Sometime you can tell how something is going to go by the opening scene. The first few moments of a presentation, the handshake at the start of a sales call, the opening game of a playoff series. (gratuitous Pacers reference. Sorry.)
Chicago is going well in the opening scene. Hillary at the podium, great weather, traffic fine. I was feeling fine, but was hoping for some personal contact with key people in the future of HR. With thousands on thousands packing the exhibit hall, what are the chances of hooking up with people on my “wish list?” Slim.
Then, in 10 lucky minutes, the stars aligned at the SHRM booth. Honestly, I was just stopping in to get some “HR Dude” ribbons for my friends.
There was Kathy Fyock, a fellow speaker at the Indiana SHRM conference. Check.
She was talking to Gary Kushner, benefits guru, futurist, and friend that I was hoping to chat with. Check.
Behind Gary was “gasp” THE CEO OF SHRM Henry Jackson. He’s a quiet CPA type that I have been trying to meet for a couple of years. He actually is a CPA, so he’s earned the CPA look and feel. I jumped at the chance – congratulated him on his role, and planted a seed for greater cooperation between SHRM and Finance. I will be following up – this is a “next step” we need to follow up with.
This conference rocks! More to come…
Karl, meeting the CEO Henry Jackson. Nice guy..
Karl Ahlrichs' Uncommon Experience 
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