Building a Career Through Growth and Transition

Danielle Marie Siwek is a strategic human resources leader known for her steady rise through complex, fast-moving organisations.

Based in Mound, Minnesota, she has built a career defined by adaptability, people-focused leadership, and a clear understanding of how businesses grow.

She began her career at Village Automotive Group, where she moved quickly from HR intern to generalist. Early on, she gained hands-on experience supporting employees and leadership teams across multiple locations. This foundation shaped her practical approach to HR and business operations.

In 2019, Danielle joined Open Systems International (OSI), where her career accelerated. Following OSI’s acquisition by Emerson, she took on increasing responsibility, progressing from HR generalist to supervisor and later manager. During this period, she worked through organisational change, helping teams navigate integration and shifting business structures.

Her role evolved again when she moved into a Human Resources Business Partner position at AspenTech. There, she focused on aligning people strategy with business goals. When the company was re-acquired by Emerson in 2025, she was promoted to Principal HRBP.

In 2026, Danielle stepped into her current role as Strategic Planner within Emerson’s Measurement Solutions group. In this position, she operates at a higher level, helping guide workforce planning and long-term organisational strategy.

Alongside her career, Danielle remains active in community partnerships and personal development. Her work with organisations such as the Red Cross and Soles 4 Souls reflects her focus on impact beyond the workplace. She is also completing a 300-hour yoga teacher training, reinforcing her interest in balance and long-term wellbeing.

Interview: Danielle Marie Siwek on Building a Career in Modern HR

Danielle Marie Siwek: From HR Foundations to Strategic Leadership

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What first drew you to a career in human resources?

I didn’t set out with a fixed plan at first. In college, I studied business management with a focus on HR, but what really shaped my direction was hands-on experience. During my senior year, I interned at Village Automotive Group. That’s where I saw how HR impacts people every day. It’s not just policy. It’s problem-solving, communication, and helping teams work better together.

Q: You stayed with Village Automotive Group after your internship. What did you learn in those early roles?

A lot of practical skills. I started as an intern and moved into a generalist role fairly quickly. I worked across locations in Wayzata and Maplewood, so I had exposure to different teams and challenges. It taught me how to be flexible and how to support both employees and leadership at the same time.

Q: In 2019, you moved to Open Systems International. What prompted that transition?

I was ready for a new environment and more complexity. OSI was in a growth phase, and that meant more opportunity to take on responsibility. Not long after I joined, Emerson acquired the company. That changed everything.

Q: How did that acquisition shape your career?

It accelerated it. During that period, I moved from generalist to supervisor and then manager. We were dealing with integration, new systems, and evolving structures. It forced me to think beyond day-to-day HR and focus on how decisions affect the whole organisation.

Q: You later moved into a Human Resources Business Partner role at AspenTech. How was that different?

It was more strategic. As an HRBP, you’re not just responding to issues. You’re working with leadership to plan ahead. You look at workforce needs, team structure, and long-term goals. It’s about alignment between people and business strategy.

Q: Then came another transition back to Emerson in 2025. What changed at that point?

When Emerson re-acquired the business, I stepped into a Principal HRBP role. That meant more ownership and a broader scope. I was working closely with senior leaders and helping guide decisions that affected entire business units.

Q: You are now a Strategic Planner within Emerson’s Measurement Solutions group. What does that role involve?

It’s a step further into strategy. I focus on workforce planning and organisational design. Instead of reacting to change, I help plan for it. It’s about making sure the business has the right people, in the right roles, at the right time.

Q: Looking back, how did your early experiences prepare you for this level of responsibility?

Starting in a hands-on role made a big difference. I understand the day-to-day challenges employees face. That perspective stays with you when you move into more strategic positions. It keeps your decisions grounded.

Q: Outside of work, you’ve stayed involved in community partnerships. Why is that important to you?

It keeps things balanced. I’ve worked with organisations like the Red Cross, Soles 4 Souls, and Bridging. Those experiences remind you that impact goes beyond business results. It’s about contributing in a meaningful way.

Q: You’re also completing a 300-hour yoga teacher training. How does that fit into your career?

It helps with focus and resilience. HR can be demanding, especially during times of change. Yoga has taught me how to manage stress and stay present. That carries over into how I lead and make decisions.

Q: Finally, what has been the biggest lesson from your career so far?

Stay adaptable. Every major step in my career came from being open to change. Whether it was an acquisition or a new role, growth came from leaning into uncertainty rather than avoiding it.