Data informs. People transform. That's the future of HR.

In Part 3 of HR Fresh Take’s special series, The Future of HR: Beyond Tech, recorded live at the 2026 Philly SHRM Symposium, host Dr. Jo continues the conversation with her guests, Samantha Bussard, Chief Talent Officer at Compass Business Solutions, Kristi Straw, Founder of Lighthouse Leadership Consultants, and Jennifer McSherry, Senior Vice President and Client Advisor with Lockton Companies, to explore how HR is changing in a rapidly evolving workplace.

From AI and data to trust, empathy, and experiential leadership, we discuss people-centered leadership, business impact, data-informed decisions, and the power skills HR professionals need to create workplaces where people can thrive.

Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org

AI may be the buzzword, but people are still the heartbeat of work.

In Part 2 of HR Fresh Take’s special series, The Future of HR: Beyond Tech, recorded live at the Philly SHRM Symposium, host Dr. Jo Vazquez continues the conversation on what modern HR requires in a workplace evolving at rapid speed. This episode looks beyond technology to examine how HR professionals can lead with strategy, empathy, courage, and a people-first mindset.

Dr. Jo is joined by Gregory Offner, keynote speaker and author of The Tip Jar Culture; Dr. Anna Thomas, founder of Workplaces That Care; Christopher Reidenauer, CEO of Inspired 2 Results; and Catherine Priem, Senior HR business partner at Baker Tilly and past president of Philly SHRM. Together, they discuss the role of HR in balancing productivity with humanity, using AI responsibly, supporting employee wellbeing, strengthening workplace culture, and helping people grow through meaningful work.

Listeners will hear practical perspectives on why modern HR is not defined by tools alone, but by the ability to build trust, steward culture, create space for connection, and advocate for the people who power every organization. Whether you are navigating change, exploring AI adoption, or looking for ways to make your workplace more human-centered, this conversation offers timely insights for HR leaders across the Philadelphia region and beyond.

Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org

Human resources is no longer just a support function. It is a strategic driver of organizational success. Today's HR leaders are expected to deliver results that balance people, performance, and broader business outcomes.

In this special multi-part series, The Future of HR - Beyond Tech, recorded live at the 2026 Philly SHRM Symposium, we'll explore what it really means to practice modern HR in a workplace that's evolving faster than ever. Looking beyond AI and technology, the series offers a candid discussion of how HR professionals can expand their influence, lead with both strategy and humanity, and keep people at the center of every decision.

In this first installment of the series, we'll talk with Corey Crapella, owner and Principal Consultant of Core Coaching and Consulting, and Melissa Sherry, owner and Principal Consultant of Workswell Consulting. We'll discuss people-centered leadership, thoughtful technology adoption, authenticity, and the evolving role of HR as a bridge between employees and business strategy.

Business, Engagement, Human Resources, Management, Thought Leadership, Return to work, Inclusion, Hybrid work, AI, phillyshrm.org