In this edition of Women in Growth Marketing, we’re spotlighting Taylor Miller, Senior Manager of People & Culture at Cro Metrics. From technology recruiting to shaping the culture behind high-performing marketing teams, Taylor’s journey is all about leading with heart and strategy. She shares how navigating change built her confidence, why people are her passion, and how she’s helping others thrive – one relationship at a time.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Taylor—wife, mom to my 14-month-old son Hayden, and dog mom to two lovable golden retrievers, Chewbacca and Piper. I grew up in a small town in Virginia and am a proud Virginia Tech grad with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a secondary major in sociology.
When I’m not busy chasing a toddler or giving belly rubs to my pups, I love working out, grabbing drinks at local breweries with friends, cheering on the Eagles, Panthers, and Hokies, or taking road trips to the beach.
Professionally, I’m an HR leader and SHRM-CP certified professional, helping small to mid-sized companies scale by building strong people and culture strategies. I’m passionate about creating workplaces where people love what they do and businesses thrive.
Can you share a bit about your career journey so far?
I started my career in recruiting, specifically in part-time sales recruiting, before moving to Lucas Group, a well-known executive search firm. I joined their technology executive search team in Atlanta and, over three years, worked my way up from Executive Search Consultant to Senior Partner.
After my time at Lucas Group, I transitioned in-house as a Senior Recruiter at Sitehands, where I quickly gained broader HR exposure and stepped into the HR Manager role. That experience solidified my passion for not just hiring great talent, but also building strong people and culture strategies.
Since then, I’ve worked remotely with two tech companies—6 Degrees Health and Topcoder—where I served as HR Manager and later as Head of People Operations. Most recently, I joined Cro Metrics as the Senior Manager of People & Culture, where I focus on scaling people programs and fostering an amazing employee experience.
It’s been an exciting journey, and I love helping companies grow by focusing on their people!
What’s a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
One of the most defining moments in my career came shortly after I joined Sitehands. Not long after I started, COVID-19 hit, sending the entire company home to work remotely. Within weeks, my boss was furloughed and eventually laid off, and the HR Director left for financial stability. At the same time, we had just brought in a new CEO and a Global CHRO—who was based in England—so there was a lot of transition happening all at once.
I had been hired as a Senior Technical Recruiter, but suddenly, I found myself pivoting into all things HR operations. The company was struggling financially and searching for additional funding, but ultimately, we filed for bankruptcy. It was an intense crash course—not just in HR operations, but in business strategy, crisis management, and, most importantly, supporting employees through uncertainty.
That experience solidified my love for HR. It showed me firsthand the impact that strong people leadership can have, even in the toughest times. It also gave me a deep appreciation for the intersection of HR and business strategy, which has shaped the way I approach my work today.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman in this field? How did you overcome them?
Honestly, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had amazing leaders—both male and female—who have supported me throughout my career. I know that’s not the case for everyone, and I don’t take it for granted. Having strong mentors and leaders who believed in me, challenged me, and gave me opportunities to grow has made all the difference.
What excites you most about working in this industry?
What excites me most about working in this industry is the opportunity to constantly learn and evolve. At Cro Metrics, our test-and-learn culture is at the heart of everything we do, and that mindset extends beyond our work with clients—it’s embedded in how we operate as a team. Being part of an organization that embraces experimentation, innovation, and data-driven decision-making is incredibly motivating.
Our mission—to redefine growth through transformative digital experiences—resonates with me because it’s not just about driving results; it’s about making a lasting impact. I love working alongside such brilliant, data-driven colleagues who challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The energy, curiosity, and collaboration here make every day exciting, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that values both bold ideas and practical solutions.
Have you ever had a mentor or strong support system that helped you navigate tough situations? How did that impact you?
I’ve been fortunate to have multiple mentors who have supported me through tough situations. Throughout my career, I’ve had 13 different managers across six companies, and I’ve stayed close with many of them. Each one has influenced my management and work strategy in different ways, and I’ve taken something valuable from each of them.
One mentor who stands out is Liz Barrett, the CHRO at Sitehands. She gave me the opportunity to transition from recruiting into HR management, which was a pivotal moment in my career. She not only taught me so much about HR but also showed me that you don’t always have to have all the answers—you just need the right mindset and resources to figure things out.
Another mentor, Angie Allaire, the Chief of Staff at Topcoder, started as a colleague before becoming a mentor. She reinforced the importance of authenticity in the workplace, recognizing that we’re all human, and leveraging each other’s strengths.
These experiences have shaped how I lead today. I strive to be the kind of leader who empowers others, fosters learning, and creates an environment where people feel supported—just like my mentors did for me.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into or advance in this space?
For women looking to break into or advance in HR, my biggest advice is to go beyond your day-to-day responsibilities. Look for opportunities to take on stretch projects, even if they feel a little outside your comfort zone—that’s where real growth happens.
Be curious. Ask questions about the why and how behind business decisions, not just HR processes. Understanding the bigger picture and how HR impacts overall business strategy will set you apart and make you a more valuable partner to leadership.
And most importantly, build relationships. HR is all about people, and having a strong network—whether it’s mentors, peers, or leaders—will help you navigate challenges and open doors for new opportunities.
What’s something you would tell your younger self, or a younger woman in your industry?
I would tell my younger self—and any young woman in this industry—it’s all going to be okay. You are smart enough, capable enough, and resilient enough to accomplish whatever goals you set for yourself.
Lean on the people around you—mentors, colleagues, and friends—and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s so much to learn from everyone you meet along the way, so stay curious and open to new experiences. Every challenge, every setback, and every success is shaping you into the leader you’re meant to be. Enjoy the journey!
What strategies or habits have helped you grow as a leader in your field?
One of the most impactful lessons I’ve carried with me as a leader is starting with “why”, a philosophy from Simon Sinek. Early in my career, my mentor at Lucas Group, David Armendariz, introduced me to Sinek’s Start with Why at the very beginning of our mentorship, right when I had decided I was interested in leadership. That concept has stuck with me ever since.
People want to understand the why behind decisions—they’re far more likely to commit to change or take action when they see the purpose behind it. This mindset has shaped the way I lead, communicate, and drive meaningful change in organizations.
What do you do to best support yourself during difficult moments or stressful weeks?
During difficult moments or stressful weeks, I focus on disconnecting from work whenever I can. In a remote environment, work-life balance is huge, and knowing when to shut off and take a break is essential.
I’ve also learned the importance of talking to colleagues and voicing stress. A simple conversation—whether it’s venting, problem-solving, or just acknowledging the challenge—can make a big difference. Talking through it helps me process things and reminds me that stress is human. No one has it all figured out, and leaning on others for support makes tough moments feel more manageable.
How do you see women shaping the future of growth marketing, strategy, and tech?
Women are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of growth marketing, strategy, and tech by bringing diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving, and a strong focus on human-centered decision-making.
In growth marketing, women are leading the charge in data-driven storytelling, using analytics to create strategies that not only drive business results but also connect with audiences on a deeper level. Their ability to blend creativity with performance metrics is redefining how brands engage with customers.
On the strategy side, women are driving inclusive leadership and collaboration, ensuring that business decisions consider diverse viewpoints, making companies more adaptive and resilient in an ever-changing market.
And in tech, women are breaking barriers, leading product innovation, AI, and digital transformation, while also advocating for more inclusive workplaces. As representation continues to grow, women are reshaping the industry by mentoring future leaders, pushing for equity, and proving that diverse teams drive better results.
The future of growth marketing, strategy, and tech is being shaped by bold, strategic, and innovative women—and that’s an exciting thing to be part of!
At Cro Metrics and beyond, women in growth marketing are shaping the future of the industry through innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership. If you’re looking to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and support one another’s growth, we invite you to be part of the conversation. 👉 Get involved today!