Follow us on LinkedInWhen change is the only constant, the role of HR Business Partners (HRBPs) is evolving fast, and Matthew Larsen is here to help you stay ahead of the curve.
As Director of HR Operations at Swinerton, Matthew supports a 5,000-strong workforce and knows what it takes to lead with both strategy and empathy.
Matthew’s taking the stage at our upcoming People Operations Summit in San Francisco (September 18, 2025), to unpack one of the most critical (and overlooked) capabilities in HR today: strategic influence.
His session, “Strategic Influence: Empowering HR Business Partners to Build Collaborative, Change-Ready Cultures,” focuses on helping HR business partners reach their full potential, not just as internal service providers, but as trusted partners who drive transformation from within.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Build influence equity with business leaders
- Navigate complexity with confidence
- Lead change without defaulting to "no"
- And most importantly, earn a seat at the table by understanding the business, not just the handbook
We sat down with Matthew ahead of the event to get a taste of what’s in store, hear his take on the future of HRBPs, and dig into why being adaptable might be the most valuable skill in your toolkit right now.
Let’s dive in.👇
Can you tell us about yourself?
Hi, I’m Matthew Larsen. I’ve been in Human Resources for nearly 13 years, following my retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 2012.
I currently serve as the Director of HR Operations at Swinerton, where my team and I support a national workforce of nearly 5,000. Our work spans Employee and Labor Relations, HR Compliance Programs (like immigration, DOT, and substance testing), performance coaching, and all the gray areas that land on our desks.
Outside of work, I enjoy woodworking and finding ways to apply creativity to both personal projects and professional problem-solving.
What will you be speaking about at our event?
I’ll be speaking on Effective Business Partnering – From the HR Perspective. It’s all about how HR professionals can leverage influence, adaptability, and business acumen to be strategic partners, not just service providers, to their organizations.
What is the main message you hope attendees will gain from your presentation?
HR is no longer just the transactional personnel department. Our value lies in understanding the business, adapting to evolving needs, and earning trust through insight and flexibility.
My core message: It’s not about being right or wrong - it’s about being understanding and adaptable. That mindset builds stronger partnerships and changes the way HR is perceived.
Who is your ideal attendee for this event?
Anyone who’s looking to innovate, shift perceptions, and strengthen their influence as an HR professional.
My session isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but rather framing these timeless concepts in a way that’s practical, relatable, and easier to apply.
I want to make the “secret sauce” of business partnering feel a little less secret.
What are you looking forward to the most about the event?
Aside from presenting, I’m most excited to connect with peers, trade ideas, and spark new perspectives. Events like this are a rare opportunity to break out of the day-to-day and challenge our thinking in fresh, collaborative ways.
Can you provide a brief teaser of what attendees can expect from your presentation?
To borrow from Darwin:
“It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who survive, but those who can best adapt to change.”
Today’s most impactful HR leaders are chameleons - flexible, business-minded, and solution-oriented. Sometimes, we need to set down the “compliance stick” and lead with yes - and here’s how we’ll do it right.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Flexibility and adaptability are everything. If you’re seen as too rigid, people will find ways to work around you instead of with you. And when you do need to take a firm stance, it lands much better when it’s the exception, not the norm.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting out?
You don’t have to know it all, and no one expects you to. Be humble. Say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” and follow through. That builds trust far faster than pretending.
At the same time, know when to stand your ground. Confidence and courage are just as important as curiosity and humility - especially when used at the right moment.
How can attendees connect with you after the event to learn more?
The best way to connect is through LinkedIn. I’d love to keep the conversation going, share insights, and continue learning from others in our field.
HR is evolving. Are you ready to lead the change?
The People Operations Summit in San Francisco isn’t just another conference, it’s where forward-thinking HR pros come to sharpen their edge, connect with industry leaders, and leave with strategies they can actually use.
📅 When: September 18, 2025
🗺 Where: Parc 55 - Hilton HotelSan Francisco
Whether you're looking to increase your strategic influence, elevate your HRBP function, or drive real cultural transformation across your org, this is where it starts.
Grab your ticket now and be part of the HR future.
