Summer 2024 has been a bit of a whirlwind for me.
In June, I had the opportunity to present at the SHRM 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago. My session was titled, ‘HR 101 for Departments of One and Small Business.’ It was so much fun! The room was packed, the energy from the audience was intense, and I met a plethora of new HR friends. The best part has been all the reach outs I have received since the conference – attendees letting me know that my content resonated with them and that they learned a lot. Someone even sent me a handwritten note through the mail just to say thank you! I have been able to continue the conversation in ways that have been intentional and meaningful. My cup runneth over. Not to mention that I was able to spend time with a lot of my favorite people and visit a Chicago Orangetheory Fitness location and the Starbucks Roastery.
I had to depart from Chicago early and head to Destin, Florida for my daughter, Avery’s, dance national competition. We had a great time – the weather was fantastic, the white sandy beaches are beautiful, and we had some great meals. Avery’s team did very well and earned two 1st place titles! I also patroned the Destin Orangetheory Fitness location – I love being able to maintain my workouts no matter where I am!
In July, I traveled to Frankenmuth, Xichigan for the 2024 HR Unite! Conference where I was a speaker. This is my favorite HR event of the year – an intimate gathering of HR professionals where we engage in deep content conversations and share excellent food in a idyllic setting. I was able to spend time with great friends and share a lot of laughs. I left feeling recharged and inspired.
At home, I have spent the summer working on clearing out my basement. We built our home 9 years ago and there are boxes still unpacked. I have taken a position to do more with less in life, so I have been going through the stuff in the basement to determine what can be gotten rid of. Thankfully, our church does a large rummage sale every August, so it’s been a perfect time to gather up things to donate. I am proud to say that I donated 4 small SUV’s worth of items for the sale last week. Proceeds from the sale benefit several global ministries we are involved with.
Finally, we have reached August – a fun and busy time for sure. From the annual church festival we attend to counting down to football kickoff, not to mention prepping my girls for the new school year – there’s been a lot to do. This year is extra special because Avery is a high school senior, so we’re doing all of the ‘lasts’ and the traditional activities like taking senior pictures. It’s going to be a wonderful and emotional year. I am also preparing for my 3rd year as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University – hands down, one of my favorite things I get to do.
This month, I have the pleasure of presenting to the Appalachian Chapter of the Virginia’s SHRM monthly meeting, the Ohio Conference for Payroll Professionals (OCPP), and the Kentucky SHRM Annual Conference. I cannot wait to meet and connect with fellow HR peers at these events!
With all that is going on in my life, personally and professionally, I have decided to make a change with regard to the HR Social Hour chats. Following the chat on 8/25, I will no longer be the sole host. The chat will be undergoing transition over the coming months, so stay tuned!
I do hope that you will join us for the HR Social Hour chat on Twitter/X on Sunday, August 25th at 7pm EST. The topic is an HRSH throwback – ‘Ask Me Anything’. Feel free to submit questions directly to me and tune in for the conversation.
I am beyond excited to see the first signs of fall (yes, I am getting a pumpkin spice latte next week!) It is truly my most wonderful time of the year. As we head into a new season, I am reflecting on my life and specifically my career. I have been asking God for guidance and direction on what may be next for me, and I have truly been working on really listening and paying attention to the signs. More to come!
Living in the Gray 