HR @ GA

I was recently honored to be able to attend the ?2023 General Assembly of YMCAs (GA). All I can say is WOW!

Big whoop, right? No, really this is a big WHOOP for me. I am able to work at Daxko as the VP of Talent (traditionally known as HR). I lead the efforts to hire, develop and retain the best talent. And we do have the best talent, IYKYK. My role allows me to do so many things to support and interact with our team members, and usually when it comes to our customers I am behind the scenes, if I am even on set. I'm not mad, this is the role I play, and I love it.

This year my CEO, Ron Lamb , asked if I wanted to attend GA. I jumped at the opportunity - and, I am so glad I did. Daxko has served the Y Movement for 22 years. I'm a member of the Birmingham Y. My kids started their athletic career playing flag football there, went to summer camp there and learned how to swim there. My family has a deep connection with the local Birmingham Y and their ability to support family activities.

At GA I was blown away by the atmosphere. I could spend time in this blog telling you about the people I met or the sessions I attended, but that would cause most to stop reading because of the length. Here are my top take aways from attending an industry conference as an Human Resources (Talent) professional.

• Energy is Infectious. - Maybe this is unique to the health and wellness industry or maybe unique to just the Y movement, but the energy felt from the passion of those at this conference was infectious. I felt like I was watching a family reunion in action. It seemed like everyone knew everyone or was connected. Each and every person had a Y story that reflected career growth and their whY (get it?) for wanting to make a difference in their communities. Being surrounded by this energy reminded me of the privilege I have to work for a company that supports this movement.
• Intentionality Needs Action. - Over the last 3-5 years, I have seen many companies and organizations make known their beliefs and intentions for a diverse and inclusive work environment and community via advertisements, social media posts and so on. I have also seen that wave vacillate and falter. It is not easy to put into action a value that not everyone believes and some even oppose. I saw the YMCA reflect their beliefs and commitment in their Multicultural Experience program. Additionally I was able to see that this organization is also challenged with some of the same variables that a for-profit software company may experience. It is empowering to network with others that value this and glean ideas from each other and the programming. The movement for diversity, equity and inclusion is an infinite game in that there is no finish line nor winner. We should recognize and celebrate growth and the opportunity to continue to advance together.
• Interaction with Customers is Important for HR. If you are an HR professional and haven't heard this before, then consider yourself served with this notice. An effective HR executive has business acumen and can contribute to the accomplishments of business objectives. Yes, a business wants to hire talent. Yes, a business wants to retain talent. No, a business does not want to be involved in litigation due to noncompliance. Yes, AND knowing the business operations, the customer and the industry all affect your ability to be a contributing member of the executive team. An HR professional has to understand the pain and joys of every area of the company. Understand this and you add to the success of the team members (employees), customers, and overall, the company.

I will share more as I decompress from the conference, connect with those I met and read the many books I purchased from the speakers. If you can't tell, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and love the Y!