Seeing What Others Miss: The Art of Problem Solving in HR Compliance

In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations that Build Equity, host Jason Winningham sits down with Andrea Kilburn, the HR EEO and Affirmative Action Compliance Manager at EssilorLuxottica. Andrea has built her career on problem-solving, advocacy, and the power of precise thinking.

Andrea shares her unique path from mortgage underwriting to HR compliance, and how being late-diagnosed as autistic reframed her professional journey in empowering ways. She opens up about the challenges neurodivergent professionals face, the value they bring to teams, and how AI, data, and executive functioning tools can help bridge gaps in the workplace.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Compliance is More Than a Checklist – Andrea explains how her role extends beyond regulatory reporting—it’s about identifying patterns, uncovering hidden inconsistencies, and asking the “dumb” questions that often expose the real problem. Her ability to decipher disparate data points and tell a coherent story is what separates effective compliance from passive bureaucracy.

• Bridging the HR-Tech Divide
  Many HR teams struggle with the disconnect between technical systems and human-centered goals. Andrea uniquely fills that gap, drawing on her background in mortgage underwriting and a keen analytical lens to translate legal and HR definitions into actionable insights, often by reconciling conflicting assumptions across departments.

• Neurodiversity as a Professional Superpower
  Diagnosed as autistic later in life, Andrea shares how her neurodivergence enhances her problem-solving abilities and commitment to ethical outcomes. She advocates for greater representation and understanding of neurodivergent professionals in corporate settings, and emphasizes the importance of framing one’s strengths—especially in resumes and interviews—with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or leading a team that includes neurodiverse talent, this conversation unpacks practical insights on inclusion, communication, and how small misunderstandings — like the definition of “document” — can have major consequences if left unexamined.

“I just work here. I’m doing my best. And so is everyone else.” This episode reminds us that creating equity isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about listening for what others might overlook.

Andrea Kilburn is the HR EEO Compliance Manager at EssilorLuxottica, the global leader behind brands like Oakley, LensCrafters, and Target Optical. She brings over 20 years of experience in compliance, data analysis, and problem solving, transitioning from a background in mortgage underwriting to HR compliance. Andrea holds two master’s degrees—in Human Resources and Industrial-Organizational Psychology—and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Psychology. She is also a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and volunteers with CASA to support children in the foster care system.