Our Story

Kun Smith is an educator and journalist by training, with a natural curiosity, a passion for nurturing growth, and a drive to create meaningful impact at the heart of everything she does. Having lived and worked extensively in China, Japan, and the U.S., she brings over 20 years of progressive HR leadership experience across various industries including biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, education, and media. She is trilingual, fluent in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, and has extensive experience working under US and German employment law.
At KSHR, we help Small and Mid-sized Businesses (SMEs) navigate their most pressing HR challenges. With a focus on clear communication, thoughtful analysis, and a deep understanding of people dynamics, our goal is to create practical and creative solutions for our clients.
With her diverse background and deep understanding of cultural differences, Kun has helped companies navigate complex global challenges. She has guided businesses through the integration of foreign subsidiaries, developed hiring and onboarding strategies for international teams, and advised management on employment law compliance across multiple regions. She is passionate about helping companies identifying the root causes of employee disengagement and recommending practical solutions, as well as elevating employee experience through continuous process improvement.
Whether you are looking to grow your team within the U.S., a foreign company planning to invest and establish operations in the U.S., or a U.S. company expanding internationally, KSHR has the expertise to help.
Outside of work, Kun finds joy in coaching her two children on the mental aspects of tennis competition – blending her passion for personal development into every part of her life.
Our Mission
At KSHR, we empower small and mid-sized businesses by bridging business strategy with effective implementation. We are committed to helping our clients drive business growth by offering practical and creative solutions and a level of trust and partnership often missing in traditional HR outsourcing models.
Our Values
Practical Solutions – We deliver clear, practical solutions to navigate complex people challenges.
Creative Approach – Our creative approach to HR problem-solving and conflict resolution gives businesses a strategic edge.
Trusted Partnership – Our trusted partnership with clients and collaborative approach allow us to deliver impactful solutions.
Our Vision
To be the trusted HR partner that small and mid-sized businesses turn to for strategic HR leadership and operational excellence, enabling them to grow, adapt, and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. We envision a future where every business, regardless of size, has access to the right HR expertise to unlock their full potential.
