Meet The Disruptors: Michelle Berg of DisruptHR Calgary

Who are the people that are taking the lead in disrupting the future of work?

Theyäó»re the official Disruptors (Organizers) of DisruptHR events held in cities around the world. Each week, weäó»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.

Michelle Berg of DisruptHR Calgary (Disruptor #198)

LinkedIn äóñ[ŒæMichelle Berg ]

Twitter äóñ [@MichelleLBerg]

FacebookŒæäóñ Elevated HR Solutions

YouTubeŒæäóñŒæElevated HR

Who are you, and what do you do in your äóìday jobäó?

Michelle Berg, Leading Lady of Elevated

How did you first hear about DisruptHR?

Laurie Ruettimann was in New York and did a great DisruptHR Talk on culture; that she posted on her blog and social media channels.

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

Actually, I had just started working with a new contractor that had connected with two middle-aged white guys from Alberta Health Services (Rob and Matt) who were wanting to Disrupt HR in Calgary.

They were looking for sponsorship (which we have done for all four times), and have since helped with getting volunteers etc.

How many events have you organized?

We have sold out all four times in record speed with 100 attendees (and we are always over capacity). We’ve held events in May 2016, November 2016, May 2017, and November 2017.

For our event in April 2018, we’re shooting for 150 to 200 spots in a new venue!

What types of people/industries have attended your events?

HR practitioners for the most part, but I brought one of my clients (a CEO at a tech firm) to the last one, and he’s now going to submit a Disrupt Talk for April on why CEO’s don’t come to these events. 🙂

What are you most proud of that has come out of being involved with/organizing DisruptHR events?

The fact that 50% are repeat visitors!

I’m also proud of the fact that we have brought in speakers from outside of Calgary, so that we aren’t so Calgary-centric in our thinking.

What kind of feedback have you received from those who attended prior DisruptHR Calgary events?

The feedback is unreal for us. Sure, there are those speakers that have no idea how hard speaking actually is in this format, and they kind of make the event “wah wah” but people forget about those. By also bringing in speakers likeŒæTim SackettŒæandŒæJennifer McClure,Œæwe’ve changed how people see HR.

I didn’t get involved with DisruptHR to sell my services (at all). I genuinely do this because I want HR to be so much more than what it is today. But I have also landed clients (and fans) as a result of being involved with DisruptHR. (I’ve spoken 3 times and have emcee’d once!)

What is your favorite DisruptHR Talk, and why?

My favorite talk was by Laurie Ruettimann – Cult or Culture.

Cult or Culture | Laurie Ruettimann | DisruptHR Talks from DisruptHR on Vimeo.

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

I just did one on compensation, and that has generated a lot of buzz. Mostly because it’s considered “boring”, I think it’s ripe for disruption. It’s the thing that I feel has not changed much.

I also think policies, procedures and compliance could also be challenged big time. Right now, there is too much on leadership and recruitment!

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

We are still just preaching to the choir. We need to get more leaders and different business units there so they can see the true impact HR can make.

Whatäó»s Happening With DisruptHR Calgary:

äóñ DisruptHR Calgary Community Page

äóñ DisruptHR Calgary on Twitter (@DisruptHRYYC)

äóñ #DisruptHRYYCŒæTwitter mentions

 

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