Cierra Gross, founder and CEO of Worklution Inc., is transforming the human resources industry with her innovative approach to workplace advocacy.
By integrating artificial intelligence and data analytics, Worklution is redefining how employees navigate corporate spaces. Gross has successfully bootstrapped two brands—Caged Bird HR and Wrk Receipts—to over $1 million in revenue within just two years. Caged Bird HR provides independent HR support to employees at major tech companies, while Wrk Receipts allows employees to securely document workplace events and store their “receipts” for future reference.
In a recent interview with Her Agenda, Gross shared insights on her entrepreneurial journey and provided advice for millennial women in HR and corporate America.
Navigating HR in a Complex Political Climate
Gross spoke about the importance of choosing the right company when entering the HR field.
“The most important aspect is finding an organization that aligns with your values,” she said.
She encourages HR professionals to seek opportunities within smaller businesses, startups, and companies run by Black and other minority entrepreneurs, which she believes are more committed to genuine workplace improvement.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Gross acknowledged the challenges within corporate HR.
“When I started in HR, I thought I would be able to make companies better for employees, but I realized I wasn’t there to do that,” she explained.
This realization led her to create Worklution as a platform for meaningful workplace advocacy outside of traditional corporate structures.
Black Women Making an Impact in HR
Gross encourages Black women in HR to consider alternative paths to influence workplace culture.
“You can still have an impact outside of corporate America,” she said, highlighting ways to support employees through resume assistance and mock interviews.
She advises setting realistic expectations when entering HR and being open to diverse career opportunities.
Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace
For millennial women working in HR or corporate America, Gross stresses the importance of utilizing benefits and taking time off.
“We don’t use our benefits and time off nearly as much as our non-Black counterparts,” she noted, adding that this contributes to workplace burnout.
She advocates for Black women to take advantage of programs like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other health benefits to maintain their mental well-being. “We have to release ourselves from the idea that we must always be working.”
Entrepreneurship and Career Growth
As an entrepreneur, Gross has learned valuable lessons about starting and sustaining a business. Her biggest piece of advice? “Don’t do what I did,” she cautioned, referring to her decision to leave full-time employment without a secondary income source.
While her severance check provided temporary stability, she advises aspiring business owners to treat their ventures as side hustles initially, maintaining their 9-to-5 jobs while building their businesses on nights and weekends.
Finding Clarity in Career Decisions
For those feeling uncertain about their next career steps, Gross urges introspection.
“Too often, we let the environment dictate our career paths,” she said. Instead, she advises individuals to reflect on their happiest and most fulfilling moments and use that insight to guide their career choices.
She also stresses the importance of agency in job selection, encouraging job seekers to pay close attention to both spoken and unspoken messages during interviews. “Don’t give up your agency when deciding what you will do next.”
Gross’s work at Worklution, Caged Bird HR, and Wrk Receipts has positioned her as a leader in HR innovation.
Through her advocacy, she continues to empower employees and HR professionals to navigate workplace challenges with confidence and autonomy.
Her advice to millennial women, especially Black women in HR, serves as a powerful reminder that career success is about more than just corporate titles—it’s about creating spaces where employees feel valued, protected, and heard.
