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Awkward & Taboo … What Do You Do?

Dealing with people is fun, right?  That’s why you got into HR.  Sometimes, however, the “people” aspects of HR create unexpected and significant challenges because of the issues that arise. Yet being able to handle these types of concerns professionally and respectfully is vital to maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

Join us for a robust discussion on how to tactfully approach some of the most awkward, taboo, and challenging employee relations topics that can catch even the most seasoned HR professional off guard.  We will discuss how to approach sensitive topics such as body odors, restroom etiquette, inappropriate conduct at events, and even consensual sex in the workplace. These types of issues consume a tremendous amount of time and can derail employee productivity if not managed quickly and effectively.

We will explore how to manage a range of delicate situations from both a strategic and tactical basis to avoid making the situation worse and helping employees refocus on their work. 

Our presentation will be moderated by Chrisa Mott, VP of Human Resources, Biosciences Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and feature:

· Carolyn Frank, Chief Human Resources Officer, SVP, Guild Mortgage

· Lynn Kantor Herrick, Esq., Chief Operating Officer, GreatCall

· Michelle Maybaum, Founder & President, Desiderata HR Consulting

· Sandra McDonough, Partner, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP

· Alison Wagner, VP People, Rubios

We look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday, August 20^th!

Executive Summary of our speakers – Come and learn from the experts highlighted below:

Carolyn Frank is the Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President at Guild Mortgage Company, a female-led financial services organization and one of the fastest growing independent mortgage companies in the US. Carolyn has provided direction to the company’s HR function for more than five years, transforming human resources from an administrative function to that of trusted strategic business partner. Under her leadership, HR has executed key initiatives focused on building capabilities within Guild’s workforce. This includes creating a strong HR foundation to effectively support the organization’s workforce strategy; revamping compensation and benefit systems, leading a wildly successful corporate university training model, and recognizing cost efficiencies through centralizing the recruiting function.

Lynn Kantor Herrick, Esq., is the Chief Operating Officer for GreatCall, Inc., a Best Buy subsidiary, and the leading provider of easy-to-use technology services for active aging. In this role, Ms. Herrick has responsibility for GreatCall’s caring centers and the 1,000 employees that staff them, as well as overseeing human resources, logistics, facilities and legal for the company.  Lynn joined GreatCall in 2009 as General Counsel and was quickly promoted into key leadership and operational roles as the company grew. Ms. Herrick added Chief Human Resources Officer to her responsibilities in 2012, taking on oversight of GreatCall’s human resources department and caring centers.  Ms. Herrick’s diverse experience, keen eye and ability to recognize and develop talent, commitment to meaningful work and ability to balance human and business dynamics have been essential to GreatCall’s transformation from startup to $800 million acquisition of Best Buy in 2018.

Ms. Michelle Maybaum is the founder and President of Desiderata HR Consulting. She provides advice to small and medium sized businesses, and non-profit organizations who need assistance with their Human Resources functions. Possessing more than 30 years of HR experience, Ms. Maybaum was a member of the Disability:In Board of Directors for 10 years and for the past 8 years has served on the Advisory oard for DeafTec, a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence. She also participates in local and national speaking engagements sharing best practices for employing individuals with disabilities.

Chrisa Mott is a passionate professional with extensive experience in Human Resources across a variety of companies and HR functions ranging from multi-national corporations to companies just getting started.  She is currently a member of the Thermo Fisher Scientific HR team, however, has held roles in various HR functions including HR Business Partner, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition and overseeing the overall HR function.  Chrisa is energized by the possibilities of enabling business performance through talent and culture.  Chrisa holds a Masters degree in Organization Psychology and in her spare time, Chrisa loves to exercise, travel, spend time with her family and friends and volunteer in her community.

Sandy McDonough specializes in representing employers in all aspects of employment litigation, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, class action suits and union matters. She also regularly advises clients with regard to employment issues, including employee discipline, terminations, leaves of absence, and wage and hour violations. At Paul, Plevin, Sandy has focused her practice in both the private and public sector, representing, among others, The Regents of the University of California, Bridgepoint Education, Rubio’s Restaurants, National University, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, HSBC Bank, and the Trustees of the California State University.

Alison Wagner has spent over 13 years at Rubio’s Restaurants in Carlsbad, most recently as VP, HR.  During this time, she has built the employee relations field team, developed HR focused training modules for front line managers, and created a collaborative partnership with Operations and Executive Leadership.  Additionally, as Rubio’s has grown into new markets (such as Northern CA and Southern & Central Florida), Alison has supported restaurant staffing, training, and succession planning.  Prior to Rubio’s, Alison practiced HR for nearly four years at Target. 

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