenance pieces. Life is busy, and my wardrobe should make my days easier, not harder.
And above all, quality matters. I would much rather invest in fewer, well-made pieces that stand the test of time than fill my closet with things that won't last. It's about being intentional and curating a wardrobe that truly serves you.
At the end of the day, my philosophy is simple: keep it easy, keep it chic, and make it last.
Who are some of your style or fashion icons?
My love of fashion really starts with the two women who inspired me most, my grandmother and my mother.
My grandmother was a true fashion icon to me. She had this timeless, classic elegance about the way she dressed that I was completely captivated by from a young age. I found myself constantly watching her and wanting to imitate that effortless sophistication she carried so naturally.
And then there was my mother, who took her relationship with fashion to a whole other level and she always encouraged me to express myself through fashion.
Looking back, those two women really shaped not just my sense of style, but my appreciation for fashion as a form of self-expression and intentionality. It was never just about what you wore, it was about the care, the thought, and the confidence you brought to it. I carry that with me every single day.
What are some of your favorite features of the Maria Pinto collection?
One of my absolute favorite brands right now is Maria Pinto, and for so many reasons! What I love most is how effortlessly functional the pieces are: they're travel-friendly, machine-washable, and incredibly easy to mix and match, whether you're pairing them with other Maria Pinto pieces or things you already have in your wardrobe. For someone with a busy lifestyle, that kind of versatility is everything.
But don't let the practicality fool you, the pieces are seriously fashionable. It's that perfect combination of form and function that I'm always looking for.
And that really speaks to my overall wardrobe philosophy. I like to keep things simple, intentional, and stylish all at the same time. I'm not interested in a closet full of pieces that don't work together. I want everything I own to feel cohesive, purposeful, and effortlessly chic. Life is busy enough, getting dressed in the morning should feel like a joy, not a chore!
SHOP THE LOOK: Alize Coat | Ginkgo T-Shirt | Taro Pant | Avenger Belt
What are your favorite Maria Pinto pieces? Why?
I honestly love all of my Maria Pinto pieces and mixing and matching them into my existing wardrobe…My absolute favorite Maria Pinto pieces are the Bruna Vest, paired with either the Rani or Millicent Pant, or a skinny jean. I love styling this combination with heels—it's an effortlessly sophisticated look that I always feel confident in.
What are you watching, reading, and/or listening to right now?
Right now I am completely hooked on Lupin on Netflix, and it ties into something I've been working on personally…learning French!
Watching French series has become one of my favorite ways to immerse myself in the language in a way that feels fun and entertaining rather than like homework. Lupin is such a brilliant, stylish, and clever show.
How do you take care of yourself?
Self-care is non-negotiable for me; you truly cannot pour from an empty cup!
I recharge through regular spa days, travel, and making a conscious effort to disconnect from technology. Stepping away from screens and notifications is something I have to be really intentional about, but the difference it makes is undeniable.
Exercise is also a cornerstone of my routine. Starting my day with movement keeps me mentally clear and energized for everything that follows.
When you invest in your own wellbeing, it shows up in every area of your life!
If you could live anywhere (and money is no object), where would you choose?
If money were no object, I would plant myself in the South of France without a single hesitation — and specifically, the beautiful city of Nice.
My husband and I were lucky enough to spend two incredible months in the South of France doing an immersive French language experience, and honestly, a piece of my heart never came home. The weather is absolutely gorgeous, the scenery is breathtaking, and there is just this undeniable joie de vivre, that pure, effortless joy of living woven into every corner of daily life there. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and truly appreciate the beauty around you.
Nice in particular holds a special place for me. Beyond how stunning it is, it's also incredibly well-connected, with easy access to an international airport and the most beautiful train routes that can whisk you off to other European countries with ease. The best of all worlds, really!
Best piece of advice you've ever received? What wisdom would you tell your younger self?
The best piece of advice I've ever received came from my father, who always used to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff."
It's simple, but it has stuck with me throughout my entire life and honestly shaped the way I approach both challenges and everyday moments. There are so many things competing for our attention and energy at any given time, and it's so easy to get caught up in the smaller details that, at the end of the day, just don't move the needle.
What I've learned over the years is that if something doesn't truly serve you—your growth, your peace, your purpose…it's okay to let it go. In fact, it's necessary. Protecting your energy and staying focused on what really matters is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.
And if I could go back and whisper something to my younger self? It would be exactly that. Let it go. Trust the process, focus on the big picture, and don't waste precious energy on things that won't matter in the long run. You'll be amazed at how much lighter and more focused you feel when you do.