Ariane Laird
Founder, CEO & Principal HR Consultant
LinkedIn Profile
Ariane Laird is the Founder and CEO of ConnectsUs HR and continues to work directly with clients as Principal HR Consultant.
ConnectsUs HR was built from years of hands-on consulting work with small businesses that needed HR handled properly, without unnecessary complexity or corporate posturing. That consulting-first approach continues to shape how the firm operates today.
Ariane works primarily with small businesses, startups, and cross-border companies with staff in Canada, where HR responsibilities often sit alongside other operational roles. Her focus is on bringing clarity, structure, and sound judgment so issues are addressed early and handled correctly.
Why ConnectsUs HR Was Founded
Through years of HR consulting, Ariane repeatedly saw the same challenge. Small businesses were not struggling because they lacked concern for HR, but because HR was fragmented, overly technical, and disconnected from how their businesses actually operated.
ConnectsUs HR was created as a practical response to that gap. The firm developed clear, well-written HR tools and advisory support designed specifically for small business environments. Over time, its services expanded to include solutions for HR consultants and HR software implementation for organizations ready to move beyond document-based HR.
The focus has remained consistent: practical HR, strong fundamentals, and decisions that hold up.
Consulting Approach
Ariane approaches HR as part of running a business, not as a standalone corporate function. The focus is on getting the fundamentals right, understanding the workforce and operating environment, and making decisions that reduce risk before issues escalate.
Ariane remains closely involved in client work, particularly where experience, judgment, and attention to detail matter. Clients value the depth of the work, the clarity of advice, and a working style that is direct, accountable, and easy to work with.
ConnectsUs HR has operated as a remote firm since 2006, long before remote work became mainstream. This model supports focused work, flexibility, and reduced overhead and travel.
Background & Experience
Ariane’s career spans decades across administrative, finance, and HR roles, giving her a broad operational perspective. Early exposure to complex and often overlooked projects shaped a pragmatic approach to HR consulting.
Over the years, she has worked with nearly 100 organizations across Canada and the US, ranging from early-stage companies to established operations across a wide range of industries. This experience has reinforced the importance of practical, proportionate, and business-aligned HR.
That perspective led to the creation of ConnectsUs HR and continues to inform its work today.
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Ariane values staying active, curious, and grounded. Her interests include learning new languages, spending time outdoors, yoga, and time with family and close friends. She has a deep respect for nature and animals and is intentional about minimizing her environmental impact.
Contact Ariane
If you’re looking for HR consulting built on hands-on experience with small business, you can contact Ariane directly here and select “Contact CEO - Ariane Laird” from the Inquiry Type menu.