The HR Philosopher

“Our vocation can nourish our understanding and compassion, or erode them.” – Thich Nhat Hanh September 26th is HR Professionals Day! I am a proud HR professional, and want to share some quick thoughts – Jack Handey style! This week I read the amazing Kyra Matkovich’s HR Shenanigans Blog post, HR Chose Me. Kyra isContinue reading "Happy HR Professionals Day! Protect Your Inner Citadel"

The darkest nights produce the brightest stars. -- John Green I first spoke to her in July 2018. I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet her a month prior at SHRM Conference 2018, but I had heard nothing but positive things about her. I needed help, so I emailed her. She replied, and I couldContinue reading "The Brightest Star"

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” – Seneca I was scrolling through LinkedIn the other day when I saw a video of a young kid being cheered on by his classmates when attempting to break a wooden plank with a karate kick. He kept failing. As the child struggled,Continue reading "HR, Kindness, and Being a Street Level Influencer"

A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves. – Lao Tzu Indianapolis is a hidden gem, I believe. When discussing up and coming or unique urban centers, I rarely hear people discuss Indy. It has everything you'd wantContinue reading "The Importance of Spontaneity in D&I"

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. – Buddha Quick side note: In my last #HRPhilosopher blog post, I discussed one of my favorite bands ever, Killswitch Engage. Their new album dropped yesterday, and if you’re of the heavier musical persuasion, I highly recommend taking a listenContinue reading "I Used to Wear My Shirt in the Pool: Don’t Let Others Steal Your Self-Worth"

“I see myself in you, I know you can make it through.” – I Am Broken Too by Killswitch Engage, Lyrics by Jesse Leach There is always more going on behind the veil. I was 18 years old when I first heard Killswitch Engage. 2002 was a strange time in heavy music history. Nu metalContinue reading "Silence is Acceptance: HR Cannot Avoid Talking about Mental Health"

“A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it.” – Marcus Aurelius One of my favorite shows of all time is the Simpsons. I am juuuuust young enough (or old enough) where I don’t remember a time that the show hasn’t been on TV. I grew up with it,Continue reading "So You’ve Ruined Your Life: Embrace It"

“The further one goes, the less one knows.” ― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching  “The world belongs to those who let go.” ― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching My parents divorced when I was a little boy of only seven years. It came suddenly and out of nowhere, at least to me. My three brothersContinue reading "The Vinegar Tasters, Pooh Bear, and HR: Willy, Nilly, Silly, Old HR"

“Just hang around people, and good things will happen!” – Steve Browne So, I am sitting on the airplane back to Chicago following my trip to Las Vegas for the 2019 SHRM National Conference and Exposition when I begin to ruminate on my time. I wasn’t sure what to expect being this year I attendedContinue reading "What Happens in Vegas at #SHRM19, Doesn’t Stay in Vegas – It Gets Blogged About! A Recap of My Incredible Experience as a SHRM Blogger in the Mojave Desert"

I’m a woman, Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. - Maya Angelou This blog post is dedicated to all the women who have influenced me over my life. I am who I am because of the strong, powerful women who have showed me the way – especially my mom, grandmas, and my loving, patient, supportive, kind,Continue reading "Women, Power, and Influence: A Story of How Women Have Shaped My Life and How I Try to Give Back"