Next Top Recruiter

I am a huge believer in everything happens for a reason.

On August 15th, while in the midst of my relocation from Calgary to Vancouver, I received an email from a colleague. One of my peers from my past employer, Shawn, had forwarded me a casting call for a HR/Recruitment Reality Show.

All he added to the email was: “Should I send your application in?”

I re-read the email to Michelle and we both started laughing. A HR reality show? For real? I think that we were both imagining Big Brother meets The Bachelor meets the Apprentice. Regardless, I was intrigued.

I sent an email off to the Producer of the show asking if “America” meant North America or the United States of the America. I assumed it was the latter, but I had nothing to lose!

On August 24th, Chris Lavoie from Top Recruiter and I finally connected. We had some sort of interview, get to know me chit chat — of which Chris dedicated a lot of time to finding out who I am as a person. What drives Jillian Walker? I went off about the usual… working in HR, changing the world, being over-involved, traveling, volunteering and working with young women. I’m positive I talked his ear off and that he was overwhelmed.

At the end of the call, he tells me that I’ve passed and that I need to do make an audition video. The only problem though? I had 24 hours to get it uploaded to Vimeo. Ay. I hung up the phone and went into action mode.

Yes, this meant I tweeted out to the masses:

It was funny that this competition hit a week after I moved away from the city I lived for the last 7 years. If I had been in Calgary when this happened, I would have had a network to help me out! Instead… Chris gave me a challenge. Not only did I need to great an audition video in 24 hours, I now needed to find someone to help film it.

I had checked out some of the videos on the competition website (www.toprecruiter.tv) and I was less than impressed. You can seriously make a great home video with a flip cam and a friend. Really, I’ve done it too many times to count. You can! I didn’t want to be one of those people who were holding a camera in front of their face looking ridiculously silly and unprofessional.

Thankfully social media came to the rescue. A few hours passed and I had a ton of local Vancouverites offering to help, BUT I also had a production company step forward and offer to produce and edit the video. Kevin Sarasom from redmuse and I talked over Facebook chat throughout the night. We talked about the requirements of the show, plus how I would add a creativity and necessary edge to my audition. We agreed to meet at the Corner of Davie + Denman the next day to do the filming.

I wasn’t at all hesitant to meet up with Kevin. What’s the worst that could happen? He would attack me with a video camera in a ridiculously busy place like English Bay? We did quick exchanges of hello and got on the move. After all, we had a 8pm EST deadline! It took us 2 hour to film a 90 second shot. Seems ridiculous. We were both considered that we wouldn’t have enough content when we went to edit, so we totally filmed 10 mins too long of content. Oopsie. At the end of the day, we had some brilliant lines and I was happy with what we created. We sat in Starbucks for the afternoon. While Kevin edited, I worked. I continually peeked over curious as to the final product.

Finally it was uploaded to the site and an email was sent off to the Producer for review. My fingers were crossed.

I heard from the show a few days later and apparently the casting crew was pleased. They uploaded my video onto their website and instructed me to gain momentum! I’ve been around the block when it comes to this sort of competition or challenge. I knew exactly what I needed to do… I needed to build a fan base.

Ta da! This is my audition video, check it out:

I have officially been branded as “The HR Rebel.” They could have used words like insane, intense, crazy, nutjob… instead they used ‘rebel’. I like it. It sounds somewhat sexy. Perhaps it’ll even help my dating life. Don’t tall, dark and handsomes like industry rebels? ;)

So is this ‘Top Employer’ all over again?

I have no doubt that you remember KPMG’s “What Makes a Top Employer?” How can you forget it? The process was pure torture — daily votes, daily harassment for just about 6 weeks. Then we waited a month for results. Then we waited 4 months for my prize. But do you remember how much momentum we created in Canada? A ton! We… not me, WE had a voice. We had an opportunity to challenge the way employers evaluated their practices and integrate a Gen Y opinion into their leadership teams.

I don’t really look at this competition as much different. Yes, the topic is different and the demographic is different. At the end of the day, this competition is about education. It will provide an opportunity for the community to learn a lot about recruiting and the HR profession (likely – the good and the bad). It will give leaders and employers fresh perspective on hiring and retaining talent. If I am included in the competition, Canada will have a voice.

So how do we make this happen?

The show has challenged me to gain momentum. I know that I am so close to making it on the show [they are making their final decision on the 5 people in late fall]. You watched my video. You know that I know all about fit. I’ve already determined that this show fits what I’m about. Now it’s in TopRecruiter.tv’s court to find out if I’m the right fit.

I would love if you watched the video ONCE. I need you to check out the website ONCE.

[I promise. Only ONCE.].

They are tricky people over at TopRecruiter.tv though. They have left a whole pile of rating systems within the audition page. So if we’re going to cover all our bases, here is what you need to do:

1. Head over to: http://www.toprecruiter.tv/audition-meet-the-hr-rebel and if you haven’t already, watch the video.
2. Give my audition a score between 0 and 10. Click on the star to make the rating. Seriously, give me what you think I deserve!
3. Give my audition a thumbs up or thumbs down. Click on the icon to make the rating. [Please note, if you give me a thumbs down, you should unsubscribe from my blog]. ;)
4. Leave a comment. It’s really not that painful, you only need to put your name and email in — there is no need to register! Please note that all comments are held for moderation by the show. No need to use offensive language or be blatantly mean. ;)
5. While leaving a comment, check out the other comments. Under every single comment, there is an opportunity to give a score between 0 to 5, and also give a thumbs up or thumbs down rating. I have been learning a lot about myself from the comments that have been left on the page and who knows, you might learn something too!
   

   

6. If you are on social media, I’d love a share on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. I even have share buttons right at the bottom of this post — how convenient eh? ;) For Twitter peeps, you can use the hashtag #TopRecruiter. If you’re on Google+… cool. But I’m not. So do whatever you do over there to give me some love!
7. Now… give yourself a pat on the back for supporting a HR keener in her quest to change the world. You could also treat yourself to a latte, mani/pedi, bubble bath… whatever floats your boat. :)

The video has been on the TopRecruiter.tv site for just over a week and I haven’t really mentioned it via email or social media. I wanted to be able to share the story of how this came to be and why I want to be part of it. The video has been randomly landing in people’s laps… of which I get an email and someone says “Is that you?” “How do I vote?” “How come you haven’t said anything yet?” Today was the day to formally announce.

To everyone that has voted and supported so far, thank you, thank you, thank you. The comments that you have been leaving on the site and sending to my email warm my freakin’ heart. Can’t someone send some hate mail? All this lovely is going to go to my head!

A huge thank you to Shawn and Dawn for always looking out for me and being inspirational HR role models.

And lastly a thank you to the clients of Elevated HR for supporting the audition and also how Michelle and I do HR differently.

I have seen the momentum that we can generate. I know it exists. So let’s create it. ❤

the final few

As many of you know… I no showed on my going away party. See transparent sob story here. Sigh. [Moving forward... :)]

On my last Saturday in Calgary, I went to one of my favourite places with 4 of my girlfriends. Taste Restaurant (www.taste-restaurant.com) is absolutely divine. I am continually wow’d by the service, staff and menu. For the ‘last dinner’ we enjoyed mac n’ cheese, tomato salad, gnocchi, limited edition vegan items and to-die-for pretzel bits. You heard me… to-die-for. Thank you to Brandon, Bill and the girls for making the night most memorable.

Sunday was filled with packing. It ended up being a stressful day and evening, as although I sold most of the things I owned… I still had a ton of stuff to move. Michelle and I packed the car to the brim and all that would be left in Calgary was 3 boxes (to be dealt with at a later time).

Our journey began around 7am. The car was so full, Michelle couldn’t see out the back and I had to be the rearview mirror. Once we were in the mountains, the rain started. It poured and poured and poured. Thankfully the weather cleared up once we entered the Okanagan and made for a pleasant last leg of the trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a long drive… but on a positive note, we made it without killing each other (12 hours, 2 Type A’s). ;)

Once we arrived, we picked up the keys to my condo and unpacked the car. Super productive considering we had already had a long day! It was a beautiful night in Vancouver, so we enjoyed Mexican food on a quaint little patio.

The next chapter has officially begun.

4 years in the making

On March 22nd, I blogged. I wrote a post about ‘life done differently’. At the time, I was frustrated. Frustrated with process, politics, and corporations. I thought I knew what I was looking for… but for some reason I just couldn’t find it. I yearned to do what I love; to make a difference in the lives of organizations, employees, and the community.

Later that night I received an email with the subject “Wow – look at this opportunity.”

This was attached:

I read the posting – over and over again. After I saw the word ‘administration’ and rolled my eyes, I smiled. My heart melted as soon as the posting referred to someone who wanted to ‘change the world.’ From a human resources standpoint, the position sounded basic… but I knew that it would evolve and I would have the opportunity to utilize my strengths in a challenging and creative organization.

My response to Michelle via text:

2011-03-22 10:38pm

I totally don’t know what to say re: that posting just magically appearing in my inbox.

Is it time to stop being difficult?

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Some background:

What you don’t know is that I first met Michelle in October of 2010. We connected through Twitter over discussion about the Human Resource Institute of Alberta’s mentoring program. She was a mentor, I was a mentee, yet we were not matched. In fact, she told me ‘we could never work together.’  On January 10, 2011 we went for some after work eats at Una Pizza and Wine. We talked human resources, transparency, social media and the community. Michelle said she would love for me to join the company.

Over the weeks and months that followed, I interviewed. Everywhere. I flew across the country meeting executives, managers, and recruiters. I received offers. I received mixed messages. I met a lot of amazing people, but most importantly I was overwhelmed. My entire being. How would I make a decision? Is it completely awful to say that I was overwhelmed with opportunities?

I needed a ‘to remain unnamed’ company piss me off on March 22, 2011. I needed to stomp my feet and demand answers. I needed to have an inspiring and enlightening conversation with John Wilson at Wilson Human Capital Group later that afternoon. That night, I needed to blog about it. I needed to do all of that in order to determine what was next…

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On March 29, Michelle and I met. I had been thinking about the future and my career every single day since March 22. I was ready to start learning about a potential role with Elevated HR Solutions. Not surprisingly, I was hesitant and had questions. [I have been in a ridiculously secure job with a pension for the last 4+ years]. We talked about job responsibilities, logistics, relocation, growth of the company and what we could begin to change in the human resources profession. I asked her for time to think about what I wanted and potential next steps.

On April 1, I went to TEDxYYC. My name tag said: JILLIAN WALKER… <NAME OF EMPLOYER>… in big bold letters. As soon as I saw it, I thought “that doesn’t describe me…” “that’s not why I’m here today…” After discussion with a girlfriend, I listed my position/organization as “HR GAME CHANGER.” TEDx asked us what does Calgary need more of? I answered “ENTREPRENEURS.”

[I was obviously on my quest to figuring out what I wanted... but a few more pieces needed to play out...]

TEDxYYC - April 1, 2011

I remember being so hard on myself on April 3. I kept on telling myself… “just figure it out…” “what do you need…” “what are you actually looking for…” “you are wasting time…” I had some sort of weird revelation in the hours that followed and finally I found it.

I am not meant to be an employee.

I am not meant to be that typical 8am-4pm who is bound to rules, policies and past history.

I want freedom to create, discover, engage, grow, learn, teach and live life to its fullest.

I want to have opportunities to challenge my profession.

I want to be the absolute best version of myself.

I want to do what I love.

I want to change the world.

[That's it... I swear.]

On April 4, I texted Michelle and said:

May 20 is the date I’m thinking. Sound ok?

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You may have seen this:

Or this:

Or maybe this:

[I accidentally posted this on @elevatedhr instead of @jillianwalker. :) - oopsie.]

Lastly this:

… we have been a wee bit excited. :)

————————————————————————————————————————

Today I resigned from my employer of 4.5 years.

Today I feel free.

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” – Pope John XXIII

This whole career transition has been a long time coming. I started with my employer on January 8, 2007. I was fresh out of Mount Royal College and keen to apply all I learned in my post-secondary education. Six months into my entry-level HR role, I was bored. I didn’t feel challenged and begun applying on internal roles.

On March 10, 2008, I applied on my first external role. Was I ready to leave then? Unlikely. As I have been working for a large organization, I’ve had the opportunity to transfer to new departments and go on projects within Human Resources to continually broaden my skillset. In the last 5 years, I have had 5 roles. With that comes 5 managers that taught me an incredible amount about human resources, life, family, and friends. I learned about what I value in an employer/manager, and what drives me absolutely up the wall.

A 4 year job search? Of course there have been ups and downs. Obviously there have been ups and downs. But at the end of the day… I am grateful.

Grateful for being given the opportunity to learn, to diversify and to truly discover what’s next.

I am thrilled to announce that effective May 20, 2011… I will be the Vice President of Client Experience for Elevated HR Solutions. I will remain in Calgary over the summer months, relocating to British Columbia in Fall 2011 to run the Vancouver and Seattle division.

Official press release:

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Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

Whether it be hours of laughs, a quick text message to make me smile, much needed lessons in entrepreneurship or talking me off my ledge, I appreciate every ounce of advice, support, and love.

Thank you to everyone involved in Focus 2040 and KPMG’s What Makes a Top Employer competitions.

Thank you to the Human Resources Institute of Alberta, Human Resources Association of Calgary and Canadian HR Reporter for continually supporting me in my career.

Thank you to my mentors, Alida, Dawn, Doris, and Joan, for encouraging me to dream big.

Thank you to John Wilson for giving me that final push and belief in my abilities.

Thank you to the inspirational women at YWiB.

Thank you to two beautiful Vancouver souls – SA and WT.

Thank you to my best friend Haley Lonsdale who has put up with a good few years of crazy.

Thank you to my family back home and my second family in Calgary.

Lastly big love to Aaron, Alex, Amanda, Bethany, Brandy, Brenda, Carolyn, Christine, Dan, Darci, Dionne, Erin, Gillian, Heather, Izabela, Jay, Jeff, Jen, Jessica, Joel, Judy, Kait, Karen, Kendal, Kim, Leo, Lily, Lisa, Madi, Maeghan, Mandy, Mason, Melissa, Shawn, Steve, Tacita, Teang, Tony, Trace, Troy, Val and so many more.

I couldn’t have done this without you.

————————————————————————————————————————

Michelle, I can’t wait to see what we will create. Thank you for inviting me along on the journey.

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain

With absolutely all my heart (and a whole bundle of nerves and excitement),

Jillian Walker

PS – If I can offer any ounce of advice… trust your gut. Don’t settle for anything less than everything.

trademark drama

I’ve been in California for the last 10 days… and I’m behind, behind on so many things. Apparently Canada is having an election. :/ The Royal Wedding is this week… :/ The Canucks have been struggling… and are down to game seven this week… :/ Oh and my friend Dan is being threatened with legal action.

Often rage motivates my blogging and tonight it one of those times.

Through the wonderful world of Twitter, I have had the opportunity to become friends with a lovely young man named Dan Clapson. Dan is the General Manager of a local independent (and amazing) coffee shop, a Freelance Writer for Canada’s Food Network, and a do-gooder in the Calgary community.

In November 2010, Dan established Kick The KD; formal launch took place in February 2011.

What is Kick The KD?

Kick The KD is a pilot cooking program in association with the University of Calgary’s Students’ Union. Kick The KD is aimed at local students who are interested in expanding their culinary horizons. We understand that ‘quick and easy’ food is a perfect fit for the busy student life, but not everything that’s simple has to come out of a box or take-out container.

Dan called out to the student community to apply to be part of the program. Students were required to be interested in learning more about cooking, available over the 10 weeks to follow and have access to a kitchen – oh and they needed to be able to laugh and have a good time!

On April 18, 2011, Dan Clapson received a letter from Kraft Canada indicating that he was using Kraft Dinner’s trademark and that it was to be removed from the program and all marketing materials by May 2, 2011.

In the days that followed, he appearned on CBC’s The Eyeopener and the story went public across Canaada.  On April 20, Dan blogged about the legal situation and next steps. He posted a formal press release and that he would take the required steps in changing the name of the program by Kraft Canada’s required date.

A few of the blog comments that I loved:

“It has often been referred to as Yellow Death..YD…not sure how popular this class would be. But hey, I still eat this stuff.” – Lib, April 20, 2011 at 12:57 pm [Kick the YD... love it!!]

“1. Kick the “Suing Me Because They Are A Multi-Billion Dollar Corporation That Makes Severely Unhealthy Macaroni and Cheese” Dinners Class aka KSMBTAAMDCTMSUMCDC (trademark the initials so you can sue if someone uses it). 2. Taking Angie’s suggestion a little further: Kick Kraft Krap aka KKK (although now you might be sued by another less reputable organization).” – Retrodivot, April 21, 2011 at 10:04 am [Ha ha...]

In my opinion, there are two issues at hand trademark law and education on healthy eating.

Trademark

Kraft has trademarked KD and Kraft Dinner. Alright fine. They win. Hooray! :/

Over the last few months, I have seen similar situations happen with a few companies. Whether a startup organization or a small non-profit, you think of an idea, you google it, and you generally put it into action. You snatch up domains, social media handles, and build your brand… rarely, you trademark. Why? A whole lot of hassle and money.

If Dan had known that the “KD” of Kick The KD was trademarked, I doubt he would have gone with the name. The look though… likely. The similar font though… maybe. Does Kraft really own macaroni noodles painted orange? Gawd, I hope not.

How do we ensure that small businesses don’t get assaulted with trademark law going forward? Education first and foremost. Education on the how to’s of trademarks and copyrights, when to take a risk and not trademark, and how to rebrand [and next steps] if/when the multi-million dollar company mails a registered letter.

But what else? I honestly don’t know.

How can you protect a brand while still having a heart?

By the way… Canada’s trademark database can be found here.

Healthy Eating Education

Forget about the actual name of the program… Dan Clapson and his 15 students are doing good in the community. They are attempting to change the way university students eat and incorporate healthy food into their lifestyle.

Whether Kraft Canada would like to admit it or not, the decision they made this past week was negative PR. Was forcing a name change the right thing to do? No. Should they have handled the situation delicately? Likely.

Kick The KD is a community initiative.

Kick The KD is creating waves in Calgary’s foodie industry similar to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution in the US. Not surprisingly, Jamie’s program has been hugely controversial. Is that a good thing? Absolutely. The US needs to get a handle on their obesity rates and portion control.

To quote Jamie Oliver:

“This Food Revolution is about saving America’s health by changing the way people eat. It’s not just a TV show; it’s a movement for you, your family and your community. If you care about your kids and their future, take this revolution and make it your own. Educate yourself about food and cooking, and find out what your child is eating at school. Make only a few small changes and magical things will happen. Switching from processed to fresh food will not only make you feel better, it will also add years to your life.”

Kraft Canada could have asked to be included in Dan’s program. They could have sponsored or supported it in some way shape or form. Why didn’t they? Kraft Canada is in business for the dollars, not for do gooding in the community, nor for supporting healthy eating. If Kraft had got involved with the program, they would have to wholeheartedly admit that their product was crap.

Tonight I looked up the brands under Kraft Foods and the countries they distribute to… 151 to be exact. All I can say is whoa.  Highlights… Cheezwhiz, Cool Whip, Kool-Aid, Kraft Dinner, Lunchables, and Velveeta. The closest thing I could find to healthy is Cracker Barrel cheese.

Way of the future? Likely… unless we start doing something about it. Start talking, learning, and challenging society’s norms.

Pay attention to what you put in your body.

Don’t get all neurotic over diet and weight, just pay attention.

Feed your body the nutrients it deserves.

It’s truly your powerhouse.

Kick The KD [rebranded to a new name May 2011 ;)]… will be offered at both The University of Calgary and Mount Royal University in Fall 2011.

Kudos to the Calgary Co-op, SteamWhistle Brewery, Yelp.ca and the universities involved for supporting this program!

Supplementary articles on the trials & tribulations of Kick the KD can be found here: CBC, The Consumerist, and The Globe & Mail.

Thoughts or comments? Email Dan at kickthekd@dansgoodside.com or post your love below.

boxing day deals

Friends and strangers… tomorrow is BOXING DAY! The day generally means people storming stores for the best deal they can find.

Is that my plan? Absolutely not. I want to be strategic. I am easily overwhelmed in crowds and impatient in lines.

My recommended deals (in no particular order):

• RW&CO: Take an extra 50% off the last ticketed price on all sale merchandise (Dec 26 – Jan 4).
• Gap: Everything 40% off until 12pm, 30% off 12pm to 3pm, 25% off 3pm to close (Dec 26 only).
• Urban Outfitters: 50% off all sale items – instore only (Dec 26-31).
• Obakki: 50% off everything online and instore. Promo code: bigfifty (Dec 26 only).
• The Bay: Up to 70% off fashion clearance, 50% off women’s boots, 50% women’s fall & winter fashion (Dec 26 only).
• Banana Republic: 50% off sale items until 12pm, 30% off sale items from 12pm to close – instore and online. Online promo code: BRBoxing (Dec 22-31).
• Mexx: 50% off everything instore (Dec 26-Jan 2).
• Guess: 30% off regular price, 50% off sale price instore (Dec 26-29).
• Jacob: 50% off everything instore (Dec 26).
• Esprit: 50% off everything instore (Dec 26 – Jan 5) and 40% off everything online (Dec 23-26).
• Sterling Shoes: 50% off sale items (Dec 26-31).
• Espy: Up to 63% off checked items, up to 43% off brand new merchandise, up to 63% off samples, 39% off bags/purses/boots, and $3/9/19 bins (Dec 30 only).

I’ll be spending my time at Core Shopping this Boxing Day and then a stroll through Kensington.  The plan: The Bay, Gap, Banana Republic, and Tristan. Then Sole Comfort [solely because I have a gift card - and might buy myself some Uggs (I know.. shocking)] and maybe Purr in Kensington.  In a few days I’ll head to Espy for their delayed – but wonderful – Boxing Day extravaganza.

For those in Calgary… mall hours:

• Chinook Centre & Market Mall – 8am to 7pm
• Sunridge Mall – 9am to 6pm
• Core Shopping – 10am to 6pm

If you’re heading out I wish you good luck and sanity. A few tips: take transit to avoid a parking nightmare, wear leggings and a tank so you can try on clothes in the aisles of the store, and stay hydrated!!

Lastly if you were planning on booking a trip to Vegas this Spring… Expedia‘s Boxing Day bonus is $100 savings off a 4+ night hotel package. Book by December 31st, for travel until March 31st. Use promo code BOXING2011 at checkout.

every vote counts

Today is VOTING DAY!

What does this mean?

1) Today is the last day of KPMG’s What Makes a Top Employer video contest. It has been a month long battle with university students across Canada, but I have attained 2nd place (out of 400+ videos!) and couldn’t be more proud. Contest closes at 11:59pm EST. I would love if you gave me your vote.

2) Today is Calgary’s Municipal Election. Do you research, then head down to the polls and vote for Mayor, Alderman, and School Trustee.  Voting stations will be open from 10am to 8pm. Visit The City of Calgary’s website for more information on locations.

I’m looking forward to life being more calm after October 18th.  Fingers crossed for team J-N-Z (yes that would be Jillian-Nenshi-Zak)!! ;)

With love.  ❤