Class of 2025
I recently attended and volunteered at the DisruptHR Madison event, and it was one of the most energizing and insightful HR experiences I’ve had while an MBA at the Wisconsin School of Business. Held as a gathering for human resources (HR) professionals, leaders, and innovators, DisruptHR is known for its bold, fast-paced format featuring speakers who challenge traditional HR thinking and encourage new ideas in the workplace. The speakers delivered short, impactful presentations that pushed boundaries, challenged assumptions, and offered fresh perspectives on hiring, benefits, leadership, workplace equity, and employee wellbeing. The fast-moving schedule allowed for a wide range of voices, each with their own unique message and energy. I was part of the volunteer team and helped check in attendees, which gave me a front-row seat not only to the event itself, but to meaningful conversations with people passionate about transforming human resources.
One of my favorite speakers was Mora Burns, who focused on updating and innovating hiring practices, specifically interviews. She spoke about how the language we use during interviews matters deeply. Instead of treating interviews like interrogations, she encouraged hiring managers to focus on rapport-building and authentic connections with candidates. This shift in approach resonated with me because it aligns with the direction I hope to take in my future HR work, creating more human-centered and inclusive hiring experiences. She stated that throughout her research, she uncovered that some language used in the selection process hasn’t been updated since 1961. I found this fact fascinating due to the amount of innovation in the workplace over the past 70 years, specifically HR, but we’re still using rudimentary/outdated language when recruiting and hiring.
Another highlight for me was Brian Shotly’s talk on employee benefits and insurance. He shared heartfelt memories of his father, who passed away a few years prior, and of the insurance issues that followed his passing. He emphasized how critical it is for HR professionals not only to understand benefits in depth but to be able to clearly explain them to employees. It reminded me that HR is not just about managing policies; it’s about being a resource and advocate for people navigating complex systems. He also highlighted that when people need benefits, including insurance, it’s usually due to unforeseen hardships or giving birth. Both require a level of compassion, patience, and understanding to be able to support people when we need them the most. This is a skill I plan to prioritize and build upon in my future roles.
Like Brian Shotly, one of the most moving moments of the evening came from Jen Whitlock of Aptia, who spoke vulnerably about her experience battling Multiple Sclerosis while continuing her work in HR. Her message centered on the importance of recognizing that many people are fighting silent battles. Her advice for us was to be fearless, she discussed how her journey through MS and other diagnoses allowed her to be fearless in many aspects of her life. She even described herself as ‘broken’ due to her MS (which I disagreed with), but stated she remained whole and fearless throughout. Jen stated that she now enters challenges head-on and is prepared to face whatever is on the other side. She encouraged HR professionals to lead with empathy and understanding, reminding us that kindness, support, and believing in ourselves can go a long way in building a better us and a better workplace. As someone who values emotional intelligence in leadership, I found her words both powerful and grounding.
Another speaker was Jackie Cook from Popins LLC, a company founded to support the health and well-being of families with new babies, empowering parents with practical approaches to navigate the unique challenges of the prenatal and postpartum phase of life! She delivered a standout talk about maternity leave, challenging the notion that parental leave is a vacation. Her message underscored how important it is for HR professionals to advocate for flexible, uncomplicated leave policies that genuinely support working parents. As I listened, I thought about how I could help champion these types of conversations and policies in future workplaces. As someone currently without a child, I’ve heard many positive and negative things about parents on maternity leave. Co-workers comparing maternity leave to a vacation or stating that employees don’t need ‘that much time off’ after creating a family. These types of ideologies and comments can be damaging to workplace culture, workplace relationships, and the morale of employees who are expecting to welcome children. Jackie even stated that people will reduce their maternity leave, thinking it will affect their jobs or ability to be promoted. I agree that this is such an important conversation, and as HR professionals, we must provide as much support to employees expanding their families, as well as creating a culture where people feel supported to do so!
Overall, the speakers were informative, insightful, and engaging. I would highly recommend attending a DisruptHR event, entering with an open mind! In addition to the engaging talks, the event had a great community vibe. There was food, drinks, and cookies for dessert, which made networking feel casual and fun. Volunteering gave me the chance to meet attendees, many of whom shared their own experiences in HR and the kinds of challenges they are working to solve. These conversations added a deeper layer to the event and left me feeling both inspired and more connected to the HR community. This event reinforced several important themes that will shape my future work in HR: the importance of empathy, the value of clear communication, and the power of challenging outdated norms. As I am preparing to move to Portland, Maine, I plan to carry these lessons with me. Whether I’m supporting talent management, developing benefits education, or helping redesign hiring processes, I want to approach each challenge with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo for the better. In all, DisruptHR was a reminder of why I chose this career path. HR can drive meaningful changes in people’s lives, and I’m excited to be part of that movement. I’m grateful I had the chance to attend and contribute to such an impactful event!