“Heavy metal is what I love. It’s what I understand. It’s who I am.” – James Hetfield (Metallica)
When I was 12 years old, I was shooting hoops in my driveway (poorly) thinking about how amazing Micheal Jordan is. He’s the GOAT. End of story. But that’s not why I’m writing.
As I was shooting, I airballed a shot. I went to go retrieve the ball when I noticed a cassette tape laying on the ground. I picked it up. It had no labels. Curious, I put it in my boombox and out came the opening riff to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
I was transfixed. What was this amazing sound? Just then, the riff turned into something I had never heard before and I felt something I had yet to feel in my young life. HEAVY. “WOW,” I thought. This is aggression, this is fast, this is HEAVY!
And thus, my love of heavy metal was born.
There is no other music as magical as heavy metal, no other music that has a word that defines such righteous devotees – metalhead. And no other music is so misunderstood.
Metalheads have long been subjected to stereotypes that paint them as angry, violent, or socially maladjusted. Some believe metalheads are obsessed with darkness and negativity, equating the genre’s heavy sound and aggressive themes with destructive behavior. Others stereotype them as rebellious loners, dismissing their individuality as antisocial tendencies. The visual aesthetic of heavy metal—featuring black clothing, leather, and spikes—has also led to perceptions of danger or alignment with counterculture movements that oppose societal norms. These assumptions, while pervasive, fail to capture the depth and diversity of the metal community.
In reality, these stereotypes couldn’t be further from the truth. Research has shown that metalheads are often empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and deeply connected to their communities. Heavy metal is cathartic, providing fans with a safe outlet for their emotions, rather than promoting anger or violence. Far from being antisocial, metalheads form tight-knit communities built on shared values of camaraderie, loyalty, and inclusion. The intense and intricate nature of metal music also attracts people with intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a passion for self-expression. By dismissing these stereotypes, it becomes clear that metalheads are not defined by aggression or rebellion, but by a deep connection to music and a culture that thrives on authenticity, resilience, and unity.
Being a metalhead goes beyond a music genre—it’s an attitude, a philosophy, and a way of engaging with the world. It’ a spirit – a part of one’s being.
To have a heavy metal spirit means embodying the essence of heavy metal music and culture in one’s attitude, mindset, and way of life. It represents:
- Passion and Intensity – Approaching life with raw energy, fierce determination, and an unfiltered love for self-expression, just like the music itself.
- Resilience and Strength – Facing challenges head-on and persevering through adversity with a defiant, never-back-down attitude.
- Rebellion and Individualism – Rejecting conformity and embracing your true self, unapologetically standing out and living by your own rules.
- Power and Emotion – Living boldly and fully, expressing emotions with intensity and authenticity, much like the powerful riffs and driving beats of heavy metal.
- Community and Unity – Valuing camaraderie and solidarity with others who share your passion, building a sense of belonging within a group that thrives on mutual respect and shared values.
To have a heavy metal spirit is to channel the raw, electrifying energy of heavy metal into your life, living with unapologetic authenticity, courage, and an unrelenting drive to be your true self.
I never thought much about how my love of metal influenced my professional approach until I began following my friend Laurie Ruettimann, who is the original Punk Rock HR pro! Punk rock has had a major influence on heavy metal. In fact, punk and metal combined to create one of the most enduring heavy metal subgenres – thrash, which is where Metallica’s roots lay.
Metal shares a lot with punk including the attitude of living boldly, rejecting conformity, and prioritizing authenticity over approval. It’s about living life with passion, purpose, and a touch of rebellion—fueled by a belief that the world can be better if you dare to disrupt it.
The more I learn from Laurie, the more I began to think about how the metal spirit manifested itself beyond my personal world and how it manifested itself in my professional world. And I don’t mean tattoos, beards, and wearing lots of black. Although, it is kind of funny when colleagues see me wearing short sleaves for the first time – exposing tattoos spread over both arms. Many are pretty shocked. I’m full of surprises.
I realize that a heavy metal mindsets brings a unique energy and ethos to HR, transforming the way I approach people and culture. Here’s how these attributes manifest with me, and I bet other metalheads, in the HR profession:
1. Passion, Intensity, and Authenticity
Bringing passion and authenticity into every aspect of HR—whether it’s advocating for employees, driving cultural change, or implementing bold initiatives. This means truly caring about people, their growth, and creating meaningful work experiences. This can occur while designing an onboarding program that excites new employees and aligns them with the organization’s mission, making them feel seen and valued.
2. Resilience and Strength
HR professionals often face resistance, setbacks, or failures. A heavy metal approach embraces these challenges, learns from them, and comes back stronger. Leading through a layoff with honesty and compassion while ensuring remaining employees are supported and the organization remains committed is an all too often example.
3. Rebellion and Individualism
Challenging outdated policies, breaking away from cookie-cutter practices, and crafting people-centric, progressive systems. It’s about building HR that fits the unique DNA of the organization rather than following corporate playbooks. If you advocate for flexible work policies or a four-day workweek in a traditionally rigid industry to empower employees and boost productivity, you embody the heavy metal spirit in HR!
4. Power and Emotion
HR with a “heavy metal soul” brings emotional intelligence and raw determination to address workplace issues. It’s about being vulnerable yet strong, tackling tough conversations, and inspiring employees to do their best. Addressing workplace conflict directly and empathetically, creating safe spaces for employees to express concerns and feel heard – these are metal to the core.
5. Community and Unity
HR, when done well, fosters connection and belonging, creating a community where people feel united by shared values and a common purpose. This also involves advocating for underrepresented groups and amplifying diverse voices. Metal is about welcoming everyone no matter where they come from. Launching DEI programs that go beyond training to create systemic change, such as forming affinity groups or mentorship programs for marginalized employees is up there with headbanging to a galloping riff!
6. DIY Ethic
HR professionals often need to build solutions from the ground up, especially in resource-constrained organizations. A metal mindset thrives in these conditions, creating innovative programs with minimal resources. Crafting a wellness initiative using internal champions and free tools rather than outsourcing to an expensive vendor are ways to get your “music” to the masses.
7. Standing for Something
Heavy metal HR professionals boldly stand for employee rights, ethical leadership, and a positive workplace culture, even if it means pushing back against leadership or tradition. Fighting for equitable pay and transparency, even when it’s met with resistance is an example, but more so, it’s a necessity to the DNA of being a spirited metalhead.
8. A Middle Finger to Complacency
Metal horns aren’t the only fingers metalheads hold up. Refusing to settle for “good enough” when it comes to people strategies. Constantly questioning, innovating, and driving forward to create meaningful change. Metalheads are willing to revolutionize their workplace’s performance management by replacing rigid annual reviews with continuous feedback and coaching conversations.
Ultimately, a heavy metal spirit in HR means being fiercely passionate, resilient, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. It’s about channeling authenticity, emotional power, and a sense of community to transform the workplace into a space that thrives on connection, innovation, and shared values.
Let me close by offering a diverse heavy metal setlist spanning various subgenres and styles for you to listen to! It is the perfect way to embody the themes of passion, resilience, rebellion, and community while showcasing the breadth of heavy metal genres.
So, plug in your headsets, crack open a PBR, throw up the horns, and get in the pit! Remember, help one another up when they fall. 😊
Heavy Metal HR Setlist
“Breaking the Law” – Judas Priest (Classic Heavy Metal)
- A rebellious ode to taking matters into your own hands and defying convention to get things done.
“Proven” – Hatebreed (Metalcore/Hardcore)
- A brutally direct and motivational song about fighting through pain and standing strong.
“Roots Bloody Roots” – Sepultura (Groove Metal)
- A tribal groove-metal anthem about staying connected to your roots and building unity.
“Ace of Spades” – Motörhead (Speed Metal)
- A raw, fast-paced anthem representing the DIY ethos and living life on your own terms.
“War Pigs” – Black Sabbath (Proto-Metal)
- A legendary protest song that stands up against corruption and war, epitomizing courage and conviction.
“Reign in Blood” – Slayer (Thrash Metal)
- Thrash at its most intense, embodying a refusal to settle for anything less than total annihilation of stagnation.
“Kai Tangata” – Alien Weaponry (Maori Thrash Metal)
- A modern, culturally rich track performed by a young band from New Zealand that celebrates history and empowerment.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister (Glam Metal)
- A rallying cry for solidarity and standing up together for what’s right.
“Holy Diver” – Dio (Classic Heavy Metal)
- A story of courage and standing for your beliefs, even when the odds are against you.
“Master of Puppets” – Metallica (Thrash Metal)
- A heavy-hitting declaration to reject control, challenge stagnation, and keep driving forward.
“Lateralus” – Tool (Progressive Metal)
- A profound track about pushing past limits and embracing the complexity of life.
“My Curse” – Killswitch Engage (Metalcore)
- A melodic yet heavy track about personal struggle and overcoming internal darkness.
“Colony” – In Flames (Melodic Death Metal)
- A melodic masterpiece with themes of growth, transformation, and perseverance.
The HR Philosopher 