For Heather Christophersen ’98, vice president for human resources at Notre Dame, leadership means having the courage to take risks and empowering others to do the same. 

A former building manager at LaFortune Student Center, Heather now leads the team that shapes Notre Dame’s distinctive workplace culture, one that recently earned the University the title of Best Large Employer in America by Forbes—a distinction based entirely on employee feedback.

In this episode of For Good, Heather reflects on the lessons discovered along her career journey, the strategic opportunities found within the challenges facing higher ed, and the ways Notre Dame continues to put its most valuable asset—its people—first.

0:00 – Meet Heather Christophersen, VP for human resources

2:37 – Forbes #1 Best Large Employer in America ranking

5:17 – South Bend named one of America’s 25 best cities to live

7:28 – Heather’s career journey and leadership path

11:22 – Turning headwinds into opportunities

14:26 – Notre Dame’s culture of community and care

18:01 – Notre Dame’s leading benefits package

22:19 – AI in the workplace: balancing high-tech with high-touch

26:20 – Notre Dame’s Catholic character in the workplace

28:25 – A hopeful vision for Notre Dame’s future