Meet The Disruptors: Laura Gmeinder of DisruptHR Madison & Milwaukee

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.

Meet Laura Gmeinder, PHR – DisruptHR Madison & DisruptHR Milwaukee (Disruptor #75)

Websites – Laura Gmeinder

LinkedIn – Laura Gmeinder

Twitter – @lauragmeinder

Instagram – laura_gmeinder

Facebook – Laura Gmeinder Coaching & Consulting LLC

Who are you, and what do you do in your “day job”?

Laura Gmeinder, PHR – Leadership Coach, Business Consultant and Motivational Speaker.

How did you first hear about DisruptHR?

My co-organizer and HR soulmate Coreyne Woodman-Holoubek. She shared about an exciting new movement – DisruptHR – and by the end of that first conversation, we agreed to bring the event to Madison!

Why did you decide to raise your hand and become an organizer for DisruptHR events?

Coreyne made me. Just kidding!

I jumped at the chance, because I came out of a corporate environment that needed to be disrupted, so the concept was one that was very exciting to me. (The company and people are great – it was just very slow to adapt to change, like embracing social media for example).

I love that DisruptHR is safe place to talk about the future of work. It’s a community of optimistic people who know work can be better – if we’re all committed to that end!

How many events have you organized?

Our first event was held in Madison, Wisconsin on June 23, 2016, and we had approximately 100 people in attendance. We also live-streamed our event, and had even more attendees online! We’re expanding to the Milwaukee market in 2017.

What types of people attended your event?

It was great mix – executives and HR professionals from a variety of industries: higher education, finance, construction, tech and more.

What are you most proud of in regards to being involved with DisruptHR events?

Creating a forum to talk about the world of work – what’s exciting, and what needs to change (yesterday)!

Oh, and it was amazing to take the same stage as human spark plug Rebecca Ryan. I’m a huge fan!

What kind of feedback did you receive from those who attended the first DisruptHR Madison event?

“DisruptHR was a fun and exhilarating event! The presentations were well orchestrated and engaging, and the fast pace made it particularly exciting. I left feeling energized and excited to make change in our industry.” – Ashley Powell, Business Development Manager at Bendyworks (tech/startup)

What is your favorite DisruptHR Talk, and why?

It’s too hard to choose!

Our lineup was filled with thought provoking topics given by passionate speakers. I was inspired by all of them!

(Check out all of the DisruptHR Madison 1.0 talks here!)

Based off of the Talks and conversations at your event, what do you feel are the areas with the biggest opportunity for disruption?

There is a missed opportunity to have coaching embedded in corporate culture. People are hungry for meaningful work and growth opportunities – personally and professionally. Some companies, like LinkedIn and Price Waterhouse Cooper, have embraced coaching, but many are slow to welcome emotion, work-life balance issues and confidence into the workplace. Why should we have to check our heart at the door when we come in to work?

What excites you or frustrates you about the future of work, your career and/or DisruptHR?

In particular, I am very passionate about developing the potential of women leaders.

Studies show many women drop out of the workforce in their 30’s to either focus on their families, or to start their own business due to a lack of growth opportunities (which was my situation) – or for some both.

Being self employed gives you control over your time; many employers are slow to embrace flexible scheduling. Professional level part-time jobs are few, and do not pay as well hour-for-hour as the same full time positions. Most women want to step up as leaders but it’s hard when they aren’t supported personally and professionally, or don’t see mentors in executive roles.

Follow What’s Happening With DisruptHR Madison and DisruptHR Milwaukee:

DisruptHR Madison Community Page

DisruptHR Madison Facebook Page

DisruptHR Madison Twitter Profile

#DisruptHRMSN Twitter mentions

DisruptHR Milwaukee Community Page

DisruptHR Milwaukee Facebook Page

DisruptHR Milwaukee Twitter Profile

#DisruptHRMKE Twitter mentions

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