Shine, Human Connection, Radiant Leadership, and Momentum – Reflections from National SHRM 2025

Attending the National SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Conference in San Diego in 2025 was truly one of the most impactful professional experiences of my career. As an HR professional dedicated to continuous learning and growth, being surrounded by leaders, practitioners, and changemakers—was both energizing and humbling. But what made this experience unforgettable wasn’t just the cutting-edge content or world-class speakers; it was the chance to witness my own leaders take the stage and shine. 

S – Shining 

Attending the National SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Conference as an exhibitor was one of the most powerful experiences of my professional journey. Surrounded by such a talented team who truly all had a chance to SHINE, I felt immersed in an environment that celebrated innovation, learning, and the future of work. Our team worked hard to prepare for our booth in the exhibitors’ hall; it was fantastic to see our visions of success come to life as we prepared to have conversations about how professionals can Become More when they work with our team! The atmosphere was electric—every session, conversation, and connection sparked new ideas and fresh perspectives that reignited my passion for the profession and the work I am so blessed to do at Become More Group!  

H – Human Connection  

While the content of all breakout sessions on the schedule were cutting-edge, what truly set this conference apart was the human connections our team made at our booth. From hallway conversations to shared "aha" moments during times when the exhibit hall was open, the sense of community was undeniable. I left every interaction feeling inspired and like I had an opportunity to pear through the window of someone else’s world of HR as we discussed ways a potential business partnership could make sense. Several of the conversations I had sparked beautiful connections that may lead to future business but certainly left an impression on those who were taking time out of an action-packed schedule to have a meaningful conversation. The most meaningful connection of all came from witnessing my very own bosses take the stage and deliver a session that left the audience buzzing with energy and insight. 

R – Radiant Leadership (in Action) 

I had the incredible opportunity to attend a breakout session led by my very own bosses, Scott Burgmeyer and Tammy Rogers, where they unveiled the powerful insights behind their new book, THINK: The Missing Workforce Skill. Watching them command the stage with such clarity, passion, and purpose was nothing short of inspiring. They didn’t just present content, they connected, challenged, and empowered the audience to reconsider what it means to truly think in today’s workplace. 

Their message couldn’t be more timely. In a world obsessed with productivity hacks and automation, they reminded us that deep thinking—critical, reflective, intentional thinking—is a skill we can’t afford to ignore. It's the foundation of good leadership, strong decision-making, innovation, and resilience. Hearing their message live, amidst hundreds of HR professionals eager to make a difference, was a proud and surreal moment. 

Beyond the content of the talk, what struck me most was the synergy between Scott and Tammy! Watching them light up the stage together was empowering in itself—two leaders not just talking about transformation AND – embody it fully. Their dynamic presence, mutual respect, and senses of humor left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. It was more than a presentation; it was a masterclass in authentic leadership and aligned purpose in setting people up for success within an organization. Their presence, synergy, and authenticity lit up the stage! It was an honor to be there to support them and witness all of their hard work in research and writing this book come to fruition. 

M – Momentum  

I left SHRM not only with my mind and notebook full of strategies and takeaways but with something more lasting — momentum. The confidence and clarity I gained from seeing my own whole team in action, from engaging in deep conversations, and from soaking in the collective wisdom of the HR community continues to fuel my growth. I feel more aligned with my purpose, more connected to my team, and more committed than ever to critical thinking and leading with passion and purpose!   

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a SHRM National Conference—say yes. Invest in your growth, connect with your peers, and don’t miss the chance to be part of something that can truly spark transformation. And if you’re lucky enough to work under leadership that inspires and empowers—celebrate that. I know I do every day!  

Here’s to more opportunities for all of us to shine, create human connection, exhibit radiant leadership, and build momentum that moves us forward.