Connection

2022 – wow, what a year!  Ups, downs, twists, turns…truly one for the books. 

Choosing a ‘word of the year’ has been a recent trend – one that I have embraced.  For 2023, I have chosen the word ‘connection’. 

My 2022 was chock-full of amazing experiences with fellow HR people.  I spoke at various conferences across the country (Virginia, Atlanta, Louisville, Spokane, Wisconsin), I did my first DisruptHR talk in Columbus, I attended HR Unite! in that state up north, and my home state of Ohio had great local chapter events and a wonderful state conference in September.  Each event brought an opportunity to do what I love – meet new people and spend quality time with existing friends.  My cup overflowed for much of the year. 

Having a community of trusted people in the same professional space has been a game changer for me.  I was introduced to the greater #HRCommunity in 2017 by Jon Thurmond of the HR Social Hour podcast and Twitter chat.  Jon opened my eyes to the people and resources available throughout SHRM, social media, and personal introductions.  I am forever indebted to Jon and so grateful to now call him a friend.  I learned that having a network of fellow HR professionals from across the globe was invaluable to my career and my life.

NOTE: I was not a Twitter adopter prior to 2017 and I honestly was never planning to be.  You may feel the same way.  The great thing is that you can truly shape your Twitter feed to very specific topics.  I only use mine for HR and Ohio State football. 

For 2023, I want to take my levels of connection to new heights.  I want to continue to develop the relationships I have started and to start new ones.  If I ‘know you’ from social media but we haven’t actually spoken before – be on the lookout for a direct message from me. 

Do you have your people?  If not and you need a place to start…start with me.  I’m here for you.  Let’s connect – you can find me on LinkedIn and Twitter.