Speaking as an HR professional…

April 20, 2020

I’ve never wanted to be a speaker. As a child, I loathed public speaking so much that I attempted to play “sick” the entire week of elementary school speeches… every year… twice per year because we did them in English and French. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties when I was asked to speak at a university graduation ceremony, with hundreds of grads and their supportive families, on a stage with a podium, with multiple cameras and screens, that I decided to get over it. What happened at that ceremony that changed my mind? I didn’t die. That’s it. I survived. Nothing went wrong, I didn’t fall going up the stairs, I don’t think I muddled my words, but if I did, no one noticed. And what’s more, I was proud to celebrate the success of over 200 students and hand out an award of excellence.

So what does that have to do with Human Resources? HR isn’t a job that a lot of people aspire to. There are very tough moments, you have to make difficult decisions, and it can be emotionally draining. But, it can also be inspiring and motivating! Since then, I’ve spoken in front of many audiences and I can tell you that it does get easier. The nerves never really go away, but that’s ok. I sought out help to get better – Toastmasters not only helped me learn new skills and practice, but they are one of the most inclusive groups I have ever been a part of. I also reached out to Carley Inglis of Clearly Learning Solutions who did a great job at teaching our team “The Workshop Workshop” where we learned right from a professional facilitator.

We recently submitted an application to speak at a conference and gathered some of the amazing speaking engagements I’ve been invited to recently. They range from leading teams through an HR topic and answering questions, teaching a group something new, to shooting a cameo for a video game. I'm sharing this with you to inspire you to do things that scare you, learn from them, and get better at them. You never know where your new skill may take you.

We would also appreciate you thinking of us when planning your next HR training or team meeting so we can share more with you!

- Lisa

www.LisaIsaacHR.com

Highlights

The Online & Digital Education Academy (https://myodea.com/) enables innovative, technology-driven learning experiences through gamified business courseware. ODEA’s online course, “The Foundations of Business”, as a unique opportunity to teach valuable skills, no matter the learning level. Lisa Isaac, CHRL, CHRP, opens the level on health and safety with a 4:10 min. video cameo. View the video here . Read the article and check out the game here.

Shooting the footage for the ODEA “The Foundations of Business” video game:

The Lambton Shield publishes a volume every other month. Lisa was featured as one of 12 women-owned businesses in Lambton County in September of 2019. Earlier, in March 2019, Lisa was featured in a 20-minute long interview podcast. Listen to it here. Read the full article here.

Lisa addressing the audience at the 2019 Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAA) as the Chair of the OBAA Committee:

Lisa (second from left) as a panel member for 2019’s International Women’s Day “Meeting the Entrepreneur” with Dog Eat Dog and Belly Babe Boutique owners, Chrissy and Julie:

Beyond Healthcare session with the Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development Board Sep 27, 2019, during and after the session with Lisa:

Lisa answering questions after the October 22, 2019 breakout session of the 3-day Health and Safety Mamowenchige (Working Together) Conference in Thunder Bay. Hosted by Nokiiwin Tribal Council:

The team that put together the first employer community breakfast in September 2019 - a workshop and collection of resources for employers looking to branch out to Harness Global Talent. Partnering with LIP, Lambton College, SLEP, Integral HR Solutions, and many more!