Philly SHRM Partnerships
Published: December 4, 2024
By: Ally Lamson, Esq.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, I joined many HR Disruptors for an evening of drinks, food, and provoking thoughts at Live! Casino & Hotel. From the futility of background checks to empathetic leadership, these pioneers are challenging the status quo.
If you weren’t able to join us, here’s what our thought leaders had to say. Look out for the recordings which will be posted on the DIsruptHRPHL site on any topics that pique your interest!
Matu Threatt: Rethinking Background Checks and HR’s Role
Matu Threatt, Director of Recruitment at 3T, is a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience. He believes that many organizations have a stale perspective on HR and sees a need for reimagining how HR can support businesses more effectively. “Historically, HR has been the wet towel,” says Threatt. “But actually, progressive processes can make it more efficient. You can’t just carry along rules from 1976 – they are not able to sustain themselves.”
Threatt emphasizes the importance of adopting a flexible mindset in HR to help companies cross new barriers, create innovative ideas, and develop more efficient ways to do business. He questions the relevance of traditional background checks, particularly the focus on misdemeanors or felonies within the past seven years. “Who I was 10 years ago is totally different,” he notes, highlighting the potential for personal growth and evolution and the importance of not punishing prospective employees by relying on information that you cannot unknow that may turn up on a background check.
Ben Madden: Disrupting HR and Embracing AI
Ben Madden, who runs Disrupt HR events in various cities and serves on the board of SHRM’s second-largest chapter in Virginia, is another advocate for change. Living outside of Washington, D.C., Madden has been a driving force in HR discussions, particularly around the return-to-work post-pandemic and the role of AI in the workplace. “AI is not coming for your job,” Madden reassures, emphasizing the importance of human-centric leadership.
Kristi Straw: Empowering Women and Promoting Critical Conversations
Kristi Straw, a former wealth advisor and now a strategist, rebel, and unicorn in spirit, recently attended her first Disrupt HR event. Shocked by her acceptance, she flew in from Charlotte to discuss “Unicorn Leadership.” Straw is passionate about helping women exit corporate America and monetize their expertise, advocating for powerful, empathetic leadership across all industries. Her tagline, “I’m a strategist by mind, a rebel at heart, and a unicorn in spirit,” encapsulates her unique approach to leadership.
James Grugan: Supporting Student-Athletes in the Workforce
James Grugan, who left a 25-year tenure at his previous company to pursue his passion for helping student-athletes transition into the workforce, is making significant strides in this niche area. Grugan educates student-athletes on job search processes, interview preparation, and the importance of transferable skills such as work ethic, time management, teamwork, communication, motivation, and resilience. His efforts have shown that student-athletes often exceed retention rates, making them valuable employees. As a former D3 volleyball player, I was thrilled to hear that us former athletes make our way onto executive teams at much higher rates than our less athletic peers.
Romaine Jones-Wise: The Power of “Yet” in HR
Romaine (“like the lettuce”) Jones-Wise, a transformational HR leader, advocates for the “Power of Yet,” a mindset that emphasizes growth and development. By putting a positive spin and embracing a growth mindset, Jones-Wise encourages individuals to remember to add “yet” to the tail of anything they believe they cannot do. She inspired us to see our potential for learning and improvement. She highlights the importance of making training available, overcoming unconscious biases, and creating opportunities for advancement within organizations. I have already begun using Romaine’s guidance in my parenting and with my co-workers. Thank you, Romaine!
Chris Radvansky: Data-Driven Decision-Making
Chris Radvansky, Principal Consultant at Rad Consultants, emphasizes the importance of using data for illumination rather than mere support. With experience serving big names like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, Radvansky advocates for making decisions based on wisdom and minimizing external influences. His “stoic love of data” underscores the need for informed and rational decision-making in HR.
Dina Perreault: Leading with Empathy and Strength
Dina Perreault served as the youngest and only female commander in the 25th Infantry. Thank you for your service, Dina! After that, even the chaos of managing HR functions must be a breeze. Perreault emphasizes the importance of earning trust and respect through empathy and strength. Her experiences highlight the art and science of HR, where understanding and supporting employees holistically is crucial.
These HR leaders are not just challenging traditional practices but are also paving the way for a more inclusive, empathetic, and efficient future in Human Resources. Their insights and initiatives demonstrate the potential for HR to drive meaningful change and support organizational success in innovative ways. Watch the event recordings on DisruptHRPHL’s website and stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and initiatives. Let’s continue the conversation and challenge the status quo together!”
About the Author
Ally Lamson, JD/MA, is an Area Vice President with Gallagher. Ally brings a critical lens, negotiation experience, and a strong understanding of compliance pitfalls to her employee benefits practice. Before coming to Gallagher, Ally practiced law in New Jersey for over a decade. Ally is the President of the Board of Trustees for Independence Charter School and is an active member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (“ACG”). Ally played volleyball and water polo at the collegiate level and continues to play both sports recreationally. Ally is also a member of the Philly SHRM Thought Leadership Team.
Editor: Dennis Paris
Becoming a Philly SHRM Thought Leader
We are always looking for inspiring minds! If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Philly SHRM Thought Leader, offering your professional views on this or any Thought Leader article, or want to chat about contributing content on a hot or innovative HR-related topic, please reach out to Dennis Paris and Evelyn Reed, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Co-VPs of Thought Leadership at: thoughtleader@phillyshrm.org.
