Hey there Impact Maker!

Last week, I hit the road for a quick trip up to Columbus, Ohio to attend DisruptHR Columbus 4.0 — my second DisruptHR event of the year. And while we host an event annually in my hometown of Cincinnati, I love visiting other cities when I’m invited to speak, emcee, or just feel the pull of a good road trip, or the desire to connect with like-minded people.

Over the last 11+ years, I’ve given more than 20 DisruptHR Talks (never the same one twice!) and attended events in at least a dozen cities around the world. What I love most is the energy and connection these events spark — whether it’s someone finding the courage to speak for the first time, building new partnerships, or walking away feeling like they’ve finally found their people.

Every time I attend, I’m reminded of why we created DisruptHR in the first place: to give people a platform to share bold, fresh ideas about the workplace and the future of work — especially those whose voices aren’t always heard on big conference or event stages.

If you haven’t been to a DisruptHR event yet, I highly recommend it. There are currently 167 communities in 35 countries hosting events. And if there isn’t one near you? Well, maybe it’s time for a road trip. 😉

This Week's Featured Insight

HR isn’t just evolving — it’s being redefined.

In this week’s featured insight, I explore how the HR function has shifted from traditional support roles to strategic, future-focused leadership — and why now is the time for HR leaders to embrace the mindset of a Chief Disruption Officer.

From influencing people strategy and shaping culture, to driving innovation and anticipating workplace trends, this is our moment to lead with vision, courage, and impact. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and help shape what’s next, this one’s for you.

Click the link below to read more...

Jennifer at DisruptHR Rochester

At DisruptHR Rochester 5.0 in April, I was honored to be invited by license holder Elina Kokorotsis to serve as the emcee for the event. I also sat down for a conversation with Christine O'Rourke about how DisruptHR got its start, what sparked my own journey into HR disruption, and what I’ve learned along the way about leading change without permission (and what can happen when you try to do it alone).

We also talked about the importance of building community with other bold thinkers — and why I believe HR has the power to be the most influential force in any organization.
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You can watch our full 10-minute conversation by clicking the image below.
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3 Resources For You This Week

📘 From Cost to Catalyst: An HR Leader’s Guide to Maximizing the Business Impact of L&D​
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​This new report from the folks at Guild is a must-read for HR and L&D leaders ready to shift learning from a line item to a business driver. Backed by research with 500+ executives and filled with actionable strategies, it introduces the “4 I’s” of high-impact HR leadership — Integration, Influence, Internal Mobility, and Impact. If you’re looking to build credibility, secure executive support, and turn L&D into a true performance engine, start here.

📝 Interview Feedback in 2025
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This new research from Textio digs into how hiring teams give feedback during interviews — and what that means for candidate experience, quality of hire, and equity. From “vibes-based” decisions to biased language, the report uncovers eye-opening trends and offers a compelling case for more structured, skills-focused hiring practices.
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​🤖 The Fake Startup That Exposed AI’s Real Limits as Autonomous Workers​
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In this fascinating read, my friend Lance Haun explores what happened when researchers created a fake startup entirely run by AI agents — and what it revealed about the current limitations of AI in the workplace. This sentence is my favorite: "The AI agents lied, got lost, rewrote reality, and collapsed under the weight of basic office tasks." ​
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If you’re navigating how (and where) to apply AI in your organization, this article will help you feel a little bit better about the potential for AI to replace you. For now.

The Backstage Pass

A peek behind the curtain into what I’m loving, learning, or laughing about lately.

I recently took a break from my usual K-drama lineup on Netflix to watch the four-part British series Adolescense — and I'm still thinking about it.

Each episode is filmed in a single, uninterrupted take, but Episode 3 is especially mesmerizing. It unfolds entirely as a tense, real-time conversation between 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper) and a clinical psychologist (Erin Doherty). The emotional range and intensity are staggering — and even more impressive when you realize this was Cooper’s first-ever acting role, filmed when he was just 14.

The episode plays out like a psychological chess match, revealing the devastating impact of online radicalization and toxic masculinity on young minds. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a powerful one — and a sobering reminder of how the internet is shaping the next generation.

If you’re ready for something that will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, give it a watch.

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