Kathleen Lin Hurtubise Of AlohaHP On How They Integrate Mindfulness And Spiritual Practices Into…

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Kathleen Lin Hurtubise Of AlohaHP On How They Integrate Mindfulness And Spiritual Practices Into Their Work Culture

…The movement I’m most passionate about is empowering people who find jobs through staffing agencies. I believe in taking the WholePerson approach — seeing and supporting individuals beyond just their roles. This means wrapping traditional staffing with programs that help people grow personally and professionally, giving them tools to build confidence, skills, and purpose. If this movement grows exponentially, it could inspire other staffing agencies to incorporate empowerment programming. Imagine an industry where every staffing agency not only connects people with jobs but also invests in their success and well-being. That’s a future I would love to see — a world where work isn’t just about a paycheck but about building a fulfilling life…

We had the pleasure of interviewing. Kathleen Lin Hurtubise. Kathleen is the pioneering force behind AlohaHP, revolutionizing the staffing landscape with Hawaii’s signature Aloha spirit. Founded on the promise of blending technology with deep-rooted Hawaiian hospitality, AlohaHP emerged as the contemporary answer to staffing, empowering professionals to design their work schedules and environments.

Partnered with industry innovator, Steve Scher, AlohaHP’s avant-garde approach crafts meaningful opportunities for diligent individuals passionate about making a notable impact on forward-thinking businesses.

AlohaHP’s mantra, “Elevate, Empower, and Transform,” signifies more than just words — it’s a movement. We’re on a mission to enhance not only our professional journey but also the businesses we collaborate with and the exceptional individuals we champion.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you please share your “backstory” with us?

Growing up as the fifth of nine children in a blue-collar town in Michigan taught me invaluable lessons about life. In our household, being resourceful, creative, and flexible wasn’t optional — it was a way of life. Add in the dynamic personalities of my siblings, and you had an environment where learning how to adapt and communicate effectively became second nature.

It was this upbringing that laid the foundation for my professional journey. When I was in college, I took a job canvassing door to door to support myself. It was more than just a way to pay the bills; it was a revelation. I discovered a passion for organizing people and projects, and I had a knack for recognizing how different individuals could collaborate to achieve the best outcomes. That ability — to see how people could work and play together — has been a thread woven through every stage of my career.

That door-to-door job eventually brought me to Hawaii, where I’ve now lived for 25 years. None of this was part of a meticulously planned path. I believe I was led, and I simply picked up the cues along the way. In Hawaii, I found my home and the inspiration to start my own staffing company. It all began with a contract I bid on in 2015 through my event logistics company to provide staffing at the Hawaii Convention Center. Winning that contract was a pivotal moment. I had already built a team of over 150 hospitality workers, and I realized that creating a dedicated staffing company was the logical next step. I took the necessary tests and became a certified staffing agency in Hawaii.

Throughout my journey, one thing has remained constant: a deep desire to care for people through service. This philosophy has shaped not only my companies but also the culture within them. One of our core values is #LearnAndGrow, a reflection of my lifelong belief in personal and professional development. To bring this value to life, we established the Aloha Academy, a proprietary program that offers development opportunities for all our temp staff.

Looking back, I see that my journey has been about following life’s cues and being present where people are growing and evolving. It’s this mindset that has driven me and my businesses to succeed, and it’s a philosophy that I continue to embrace every day.

What role did mindfulness or spiritual practice play in your life growing up? Do you have a funny or touching story about that?

Growing up in a large Catholic family with devoted parents who went to church every Sunday with their nine children was a deeply formative experience. Spirituality and mindfulness were woven into the fabric of our daily lives, whether we recognized it as children or not. My parents — and my mom in particular — had an unshakable faith that guided how they lived and how they raised us.

One particularly memorable example of my mom’s spiritual presence and uncanny ability to manifest outcomes happened one afternoon in our neighborhood. The ice cream truck was making its rounds, jingling its irresistible bells as it passed through the streets. My mom, for reasons we didn’t entirely understand at the time, was particularly frustrated by the noise. In her exasperation, she said, “I wish that ice cream truck would blow up.” To our complete astonishment, within moments the truck’s radiator blew a gasket! The bells stopped, no one was hurt — thankfully — and the entire family was left in shock at what had just happened. That moment became a family legend, one that taught us to think carefully about the words we spoke and the intentions behind them.

My mom was a living example of the power of thought, words, and actions. Beyond humorous incidents like the ice cream truck, she demonstrated deep compassion and selflessness. There were several times I witnessed her take in strangers who had fallen on hard times. She never asked questions; she simply acted. It was a powerful lesson in generosity and seeing the good in people. Those experiences instilled in me a belief in the importance of selfless giving and the quiet strength that comes from faith.

Mindfulness, as I understand it today, wasn’t something explicitly taught in our household, but it was present in how my parents lived and led by example. They taught us to pause, reflect, and choose kindness whenever possible. Those lessons from my upbringing have stayed with me, shaping not only my personal life but also how I lead and serve others professionally.

How do your mindfulness or spiritual practices affect your business and personal life today?

My spiritual practices permeate everything I do in life. A few years ago, I made a commitment to discipline myself to wake up every morning during Amrit Vela, the time between 3 AM and 6 AM. It’s a sweet and serene part of the day when stillness and peace of mind prevail. During this time, I sit in silence and then perform yoga. This practice synchronizes my mind and body, grounding me and enabling me to greet the day with awareness and gratitude for the amazingness of life. In those quiet moments, I often feel a profound sense of “Wow!” — an appreciation for how lucky I am to be living in these times. This sense of awareness is deeply internal and informs everything I do, both personally and professionally.

In my staffing company, AlohaHP, spirituality and mindfulness are integral to our mission. We intentionally bring awareness and care to every aspect of our business, not only providing staff to businesses but also nurturing the people who work with us. For example, our proprietary programming enhances traditional staffing services with initiatives like the Aloha Escort program, where team members personally accompany new staff to their first day of work. We also offer the Aloha Academy, a program through which every temp staff member learns to meditate using long, deep breathing techniques. Additionally, we provide grants for bus passes and stipends for uniforms to support those in need.

I believe spirit is in everything and everyone, and in business, it’s a beautiful experience to witness how making profits and empowering people can go hand in hand. This holistic approach to business is a direct reflection of my personal mindfulness and spiritual practices, and it’s fulfilling to see these values positively impact both individuals and companies..

Do you find that you are more successful or less successful because of your integration of spiritual and mindful practices? Can you share an example or story about that with us?

I find that integrating spiritual and mindful practices into AlohaHP is simply an extension of being true to myself. For me, there is no other way to express my values and my deep desire to provide opportunities for others. This approach has not only shaped the culture of AlohaHP but also fueled our success in meaningful ways.

One of the most impactful results of this integration has been the development of innovative programs designed to give people a hand up. For example, we share our 10 Golden Rules of Aloha with every person we onboard and deploy. These principles — including punctuality, integrity, and collaboration — serve as a guide for bringing out the best in ourselves and others. These rules aren’t just good for business; they’re good for the soul. By instilling these values in our team, we create a culture that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Our mindful and intentional approach has not only attracted more clients but also transformed lives. One example that stands out is how our proprietary programming has helped individuals gain employment and build confidence. We’ve seen people use their jobs as a stepping stone to change their lives. Every time a business experiences smoother operations because of AlohaHP, and every time a temp worker gains new confidence and financial stability, it’s a testament to the success of our approach.

For me, success isn’t just about numbers or contracts won; it’s about creating an ecosystem where businesses thrive and individuals evolve. By staying true to the integration of spirit and mindful practices, we’ve been able to build a company that reflects not just what we do but who we are.

What would you say is the foundational principle for one to “lead a good life”? Can you share a story that illustrates that?

I believe the foundational principle of leading a good life is living in alignment with your passions and values. When your actions and choices reflect what truly matters to you, life feels more meaningful and fulfilling.

One story that illustrates this is about a colleague of mine who was a highly successful corporate executive in the fashion industry. She excelled in her role, receiving multiple promotions and recognition. Yet, despite her achievements, she felt a deep misalignment between her personal values and the practices of the industry.

After much reflection, she made a courageous decision to leave the corporate world and start her own business, helping companies with strategic planning that aligned with her ethical and personal values. It was a risky move — trading financial security and status for uncertainty — but she found joy and fulfillment in doing work that resonated with her heart.

This story serves as a reminder that if you dislike your work or feel disconnected, it’s worth taking time to reflect on what brings you joy and purpose. More and more, I see people choosing to step away from what they “should” be doing and instead pursuing paths that make their hearts sing. Living authentically, even when it’s challenging, is what I believe truly leads to a good life.

Can you share a story about one of the most impactful moments in your spiritual/mindful life?

One of the most impactful moments in my spiritual and mindful life happened when the pandemic hit in March 2020. My two businesses — event logistics and hospitality staffing — were directly impacted. Instead of retreating during the uncertainty, I brought my team together, both internally and externally, to brainstorm how we could adapt and serve our community in this new environment.

Within two weeks, we launched a food box business called Kau Kau Box. We created a website, developed a food subscription program, hired delivery drivers, and partnered with a chef to provide delicious meals. Within a month, we were delivering hundreds of food boxes across Hawaii. This venture not only provided much-needed nourishment to people during a difficult time but also gave us a sense of purpose and connection.

After the pandemic, I sold this business for six figures. This experience was deeply spiritual for me because it demonstrated the power of aligned action. When I focus less on overthinking and more on acting with intention and urgency, I feel in alignment with my purpose. To me, a spiritual life is about stepping up, taking action where it’s needed, and giving 100% in the moment. Through this, I learned that true mindfulness is about being fully present and responding to the needs of the world around us.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

Oh, I love this acknowledgment that success doesn’t happen without the help of others. It speaks to the spiritual essence of business — that we’re all here to support one another’s needs, and that’s a beautiful thing.

There are so many people who have helped me along the way, and I’m grateful for each of them. I believe that everyone in my life right now is here for a reason, and our journeys are intertwined. Just as they’ve helped me, I feel a responsibility to help them in return.

True prosperity comes from bringing others along with you, and that mutual support creates the foundation for lasting success. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, and none of us achieves alone.

Can you share 3 or 4 pieces of advice about how leaders can create a very “healthy and uplifting” work culture?

  • Believe in Your People: Have more faith in your team than they may have in themselves. Set a high bar, encouraging them to reach and grow beyond their perceived limits. When leaders believe in their people, it inspires confidence and motivation.
  • Know Their Dreams: Take the time to understand your team members’ personal and professional aspirations. Align their goals with your business objectives, and show them how their success contributes to the company’s success. This creates a shared sense of purpose and engagement.
  • Encourage Learning Through Mistakes: Treat errors as opportunities for growth rather than failures. When mistakes happen, guide the team in reflecting on what occurred, why it happened, and what can be done differently next time. This approach builds a culture of continuous improvement and removes fear of failure.
  • Foster Collaboration and Trust: Create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Open communication, mutual respect, and celebrating successes — big or small — go a long way in cultivating a workplace where people feel uplifted and eager to contribute.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

The movement I’m most passionate about is empowering people who find jobs through staffing agencies. I believe in taking the WholePerson approach — seeing and supporting individuals beyond just their roles. This means wrapping traditional staffing with programs that help people grow personally and professionally, giving them tools to build confidence, skills, and purpose.

If this movement grows exponentially, it could inspire other staffing agencies to incorporate empowerment programming. Imagine an industry where every staffing agency not only connects people with jobs but also invests in their success and well-being. That’s a future I would love to see — a world where work isn’t just about a paycheck but about building a fulfilling life.

How can people follow you and find out more about you?

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

Kathleen Lin Hurtubise Of AlohaHP On How They Integrate Mindfulness And Spiritual Practices Into… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.