Vertical Thoughts

Founded in January 2023 by Kyla Hanks, Vertical Thoughts was born from lived experience and a deep understanding of what many workplaces were missing. After walking through multiple seasons where she wished a people-centered HR resource existed, Kyla realized she wasn’t alone, and that she needed to be the one to create it. What began as an idea quickly became a purpose-driven business focused on humanizing the workplace. One of Kyla’s most meaningful milestones was completing her own office space, thoughtfully designed with her branding and personality, a tangible reminder that this once-big idea had become a reality. Today, Vertical Thoughts stands as a reflection of Kyla’s bold perspective, servant heart, and belief that meaningful work environments change lives.
Vertical Thoughts partners with organizations to support people operations, build sustainable cultures, and empower both employers and employees to succeed. Through coaching, training, mentoring, and hands-on HR support, Kyla helps businesses treat their people with fairness and respect while aligning HR practices with long-term business goals. What sets Vertical Thoughts apart is its flexible, education-forward approach, whether clients want HR done for them or guidance to do it themselves, the focus remains on impact. By helping workplaces become healthier, stronger, and more engaging places to work, Vertical Thoughts is raising the bar across the community and fostering a culture where people and businesses can truly thrive together.

When did you start your business? January 2023

Why did you decide to start your business? Kind of in reverse. I had many seasons where I wish something like this existed. As I started to talk to others about it it really became clear that I needed to be the one to make it an option for others.

What is your favorite memory in the business? Finishing MY office, with my branding, my preferences, representing a small piece of this big idea. The art alone gives some great insight into my own quirkiness which I find to be a survival trait in a career of peopling. Seeing all these things come together was such a great moment of reality realization.

What is the most rewarding part of running a small business? Being able to do things my way and partner with businesses who agree with my way of thinking. I have the privilege of constantly thinking out of the box.

What is the hardest part of running a small business? There's a lot of talking to myself out loud. I wear a lot of hats and because of that cross functions questions are internal (out loud).

How does the business get to positively impact your community? This is a hard one to limit words on! I help workplaces treat their people better which helps their business scale. I already love our community and continuing to empower more and more organizations to raise the bar and be GREAT places to work seems like a healthy competition to foster.

Biggest challenge in the business? I find it sometimes difficult for people to understand the gravity of having professional support in human resources. They often don't realize the need until something unfortunate happens.

What makes your business different from your competition? I lead with a servant heart and a bold perspective. That carries through to my coaching, training, and mentoring. We can do it for you while also happy to teach if you would rather do it yourself. As long as the individual or organization understands the impact a "job" has an individual lives - I consider it a win.

Best tip for others in business? Not one person can be good at everything. Recognize when you need to hire or outsource and delegate.

What's something you wish someone had told you or that you wish you had learned earlier? You can't make everyone happy, and you won't be everyone's cup of tea - and that's fine! | feel like I had known pieces of this through seasons of life, but really rings true when you set out on your own and start to hone in on your target market.

How did the SBDC help you on your venture? SBDC really helped me gather and execute my thoughts. They offer a unique perspective to help talk through things as well as have access to so many resources I wouldn't have even thought to sought out.
Do you have pets? If so, how did you name them? Two spoiled dogs. Bane's name, our morkie, was a true compromise. My husband wanted a manly dog. ! wanted something cute and cuddly. So, we named the cute cuddly puppy Bane (Batman villain). Then Teddy was rehomed to us so his name was set yet nicknames started low in number, Ted, and have continued to grow. He has A LOT of personality!