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 Stacie Mallen – DisruptHR Phoenix (Disruptor #38)
Websites – Videoloco and Rules Make Rebels
Instagram – rulesmakerebels
LinkedIn – Stacie Mallen
Twitter – @rulesmakerebels
Who are you, and what do you do in your “day job”?
Stacie Mallen – Blogger, speaker, and CEO of Videoloco
How did you first hear about DisruptHR?
About 2 years ago, I was searching for something in the “people” space that is geared toward folks in start-ups or businesses with high acceleration rates.
At the time, I was with a start-up that was running on a dual path for IPO and acquisition after 4 years of 40%+ growth year over year. We built a culture centered around people, and were challenged to find content and connections that helped to support that effort.
Why did you decide to raise your hand and become an organizer for DisruptHR events in Phoenix?
I’ve been speaking at traditional events for several years, and could not understand why the rhythm and structure was not changing with the times. I’ve tried getting involved in planning, and traditional thought processes would always trump innovation.
We then socialized the idea with other folks that are like-minded in Phoenix, who I had met through speaking and networking at start-up or business events. We thought it would be awesome to have a venue and a reason to shake it up here locally, and get together more frequently. DisruptHR PHX was born!
How many events have you organized?
Our first event was in May 2016, and we targeted a small event held at Sip Coffee and Beer Garage.
We packed it in to the event, and topped out at 120 – including door sales – just through a 2-week social media strategy. Our second event will be held on November 11, 2016, and we’re planning our first HUGE event in Spring 2017.
What types of people attended your event?
We’re very connected to the start-up community, so we launched with a strategy to reach more heavily into HR and start-up.
We’ve also tried to create a mission that also reaches into newer practitioners and students, to show them alternative viewpoints from the very beginning of their career.
What are you most proud of in regards to being involved with DisruptHR events?
The people that have started getting involved, and the momentum we’re building around these events is incredible.
Having practiced in the Valley for 20 years, I met people at our first event who never consider going to a traditional event. We’re also causing “disruption” at larger more established events, as people inquire on how they can get involved and get connected.
This next event is intentionally small and intimate, so we can focus on planning for our next phase to take the Phoenix movement to a wider audience and create more change.
What kind of feedback did you receive from those who attended the first DisruptHR Phoenix event?
“Fucking Awesome”… from a published author who spoke as part of the first format.
Attendees also told us they loved the energy. Even the location told us they learned so much in one night about how to look at things in a different way.
What is your favorite DisruptHR Talk, and why?
Tamara Christensen – Founder & Partner at Idea Farm – has an incredible mind and wrote the book (literally) on innovation.
Her talk really made me think BIG about how to not just talk about innovation, but to really cultivate that as a value system in your company. It’s incredibly relevant to everyone, and where business is going.
Disruption Is F#%@ing Hard | Tamara Christensen | DisruptHR Talks from DisruptHR on Vimeo.
Based off of the Talks and conversations at your event, what do you feel are the areas with the biggest opportunity for disruption?
Personally, I’m tired of hearing about “generations”.
What’s happening is that everything that we know today about how we work and live is going to look differently fairly quickly. Look at all of the different areas that are getting turned on their head: transportation, healthcare, video (OK, we’re trying!). HR is behind business, and everyone needs to be pushing the boundaries of what they know today.
What excites you or frustrates you about the future of work, your career and/or DisruptHR?
We’re right on the verge of a complete overhaul of work. How, when, where and why people engage with one another, and how companies are built is evolving quickly. New talent is demanding flexibility and innovation – and rightly so – as we’re organized around dated concepts and ideology.
It’s exciting to think that we’ve only seen the very tip of the iceberg on how things will change. The question is: Do we want to lead that change, or follow? I know that many of us want to find a better way, and disruption is the best place to start.
Follow What’s Happening With DisruptHR Phoenix (#DisruptHRPHX):
– DisruptHR Phoenix Community Page
– DisruptHR Phoenix Facebook Page