A year ago I published 2021 in Review, where I went month by month with all of the year’s highlights. I really loved that exercise and it was fun to see a summary of each month. The year prior, I treated my 2020 review post as a round up of my favorite resources from the year. This year, I want to do a bit of both! Celebrate at a high level the good things that happened during the year, and still sprinkle in some helpful resources throughout. Let’s go! (At the end I share some fun things on the docket for 2023!)
Speaking, Teaching and Coaching
One of my goals for 2022 was to do more speaking engagements (volunteer and paid!) and I blew that goal out of the water. I had a blast at #SHRM22 in New Orleans presenting conference orientation, sharing my experience being a mentor in SHRM’s mentoring program, and presenting a session for the student track called “Jumpstart your career. Advice for students and early career HR professionals.” In September, I presented at the NYS SHRM conference in Verona, NY with the topic of “Elevate and uplift the next generation of HR Leaders.” It was well attended and I received such positive feedback from it! I met so many young and emerging HR professionals eager to advance their careers. I love sharing my insight and experience on building a personal brand, building relationships and credibility at work, moving up, networking, and using social media to your advantage. I submitted proposals to speak in 2023 at the NYC SHRM conference and NYS SHRM conference again – fingers crossed! I hope to see you there!
I did LinkedIn and personal branding presentations for multiple companies in Buffalo and really enjoyed helping them learn to showcase themselves online and make meaningful connections for personal and professional growth. I even got to train a team of recruiters on using LinkedIn to showcase themselves and their organizations, and build their networks for the long haul. Recruiting is a long game, and it makes sense to invest in your knowledge and network within the industry/types of roles that you hire for! I also worked with clients 1:1 who were on their job search or career advancement journeys. I help individuals and organizations take their careers and businesses to the next level with a relationship building centered LinkedIn strategy. Connect, post and engage intentionally online to attract opportunities to yourself, build your network, showcase your personality and voice, and reach your goals! If I could help you, please reach out to me. I can’t wait to chat with you!
Working with students and young/emerging professionals is something I really enjoy and am passionate about. I’m really proud of how the HR Emerging Professional Learning Series came together throughout 2022. As the College Relations and Emerging Professionals Director for the BNHRA, I really wanted to put on meaningful programming for students so they could learn about the various areas within the HR function. My blog post on my favorite resources for HR students was also a fan favorite. I also spoke at Niagara University, Daemen, University at Buffalo, Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, Cystic Fibrosis Rising Stars on using LinkedIn, online networking and preparing to launch their careers. Daemen is already in the books for April 2023 and I can’t wait! Thank you for continuing to have me back into your classrooms. I love helping the next generation of business and HR leaders get ahead.
Awards and Certifications
I’m very proud to have been named an HR Impact Award Winner by Buffalo Business First. Five HR pros in Buffalo were named as part of the inaugural class for this award, and I’m so honored to have been selected. Among the factors that the judges considered are experience, creativity and the ability to navigate change.
“Buffalo Business First has recognized the region’s Best Places to Work for many years highlighting employer excellence. But the people behind the processes and practices help to make companies attractive workplaces. We celebrate them this year with the inaugural HR Impact Awards that recognizes excellence by Human Resources professionals.” Award winners were celebrated during the best places to work luncheon in March at Riverworks, and it was so great to celebrate with friends and colleagues from the business community.
I was also surprised to receive a Community Catalyst award from HRUnite! A Catalyst is an individual that exemplifies their passion for the #HRCommunity through their actions and service through volunteering, projects, and everyday interactions as part of their HR DNA.
I completed the SHRM PMQ (People Manager Qualification) which was an interactive online training for people managers! There is always more to be learned on giving feedback, workplace interactions, and supporting managers. I enjoyed the content, and took away some tips to share with my fellow people managers at work.
Personal
2022 was definitely a year of self-discovery. I stepped back my involvement in organizations I had been a part of for years, and took on new enhanced roles with others! I learned a ton about time management, prioritization, taking care of myself, and managing relationships in my life. I’m so happy with the people who are coming with me into the new year. I visited friends all over the country, and tried so many new restaurants here in Buffalo which is one of my favorite things to do. I wrote my first “foodie” post here on the blog this year which was a ton of fun! Check out my favorite lobster rolls and charcuterie boards in Buffalo.
The Year Ahead
2023 is going to be an incredible year. I’m excited to be part of Leadership Buffalo Class Experience and can’t wait to get started and attend the welcome reception on January 12th! It will be great to meet everyone else participating in the program this year. We’re going to learn so much.
I’m taking on a new role on the UB SOMAA board (University at Buffalo School of Management Alumni Association) as VP of Board Engagement, which I think is a perfect role for me. I can’t wait to get to know everyone better and help them get the most out of their experience.
My friend Karen Sharp-Price and I are presenting a free two part series in January to help people set up and use their LinkedIn profiles for career success in 2023! Sign up here.
I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement on the SHRM EPAC (emerging professionals advisory council) and the Be in Buffalo Committee! I travelled to DC with the Be in Buffalo team to host an event at a Bills Backers Bar and it was such a blast. I look forward to more fun and unique opportunities like this in 2023.
Thanks for the memories 2022. Proud of everything I accomplished and thankful for the amazing people who were along for the ride. I can’t wait to see what other events and opportunities come up throughout the year. Connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter and let’s stay connected! I wish you a prosperous 2023. Take care of yourself friends. Please reach out if there’s anything I can help you with. Let’s do this! Cheers!
Claire is Coaching 