Nicolette V.Private profile: Upwork shows its earnings only to signed-in members, so we check it every few weeks, not daily. MRR here is a rough estimate (Upwork's six-month earnings ÷ months active). Last read Nov 5, 2026.

As a strategic HR consultant and founder of VanBaalen Consultants, I partner with growing businesses to build the people, structure, and systems needed to scale effectively. With an MBA and a strong foundation in workforce planning, compensation strategy, and multi-state compliance, I provide both strategic guidance and hands-on execution as a fractional HR leader. My work goes beyond traditional HR support. I help organizations design scalable HR infrastructure, implement performance management frameworks, and align people strategy with business goals. I focus on reducing risk while driving operational efficiency and long-term growth. I specialize in supporting startups and small to mid-sized companies navigating rapid growth, increasing complexity, and evolving workforce needs. In addition to strategic initiatives, my team and I support companies with payroll, benefits, employee relations, and day-to-day HR administration, ensuring that both foundational operations and long-term strategies are aligned and executed effectively. Many of my client relationships are ongoing partnerships rather than one-time projects. As a fractional HR partner, I provide consistent support to business owners and leadership teams, serving as an extension of their organization for day-to-day HR needs, employee issues, compliance guidance, recruiting support, and strategic workforce planning. This flexible model gives companies access to experienced HR leadership without the cost of a full-time HR executive. I have experience working with U.S. and international clients across industries, including healthcare, tech, automotive, energy, retail, and nonprofit. My approach is highly customized, ensuring HR strategies align with each organization’s mission, culture, and growth objectives. Recent accomplishments include: • Scaling a tech startup from 20 to 200 employees in under two years through strategic workforce planning and leadership development • Aligning global compensation and benefits structures across seven countries, improving talent acquisition and retention by 20% • Implementing performance management frameworks and HR infrastructure for multiple organizations for the first time • Designing compensation structures, commission plans, and benefits programs aligned with business performance and growth • Serving as a fractional HR Director for multiple companies, ensuring compliance, building policies, and supporting leadership teams What sets my work apart is the ability to connect HR strategy directly to business outcomes. I focus on building systems that not only support employees but also strengthen profitability, scalability, and organizational effectiveness. I am passionate about helping businesses scale and fully utilize their greatest resource, their human resources, by building strong teams, effective leaders, and sustainable people strategies. Outside of VanBaalen Consultants, I am the co-founder and President of Creative Career Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mentorship and career guidance to underserved communities. I believe strong leadership and intentional HR strategy are the foundation of sustainable growth—and I partner with organizations to build both.