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.
Matt Corker of DisruptHR Vancouver (Disruptor #149)
LinkedIn – Matt Corker
Twitter – @Matt_Corker
Who are you, and what do you do in your “day job”?
Matt Corker. I’m the co-founder of The Corker Co – a people consulting firm focused on talent acceleration, acquisition, and online manager training. You can find us online at thecorker.co.
How did you first hear about DisruptHR?
A friend of mine, Kristian, had recently moved from Toronto to Vancouver and started the DisruptHR chapter here. My sister and I were speakers at the first two editions of DisruptHR YVR and then excitedly took over organizing the event when Kristian moved back to Toronto.
Why did you decide to raise your hand and become an organizer for DisruptHR events in Vancouver?
Because what the world needs more of is the idea, the dream, the out-of-the-box example of someone doing something different – and DisruptHR brings people together who are committed to both being in that conversation and also doing something about it.
How many events have you organized?
We have organized two events now – the first with 300 people, the second with just over 400. They’ve been so fun to coordinate yet we are most proud of the speakers who took the stage.
What types of people/industries have attended your events?
We have a really nice split between HR professionals in the Greater Vancouver Area and business leaders that don’t work in HR but have a passion for people. Lawyers, restaurateurs, students, athletes, investors, marketers, entrepreneurs … we see them all come out and it’s really great.
What are you most proud of that has come out of being involved with/organizing DisruptHR events?
Watching a nervous speaker NAIL their presentation has been one of our most proud moments. The speakers work so hard in crafting a 5-minute presentation and it makes our hearts sing when they walk off that stage with a smile.
What kind of feedback have you received from those who attended prior DisruptHR Vancouver events?
“I’m not even in HR and I loved your event.” … The only way we are going to change the conversation/reputation about HR is have people outside HR learn more about who we are and what we really do. So when folks from outside the traditional “HR world” come and leave with a few new nuggets, we know it was a win.
What is your favorite DisruptHR Talk, and why?
One of our speakers – Victoria Shannon – talked about being an athlete and a CEO. It was inspiring to hear her courage story of personal transformation, culture building, and goal setting.
Based off of the Talks and conversations at your events, what do you feel are the areas with the biggest opportunity for disruption?
Retaining talent. Most people still think staff want free lunch and a bean bag chair … and its so much more than that.
What excites you or frustrates you about the future of work, your career and/or DisruptHR?
People come looking for the answer – “tell me how I should go back to work and do my job better”? And the reality is, no one else can tell people that as we aren’t in the day to day … so the most exciting and frustrating aspect of that is that everyone has the opportunity to be a leader, to be a disrupter, to be someone who stands up and says “I’m going to make this better.” We need more people to lead. We’re ready. You’re ready.
Follow What’s Happening With DisruptHR Vancouver:
– DisruptHR Vancouver Community Page