Out of the Box Booking

When we take the time to lift others, we lift entire communities. It’s incredible what happens when people come together with a shared purpose. I’ve seen this in action, and one example that stands out is the way Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas elevate not only their team but the entire Kansas community. BCBSKS employees have dedicated more than 347 hours volunteering across several cities, from Topeka to Salina. They stepped up in a big way: → Lending a hand → Organizing events → Showing up for the people around them → And making a real difference in communities This is what it looks like when an organization doesn’t just focus on business but on building a legacy of service and impact. Every small action we take to lift someone else creates lasting change. When we empower people to give back, to contribute, and to connect, we elevate not only them but everyone around us. It’s about how we choose to serve, how we choose to lead, and how we choose to make an impact in the world. Let’s keep asking ourselves: How can we elevate those around us? It starts with intentional actions, no matter how big or small. Because when you invest in lifting others, everyone rises together. Charles Morgan Lonnie Walker, Jr.

I had the privilege of speaking at the Lake Washington Human Resource Association conference in Bellevue on "The Future of Human Experience." Engaging with HR professionals from the Lake Washington area about their pivotal role in today's rapidly changing, AI-driven world was genuinely inspiring. We delved into the importance of navigating the concerns and fears that come with rapid technological advancements. At the core of our discussion was the belief that the?premium human experience?is something we can control and elevate. Now more than ever, the work of HR professionals is essential in ensuring that humanity remains at the heart of our organizations. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to such a meaningful conversation. Let's continue to champion the human experience in everything we do! Special shoutout to the LWHRA leadership team: Bill Swan, Arichica Prescott, Grace Valeson, Sanjeet Singh , Jillian Altizer, Gavin Bray, Kayla Marshall for creating a great event. Thanks to Rolando Nieves , Alexander-Ali Dalipi, & Cicospace for this video. And the incredible partnership of Sue Boxrud from Out of the Box Booking to bring unique experiences to organizations all over the country. #FutureOfWork #HumanExperience #HRLeadership #AI #LWHRA #Seattle #EricJRodriguez

Hey y'all, With us being mindful of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it's also important to note Domestic Violence Awareness & Depression Awareness Month is next. It's no coincidence to me that these months follow each other. Please take care and promote safety & mental wellness at home, in the workplace, on campus, and within your friend groups - #checkonyourstrongfriends NOW BOOKING for Fall 2024 -Relationships Keynotes & Workshops -Self-Care Keynotes & Workshops https://lnkd.in/g2i3zaiw https://lnkd.in/gCwSjbHn

Together we can prove them wrong. When I sold Likeable Badass, I told the editors who were bidding for it that two things were non-negotiable: 1. The title 2. That this was a book for women If they didn't like either of these things, they shouldn't buy my book. No one argued about #1. But #2 was the subject of much discussion. I already had a disadvantage as a female author - our books don't sell as well as men's. Now I was cutting off half of the market by writing only for women. Why not write for everyone, especially since the subject of the book - how to get more status and power - is relevant for all? That's how you sell books. I want to write for women, I told them, because it's an audience I know and care about deeply. And I want to practice what I preach: I can't advise women how to get credit for their value if I don't believe in my own value. I believe that women deserve every ounce of advantage they can get, so why not let them in on the secrets first? I also believe that women aren't the only people who care about women. Men will support this book, too, for all kinds of reasons - and they have. Help me prove the doubters wrong. Show up for women. Show up for women who write books. Show up for women who raise kids. Show up for women who run companies. Show up for women who do all the things and make it look so easy, even though it's very, very hard. Likeable Badass drops Tuesday! Wouldn't it be awesome if the hot new release was a book by a woman, for women? I think so. I hope you do, too! xo Alison #personaldevelopment #careers #leadership

Last week, I returned to Memphis after 12 years for Tennessee SHRM, and it was a deeply meaningful experience. Dr. Kathy Tuberville holds a special place in my heart—she was one of the first individuals to ever hire me as a speaker and actually paid me for it! Back in 2012, she invested in my potential, and I had the honor of speaking to students at the University of Memphis. It was the highest-paying gig I had at the time, and it marked a significant milestone in my journey. Fast forward 12 years, and there I was, back in Memphis, closing out the second day of the Tennessee SHRM Conference as the keynote speaker—invited once again by Dr. Tuberville. Talk about a full-circle moment!???? The conference kicked off with a powerful keynote from SHRM's CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, who shared some eye-opening data on the state of incivility in the workplace: → 45% of issues stem from opinions on social issues → 40% from generational differences → 40% from concerns about the state and direction of U.S. society → 37% from political viewpoint differences → 37% from racial or ethnic differences These numbers underscore a harsh reality—incivility isn’t just a minor issue; it’s a driving force behind workplace dissatisfaction and even links to mental health struggles like suicide. When it was my turn to present as the closing keynote speaker, I felt the weight of the moment. My session, "Igniting Alive Leaders," aimed to turn that narrative on its head by offering actionable strategies to combat this negativity. I shared my five core strategies to create an ALIVE workplace—a space where everyone feels valued, engaged, and, most importantly, ALIVE!?? It was inspiring to see over 900 professionals from across 13 states come together to tackle these tough topics and leave with a renewed sense of purpose. The energy was ELECTRIC. A huge thanks to the Tennessee SHRM team for organizing such a meaningful event, and a special shoutout to all the connections I made with familiar faces and new ones!?????? Alexandra Feliciano Chris Rollins Clint Weaver, PHR, GBHR Jevon Wooden, MBA, ACC?? Margarita H. Dr. Trish Holliday SPHR,SHRMSCP,IPMA-SCP, CPC Stephanie Hendrix, PHR, SHRM-SCP Dr. Shelley Kemp, SHRM-SCP, Ed.D.

Here’s what meaningful cultural integration looks like in real-time decision-making: The DEIA PulseCheck. Understanding and integrating cultural awareness isn't just a bonus—it's a necessity for sustainable success in today’s diverse work environments. That's where the DEIA PulseCheck comes in, offering leaders a quick yet efficient way to ensure every decision reflects vital diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility considerations. It acts as a crucial checkpoint, helping to identify areas that require more attention and nurturing an environment where every team member feels understood and valued. Before making any significant decision, taking an action, or even forming an opinion, pause and ask yourself: → What’s the DE&I angle of this situation? Think of it as putting on a pair of DE&I glasses that allow you to see the situation from multiple perspectives. Some key areas to focus on include: → Impact → Inclusion → Representation And a memorable tip? ? Make it a habit to do a DEIA PulseCheck before any meeting, project kickoff, or significant decision. Think of it as your cultural fitness tracker— It measures how many 'inclusion steps' you've taken and indicates when you need to step up your game. Like maintaining physical fitness, creating an inclusive culture demands ongoing attention and action. It only takes a minute but can have a lasting impact.?

Calling all women who want to rewrite the rules, break the barriers, and have a good time doing it. ?? ? My new book is a practical playbook of evidence-based strategies to help women to excel at work and in life: ? ?Earn more credit for your accomplishments in less time ?Get what you want and make them love you for it ?Help others to rise ? I’m thrilled to have my co-author and colleague Adam Grant’s endorsement. His thoughtful words not only underscore the critical insights of my book but also reflect our shared commitment to helping women succeed and advance.? ? I wrote this book for women, their allies, and anyone who aspires to live their best life, on their own terms. Reading it, I want you to feel like we’re two friends sitting on a couch, hyping each other up—because we’re awesome. ? It’s time to get the respect, power, and influence we’re (over)due. Learn more and pre-order here! https://lnkd.in/gu5aHH3G ? #PersonalBranding #PersonalDevelopment #CareerAdvancement #BestAdvice #WhatInspiresMe #WomenInLeadership