The HR Plug

12 seasons. 10,591 rushing yards. A Pro Bowl selection. A Super Bowl appearance. Thomas Q. Jones had everything an athlete could dream of. And then—he walked away. Not because he had to. Because he was ready. Most people fear the pivot. They hold onto old titles like life rafts, clinging to the identity the world gave them. But Thomas? He didn’t just pivot—he prepared for reinvention. A psychology degree earned in just three years. A commitment to storytelling that led him from the roar of NFL stadiums to the quiet intensity of acting studios. A willingness to embrace vulnerability after years of conditioning to be unbreakable. And of course Hollywood didn’t roll out the red carpet. It never does. But Thomas put in the work—just like he did on the field. From Straight Outta Compton to Luke Cage, Being Mary Jane, and Johnson, he built a second career with the same grit that made him a football legend. Now, he’s stepping onto the stage at The UNPLUG Experience to talk about what most people get wrong about reinvention: ?? A pivot isn’t an escape. It’s a strategy. ?? You don’t start over. You build on the foundation you already have. ?? The hardest part isn’t learning new skills. It’s letting go of who the world expects you to be. This is what The Power of the Pivot is all about—redefining yourself on purpose instead of letting life do it for you. So if you’re stuck at the edge of change, afraid to take that first step—ask yourself: Is it fear that’s holding you back? Or is it the idea of no longer being who you’ve always been? Thomas Q. Jones figured that out for himself. And at The UNPLUG Experience, he’s helping you do the same. Join us. April 2-4 in Atlanta. www.experienceunplug.com

Employee appreciation isn’t about a day. It’s about an experience. Free lunches and “thank you” emails won’t fix a toxic workplace. Yet every year, companies scramble for ways to “celebrate” employees—for a single day. Employees don’t need an appreciation day. They need cultures that make them feel valued daily. Appreciation is a moment. Employee experience is a culture. If you’re serious about appreciation, build an employee experience that: ?? Prioritizes fair pay, development, and growth opportunities ?? Encourages psychological safety and respect ?? Removes unnecessary bureaucracy and outdated policies ?? Supports flexibility and autonomy ?? Invests in leadership that listens Because a culture of appreciation isn’t built with a day for balloons and cupcakes. It’s built in the moments that happen every single day. Let me know: What’s the best way a company has ever shown you real appreciation?

Corporate America is stuck in the past—this event will show you how to break free, evolve, and build a future-ready workforce. Join us for The Miseducation of Corporate America: Adapting to New Rules of Employee and Employer Engagement on April 3-4, 2025, in Atlanta! This isn’t your typical business conference—it’s a movement that will shift your mindset and help you design a career that aligns with your passion and potential. ?? Who’s This For? ?? Leaders & HR Professionals: Ready to empower your teams and create inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces? This is for you. ?? Dualpreneurs & Entrepreneurs: Discover how to balance your corporate role while building your own venture. ?? Professionals: Looking to unlock new income streams and leverage AI to redefine your career? Don’t miss this opportunity. What to Expect: ? Shifting Mindsets: Transform how you think about work, leadership, and the future. ? Building Purpose-Driven Careers: Walk away with tools to align your career with what really matters. ? Empowering Change: Learn how to engage and lead with authenticity, innovation, and wellness at the core. ?? When: April 3-4, 2025 (Networking Reception April 2) ?? Where: Atlanta, GA (and virtually!) Get in the room, reshape your career, and be part of a movement that’s redefining the workplace. Don’t Miss Out! Early bird tickets are available now—secure your spot at The Miseducation of Corporate America and be part of this transformative experience. Get in early, save your seat, and start your journey to building a purpose-driven career. Click the link to purchase your early bird ticket today and join the movement! ?? www.experienceunplug.com #FutureOfWork #CorporateAmerica #LeadershipTransformation #Dualpreneurship #PurposeDrivenCareers #MiseducationOfCorporateAmerica #WorkplaceWellness #UNPLUGExperience #CareerTransformation

I am thrilled to announce the launch of the UNPLUG Experience Tour! After the overwhelming success of the 2024 UNPLUG HR Business Conference, we're bringing the transformative power of UNPLUG to a city near you! ?? Why Join Us? This tour isn’t just another professional development event. Inspired by Caroline A. Wanga’s powerful reminder to "focus on the 'human' starting with the one in the mirror," our tour is designed to reconnect you with what truly drives and inspires you both professionally and personally. ?? Tour Stops: We’re hitting six major cities this year, offering intimate, in-person sessions that delve deep into personal growth, professional development, and self-discovery. ??? Secure Your Spot: Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate setting, perfect for personal reflection and meaningful connections. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience! ?? For more details and to register, visit our website: www.unplugevent.com Join us for a day of growth and discovery. Let’s UNPLUG and reconnect with our core, transforming how we work and live. See you there! Sidenote: We are looking for sponsors! Join us in supporting the UNPLUG Experience Tour, an ideal platform for allies who are passionate about empowering professionals to show up powerfully as the best versions of themselves. Connect with us to explore how your brand can contribute to this transformative journey. #UNPLUGTour #SponsorOpportunity #Empowerment