Yara Banks is a visionary leader, HR strategist, and acclaimed author of The Executive Blindspot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line. With over 25 years of combined experience in HR, operations, and leadership development, Yara has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives across industries. As the CEO of BNX Business Advisors, she specializes in helping organizations align their human resources strategies with overarching business goals, transforming HR into a measurable driver of growth, profitability, and innovation.

A certified woman and minority-owned business leader, Yara has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and small businesses, offering insights that bridge the gap between leadership vision and workforce execution. Her expertise, combined with a passion for empowering businesses, has made her a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader on organizational success.

What have you learned through your 25 years of experience in HR?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that HR is where the heart of a business beats. It’s not just about policies and compliance; it’s about people—motivating them, engaging them, and aligning them with the company’s vision. Successful businesses don’t just hire great talent; they nurture and empower it.

Another lesson? Misalignment is expensive. Whether it’s a poor onboarding process or unclear communication between leadership and staff, the costs of not addressing these gaps can quietly snowball. And let’s not forget the power of a little humor. In tough situations, a good laugh can turn tension into teamwork faster than any policy can.

Tell us about BNX Business Advisors and the impact you have made in 2024.

2024 was a standout year for BNX Business Advisors. We helped organizations tackle everything from high turnover to post-merger cultural misalignment. One highlight was transforming an accounts payable department for a $1.8 billion company—it wasn’t glamorous work, but it saved the company time, money, and morale.

Our expertise spans leadership development, compliance, organizational design, and workforce planning. Whether it’s crafting state-specific handbooks for small businesses or aligning leadership teams after a merger, we focus on delivering solutions that create measurable results.

We’re proud to say we’ve already been featured in four magazines, five podcasts, and added new stops to our in-person and virtual book tour this year. The momentum is incredible, and the impact we’re seeing fuels our mission every day.

What are some of the needs of organizations today? 

Organizations today need retention strategies that actually work, leadership alignment that drives execution, and cultures that don’t just talk about innovation but live it. Many are stuck putting out fires instead of building long-term strategies.

At BNX, we bridge the gap. We provide HR audits, leadership coaching, and tailored solutions that align people and processes with the organization’s goals. Think of us as the GPS for your workforce—helping you navigate the terrain while keeping the end goal in sight.

What will people notice when working with you?

The first thing they notice? Energy and commitment. I don’t just walk in with a checklist; I dive in like I’m part of their team. I ask the hard questions, challenge assumptions, and make sure we’re connecting the dots between people, processes, and profits.

And while we’re solving complex problems, there’s always room for a little humor. Business can be serious, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stiff. I find that when you break down barriers with a laugh, real progress happens.

Tell us about your book, The Executive Blindspot: How Misalignment with HR Impacts Your Bottom Line.

This book is my love letter to leaders who know they can do better but aren’t quite sure where to start. It’s about uncovering the hidden blindspots that drain resources and morale—things like unclear goals, misaligned teams, and ineffective HR practices.

The book is packed with real-world examples, tools like alignment checklists, and a few laughs to keep things relatable. Whether you’re running a small nonprofit or a billion-dollar corporation, The Executive Blindspot shows you how to turn your HR challenges into competitive advantages.

Tell us about your keynotes. 

My keynotes are all about making leadership and HR strategies approachable and actionable. They’re part inspiration, part education, and 100% practical.

In 2025, I’m excited to kick off the in-person leg of my book tour. On February 19th, I’ll be speaking at a private Leadership event in Las Vegas, and later in February, you’ll find me at the Black Entrepreneurship and Technology Summit in Tuskegee, Alabama. I’ll also be doing workshops and keynotes at stops across the country, so keep an eye on LinkedIn for updates.

Some of my most popular topics include:

• “The ROI of HR: Aligning People Strategies with Business Goals”
• “Leadership Blindspots: Overcoming Barriers to Growth”
• “Post-Merger Success: HR Strategies for Cultural Alignment”

Wherever I speak, I aim to leave audiences with clear takeaways and the motivation to implement them.

Share your vision for 2025.

2025 is the year of impact and accessibility. My vision is to expand BNX Business Advisors into online leadership development programs, complete with diagnostic tools to make HR and leadership strategies accessible to organizations of all sizes.

The conversation sparked by The Executive Blindspot is just beginning. I want to keep challenging leaders to rethink how they approach HR, aligning it with their overall business strategy to drive growth, innovation, and success. Whether it’s a startup, a nonprofit, or a Fortune 500 company, the goal is the same: build a foundation that not only supports the organization but helps it thrive.

Where can people connect with you?

People can find me at www.bnxba.com, where they can preorder The Executive Blindspot. I’m also active on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, sharing insights and updates regularly. For speaking engagements or consultations, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Let’s connect—I’d love to help your organization grow and thrive in 2025!