How I Got Here.
What did you want to be
when you grew up?
United States president, a lawyer, a flower delivery person or all three. I still secretly want to deliver flowers on the weekend because they brighten everyone’s mood.
EDUCATION
Jacksboro High School
Jacksboro, Texas
(1989 - 1993)
WORK
First job | During my senior year of high school,
I worked the late shift (6 p.m.-12 a.m.) at a local quick-stop on the weekends. In retrospect, it may not have been the safest option, but I made great money and learned a lot.
The Associates First Capital
1995 - 1999: Collection Center Team Leader and Assistant Vice President, Consumer Learning Group (Dallas)
What moments, or who, affected the way you work?
I grew up in a rural Texas town, and my dad always worked in the oil field. When I was 7, my parents borrowed $5,000 to start their own oil company out of a converted, tiny bedroom in our home. It was a risky move, but they worked night and day to make something out of that little company, and in turn, improve the lives of our family members. I learned some of my best life lessons about courage, resilience and a strong work ethic from my parents during that time.
Twenty years ago, I took a two-level demotion and moved to London for an opportunity to learn human resources outside of the U.S. I didn’t know what I had signed up for, having never visited the country, but I learned more in those four years about work and myself. That experience taught me to always choose adventure. Now, if it’s not a little scary, it’s not worth it to me.
At my previous company, we had decided to establish a Digital Learning function. My team and I did all the research, benchmarking visits and best practice diligence to determine the strategy and organizational design on this strategic initiative. After a grueling month of looking for the right leader to build the organization, we weren’t having any luck. That’s when I had this thought — I can do this. So, I pitched to my boss that I could lead this work, and she responded, “It’s about time you figured this out. It should have been you all along.” That’s when I realized that I have to be the one to back myself first.
What the best piece of advice that you've been given?
Chief People Officer,
Pizza Hut U.S.
LOCKETT
CRISTI
Citi
1999 - 2002: Head of Training & Development – Europe (London)
2002 - 2006: Vice President of Training & Performance Improvement – CitiFinancial Auto (Dallas)
2006 - 2008: Senior Director of Performance Development & Learning – Consumer Lending Group (Dallas)
2008 - 2015: Director, Global Leadership & Professional Development, and Digital Learning (New York City
and Dallas)
KFC
2015 - 2019: Senior Director of Learning & Organizational Development (Plano, Texas)
2019 - 2020: Vice President of Human Resources (Plano, Texas)
Pizza Hut U.S.
2020 - Present: Chief People Officer (Plano, Texas)
Choose progress over perfection every single time.
University of North Texas
B.S., Psychology
Denton, Texas
(1993 - 1997)
If we were to interview your teachers, what would
they say about you?
Do you believe in work/life balance?
I think of it more as integration than balance. Balance suggests that all things are equal, and I just haven’t found that to be the case in real life.
During some seasons of life, work needs more attention; then later, I may have a personal situation that requires more attention. I’m a calmer, more content person when I flex to the season and integrate my whole life.
One way I’ve learned to do this is by getting my family involved in the business. My kids love to listen to our earnings calls, my husband has opinions about our strategy, and even my parents weigh in on our advertising from time to time. Because they understand more about my work, it’s even easier for them to cheer me on.
My friends think I deliver pizzas
and can’t wait for me to show up at their doors one day, which I can’t rule out! And my 8-year-old twins tell their teachers, “My mom helps people.” I’ll take that explanation any day.
What do people think you do versus what you actually do?
I actually found my fifth grade
report from Mrs. Whitsitt’s class; she said I had “a lively imagination” and was “interested in many things.” That pretty much sums me up!
Henley Management Unit
MBA
Reading, England
(2000 - 2003)
