Beyond the Sessions: The Real Magic of SHRM25
Hey AI—summarize my notes from #SHRM25... and just like that, I’ve got my takeaways.
But here’s what AI can’t capture:
The real conversations.
The in-person connections.
The energy of face-to-face moments.
Those were the true highlights—chatting with people about what inspired them… locking eyes when a speaker said something that made the room pause… arriving early to general sessions to catch up, snap selfies, or simply soak it all in.
It was the dinners, the hallway hello’s, the coffee-line conversations, and the shared smiles.
One speaker said, “AI will be a great co-worker”—and I agree.
But people? People make it meaningful.
And one of the best parts? Connecting with our incredible Texas SHRM community—leaders and friends who continue to inspire and support one another.
Oh, and I can't tell you what it was like to see my book Drive with Purpose in the SHRM Store for the first time—and attendees asking me to sign their books. What a full-circle moment.
I recently had Jeff Lupinacci on my podcast, and he shared an article showing a direct correlation between networking and success. Those who build strong networks earn more and experience greater achievement.
So—check out my SHRM25 takeaways below… and make plans now to build your network at SHRM26 in Orlando. You’ll be glad you did.
Theme: Driving the Future of Work
• “We’re not just responding to change — we’re driving it.” — Emily Dickens
• SHRM Blueprint launched – Visit Website to learn more
• Emphasis on building smaller, stronger bridges in communities and organizations
Leadership & Purpose
• “Rise up — like the eagle above the storm.” — Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
• “There’s only one way to — the right way.” — Julie Burch
• Focus on civility, equal opportunity, and addressing human displacement in the workplace
• HR as interpreters and guides during disruption (AI, technology, generational shifts)
• “Leadership isn’t just about connecting with the top—it’s about connecting with everyone.” Joe Biden
Office Ladies Keynote (Angela Kinsey & Jenna Fischer)
• “What’s a pleasure to write is a pleasure to read.” — Angela
• “A good idea can come from anywhere.” -Angela
• “My best job is working with people I love. That’s how I pick my work.” — Jenna
• Steve Carell’s leadership through gratitude and humility: “He didn’t have to talk about it because he showed it in his behavior. He wanted people to shine”
• Reminder: “When an opportunity comes along — lean into it!”
Performance, Development & Belonging
• Stuart Masters: “We have a duty of care beyond developing our people.”
• Julie Burch: Top speaker mistakes — winging it, oversharing, no opening.
• Define what improvement looks like; ask, “Is performance getting better?”
• Emphasis on internal HR assessments and using data as a baseline for growth
Mental Health, Civility & Inclusion
• SHRM: “You’re like corporate guidance counselors.”
• Nancy Gunter: Mental fitness = positive intelligence
• “How you talk about people is how you treat people.” — Steve Browne
• Ghosting, turning down leadership roles = trends to watch
• “We spend 90% of time on 10% of problem people — flip the focus to the 90% who are awesome.”
Technology & AI
• “It isn’t the technology, it’s the unlearning.” — BambooHR CEO
• The AI Gut Test:
• Repetitive? Automate it
• Creative? Augment it
• Emotional/Ethical? Keep it human
• The AI + HI Project: Re-skilling needed at scale
• “Training not just for young talent.” 55 is the new 35… Claim it!
Jason Sudeikis / Ted Lasso Insights
• “Be a goldfish” — forget mistakes, move on
• “Confidence comes from competence”
• “It’s more fun to succeed and fail together.”
• Only 3 things get in the way of progress: apathy, cynicism, ego
• “Big ears” = great listeners
Powerful Final Reminders
• “There’s a light inside everyone — it’s our job to turn it on.” — Steve Browne
• Erica Rooney: “Stop asking what you should do — ask what you want to do.”
• From Biden: “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
Quote of the Day:
“My best job is working with people I love. That’s how I pick my work.” Jenna Kischer
Check out Life in the Leadership Lane – Listed Top 25 Best Texas Leadership Podcast!
Looking for a resource for your team?
Share a copy of Find Your Lane, Life in the Leadership Lane, Drive With Purpose, or the Milemarkers journal—perfect for team building and employee engagement.
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller. For more leadership resources, relocation support, or speaking engagements, visit https://linktr.ee/brucewwaller or Call 972-389-5673.
590 words | 4.7 minutes