Louise with her new puppy, at the official “Don’f Follow the Recipe Book Launch”
A Letter from the Founder…
It’s officially fall, and I know a lot of us are wondering, Where did this year go?
I feel that too. But when I take a moment to look back, I’m reminded of just how much we’ve accomplished at UpTalent this year, not to mention the completion and launch of my first book, Don’t Follow the Recipe.
There’s always more ahead, but reflecting on how far we’ve come leaves me feeling grateful. I am genuinely excited about where we are today.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done alongside my clients this year. As their HR partner, I get to be deeply involved in helping them grow, navigate challenges, and build stronger people operations. Seeing that work make a real difference in their organizations is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I’ve also been busy leading leadership searches for select clients, a muscle I’ve been flexing for many years now. While we continue to navigate a challenging market, there are always matches to be made. Bringing exceptional candidates and great companies together, and seeing the impact of the right fit on both sides, is a part of this work I continue to love. Have a role that needs experienced attention? Let’s connect.
If you know me, you know I’m always working on something behind the scenes. Starting in January, I’ll be offering workshops through the WNC Leadership Alliance, covering hiring, HR, leadership, career growth, and rethinking the traditional “recipe” for success. I’ll also incorporate my new workbook, Recipe for Success, (an accompanyment to “Don’t Follow the Recipe”) into these interactive sessions, creating space for practical learning, meaningful conversations, and growth.
In other news, I’ve added a new wing to my ever-growing home office to better serve my clients—and adopted a puppy, affectionately named Thelma. (Get it? Thelma and Louise!)
Louise Bijesse
Founder & CEO
UpTalent Consulting
Don’t Follow the Recipe is officially released!
Thank you, everyone, who participated in the Don’t Follow the Recipe Book launches!
Buy the book on Amazon!
Still don’t have your copy? Add it to your Amazon cart today, and of course we would appreciate your review afterwards.
The Workbook is next…Your Recipe for Success
Louise didn’t just want to write a book; she wanted to help her audience actually make a change. In “Don’t Follow the Recipe,” each chapter already ends with prompts and reflection questions. But the workbook takes it to the next level, offering a powerful tool for deeper reflection, self-discovery, and transformation as readers navigate their own path and what comes next for them in their pivot.
The workbook is still in the editing phase, so stay tuned as it rolls out later this fall.
Thank you.
We want to thank the UpTalent and Don’t Follow the Recipe network, near and far, for your incredible support during the book launches!
Whether you joined us for the digital launch, attended the official launch in Asheville, or were part of the home celebration with family and close friends, your support has meant the world to Louise and the UpTalent team.
Thank you for showing up and helping bring this book to life. If you'd like to see more photos from the book launches, check out our latest
Coming in 2027: Workshops with the WNC Leadership Alliance
Louise is excited to be joining the WNC Leadership Alliance as an instructor, offering workshops beginning in early 2027 designed to help local leaders strengthen the way they hire, manage, and support their people. Her upcoming courses will tackle practical, real-world topics including creating a stronger hiring process, attracting the right candidates, making better hiring decisions, and managing people regardless of how robust (or not) your HR department is.
For select workshops, Louise will also incorporate her new Recipe for Success workbook, giving participants a hands-on companion they can use to reflect, put ideas into practice, and continue the work long after the session ends.
The WNC Leadership Alliance is seeking input from our local business and nonprofit community to help shape leadership development opportunities that reflect what organizations across Western North Carolina actually need.
Louise Bijesse Featured as a Guest Speaker at the Workforce Success Stories Summit, Hosted by A Better HR Business Podcast
Louise was invited to join the Workforce Success Stories Summit as a guest speaker, bringing her decades of experience in talent, leadership, and workforce strategy to a global conversation about today’s workplace challenges. In her session, “What One Defensible Hiring Decision Cost, and What It Teaches Us About the Turnover We Never See Coming,” Louise shared a real-world story that explores what can happen when a hiring decision looks right on paper, but misses the bigger picture…and what leaders can learn from it when building stronger, more sustainable teams.
This is hosted by A Better HR Business podcast, bringing together HR and business leaders from around the world to share real workforce stories, practical insights, and lessons learned.
Louise has completed her LinkedIn 365 Challenge! Yes, you read that right. Every day, for one year, Louise conducted her own social and professional reach experiment. From articles about the benefits of fractional HR, to photos of her pet Zebu (miniature Bull) , Oscar, to updates from her local rotary chapter, Louise showed up every day for her LinkedIn community.
You won’t find her posting every day now, but she is a fun follow with regular updates. Follow and connect with her today as she approaches 10,000 followers!
Louise serves as Vice President of her BNI Mountain Tribe Chapter, where she’s proud to play a role in its continued growth—now up to 23 members! She’s also enjoying connecting with fellow BNI members across the country through digital networking opportunities, building stronger business relationships and expanding referral networks beyond her local community.
An avid Rotary member and the current Head of Public Image Committee for the Rotary Club of Asheville, Louise has her tickets for Spain because in the summer of 2027 she will be attending Rotary International! Rotary members and changemakers from around the world will come together to exchange ideas, learn from inspiring speakers, and build meaningful connections. Louise is especially excited for the opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians from across the globe, broaden her network, and bring home fresh ideas and perspectives that can make an impact both in business and in her community.
Will you be there too? If so, drop a line and let Louise know!
As businesses grow and change, having a trusted HR partner to lean on can make all the difference. For many small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits, a full-time HR hire isn’t in the budget—but “hoping for the best” and Googling your way through people challenges isn’t a great strategy either.
Fractional HR gives you experienced, human support without the cost of a full-time position. Because when it comes to human resources, technology can help…but sometimes you need a compassionate, experienced professional who knows you, your team, and your business.
A trusted HR partner in your corner
Support with hiring, employee relations, policies, compliance, and more
Direct access when questions or challenges arise
A stronger employee experience and employer brand
A small monthly investment with a full-time feel
Want the cell phone number of an HR professional you can actually call when you need help? That’s the idea.
CAREER COACHING
Career coaching shouldn’t cost a small fortune. Louise offers her sessions at a fair, transparent rate — because in a market full of overpriced quick fixes, she believes in providing honest support at an honest price.
PEOPLE CONSULTING
Every client’s needs are unique—whether you need a series of straightforward one-hour consultations, a custom-built employee handbook, or a long-term, project-based solution.
FRACTIONAL HR
Fractional HR provides a smart, scalable approach to achieving measurable and lasting results.
LEADERSHIP & EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES
With each search, we leverage experience, technology, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to your value.
