Andrea Giggetts is director of human resource training for the MPS Group at Independent Square. The freelance motivational speaker also has her own reccurring segment on Ch. 4’s “The Morning Show.”
HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR?
“Basically I provide training for the internal staff at MPS group. I inform them about employment laws, business and management skills, customer service techniques and how to deal with different types of people.” Giggetts, who transferred to Jacksonville from Baltimore, has been with the company for over 15 years. “When I was hired, they asked me what I wanted to be doing in the future. Right away, I told them I wanted to be the vice president of the department one day. I look at where I am now, and I see it came true.”
EDUCATION.
Giggetts has a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Towson State University in Baltimore.
ASK ANDREA.
As part of her 7:45 and 8:15 segments on “The Morning Show,” Giggetts has the opportunity to inform viewers about the human resources issues associated with today’s job market while also taking the time to answer their questions. Topics have included Why Women Sabotage Women at the Workplace, Blunders and Flaws that Damages Careers and Bad Bosses. “I try my best to educate people about these kinds of issues. By talking about the tips and trends happening today, I can, hopefully, demystify people about the workplace and make them feel safe. If people think it’s boring, shame on them.” Giggetts has been on the air for just over a year and hopes to expand the segment. “People didn’t think it would go anywhere, but I proved them wrong through my talents, charisma and my take-no-prisoners approach. But don’t worry, I won’t intimidate anyone.”
AFTER THE SHOW
“Many times I just want to come back to work and hug the building because I see how good I have it here. I realize now that a lot of people are suffering. They want to make a living, but they are just having problems. Many of them have bosses who don’t like people and it can be heartbreaking.”
MUSIC CRITIC
Somehow, in her already crowded schedule, Giggetts found time to be a judge on the local talent program, “Gimme the Mike.” “I had a ball. I love music and I’ve always wanted to be Aretha Franklin.” Giggetts reportedly can’t carry a tune. “When they were on stage performing, I was up there with them.”
WHAT KIND OF JUDGE WAS SHE?
“I think I was fair. I was honest, but I don’t think I destroyed anyone. If you had talent, I told you. If you didn’t, I tried to make it humorous so it took some of the sting away. Humor has a way of doing that.”
WHEN SHE’S NOT SAVING THE WORLD.
“I love spending time with my adopted little girl. It’s thrilling and rewarding when you have the opportunity to save a life. To me, she’s Andrea personified.” Giggetts, whose been married for 10 years, also enjoys traveling — she’s visited 45 states — reading and going on motivational speaking engagements. “It’s my way of carrying the love that I have for my job out into the community.”
WHAT’S NEXT.
“That’s easy; I want to be the Oprah of the South.” She’s also writing a book based on her life.
— by J. Brooks Terry