Speaking at DisruptHR: Feels Like the First Time

Since I recently presented at DisruptHR Cleveland in early February, I’ve had some time to reflect on this unique and awesome experience.  Being a presenter at this movement which is taking HR by storm was an honor, completely exhilarating, and perhaps the closest I have ever come professionally to the “first time.”

Once invited to present, DisruptHR dominated my thoughts for a good part of each day leading up to the night of the event.  All of the potential scenarios (from incredible triumph to the most humiliating scenario) constantly swirled throughout my brain. And because I ran all these scenarios through my mind, my preparation for the presentation was intense to minimize the chances of completely humiliating and embarrassing myself.

The night of DisruptHR, I had a nervous anxiety coupled with a calming confidence as I knew it would be over very soon.  Frankly, I just wanted to get it over with as it started to make all of the really, important stuff in my life become very cloudy and secondary.  The build-up in my mind had overtaken the potential joy of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  That said, just before going on stage, I shared a drink with a fellow presenter (thanks Seth!) and said “cheers” to success.

As soon as I got onto stage, it seemed like I was walking off. With all DisruptHR presentations, it lasted all of five minutes… about 1/10 the amount of my typical speaking engagements. My presentation included stories about my kids, my dad, Jack Welch, Marcus Lemonis, and Vince Lombardi. Not to mention, drinks were spilled, people laughed, I cried, and the crowd was on its feet at the end yelling (we have video to prove it).

I would love if you take five minutes (well a little bit more as I was trying to be disruptive) to watch the replay of my professional “first time” presenting at DisruptHR. The premise of my presentation was that everyone in HR (from a CHRO to an intern) has the potential to be a leader in his or her organization.

In my opinion, to become a leader and make a difference, the HR professional must lead by example, do the right thing, be purposely passionate, understand your business, take calculated risks, surround yourself with great people and have a vision. If you do that, you will DISRUPT HR!