Who are the people that are taking the lead in disrupting the future of work?
They’re the official Disruptors (Organizers) of DisruptHR events held in cities around the world. Each week, we’ll introduce you to one of these intelligent, inspiring, and beautiful people (okay, pick two) who have stepped up, and volunteered to organize a Disrupt HR event in their city.
Anne Graham of DisruptHR Ottawa (Disruptor #19)
LinkedIn – Anne Graham
Twitter – @annesgraham
Who are you, and what do you do in your “day job”?
Anne Graham, President of Syncworks Consulting in Arnprior, Ontario, Canada (just outside of Ottawa).
How did you first hear about DisruptHR?
A good friend and respected colleague attended the first Toronto event and, after them telling me about the whole concept, I was instantly hooked!
Why did you decide to raise your hand and become an organizer for DisruptHR events in Ottawa?
I’ve been in the organizational and HR world for a long time and, over the years, have defended the gaps in HR’s meeting the org and business needs but in the past few years, I have come to believe that we can no longer defend the current state and reputation of most Human Resources functions.
We need to move to changing the value and reputation of HR from a much criticized profession to a profession that drives change and brings out the best in Leaders, Managers and Colleagues – a profession that makes us proud and makes organizations successful.
How many events have you organized?
We have held two DisruptHR events in the Ottawa area – November 2015 with 150 people attending and September 2016 with 250 attending. Planning another one for September 2017.
What types of people/industries have attended your events?
We had a great cross-section of people and industries attending. Primarily HR related attendees but including CEO’s and Senior Line Managers as well as seasoned HR professionals and newly minted grads. All industries from financial services and manufacturing to high tech and consulting.
What are you most proud of that has come out of being involved with/organizing DisruptHR events?
I’m impressed with the huge display of support in wanting the HR profession to move into the limelight of organizations. Each of our events felt like a great celebration of the potential of HR and the buzz was palpable for making things happen.
What kind of feedback have you received from those who attended prior DisruptHR Ottawa events?
We did a post-event survey and received so many great comments such as a CEO being thrilled to see the HR profession do something collectively. But the comments that warmed my heart the most were from the new grads and those new to the HR profession — affirming that they have chosen an awesome career!
What is your favorite DisruptHR Talk, and why?
It’s impossible to pick one of so many awesome talks but if one of my favourites is Heather Tyrie’s “Don’t be an HR Person” from Ottawa, November 2015.
Based off of the Talks and conversations at your events, what do you feel are the areas with the biggest opportunity for disruption?
I think our greatest opportunities are going to come from building excellence in Leaders and getting Leaders, Managers and HR in sync to provide an awesome workplace.
What excites you or frustrates you about the future of work, your career and/or DisruptHR?
We are just on the verge of huge disruption in the workplace. Technology and connectivity are making automation possible in all areas of work and, while scary, is totally exciting. And, it is all about people — which means it is all about HR.
In fact, one of the most exciting things to come is deciding what the new name for Human Resources is going to be. It’s going to be something new, I just don’t know what!
Follow What’s Happening With DisruptHR Ottawa City:
– DisruptHR Ottawa Community Page
– DisruptHR Ottawa Facebook Page