Joe Gerstandt | keynote speaker, freedom fighter, freak-flag flier

Who you are connected to matters in a whole bunch of ways. New research into the nature and the role of networks of relationships has demonstrated that there are correlations between our physical fitness and the physical fitness of those around us; our likelihood of divorce has similar correlations; and even the vitality of our   [Read More...]

One last post about privilege. In a situation of discrimination or inequality there are four roles that you can play. You can be the target, you can be the perpetrator, you can be a bystander or you can be a leader. Privilege often times helps us find our way into the wrong role. I used   [Read More...]

Intersections baby, its all about the intersections.  Robust, dynamic, chaotic intersections of different perspectives, different heuristics, different experiences and interpretations…this is what feeds an organizations ability to: share information make meaning from information make high quality decisions solve problems create and innovate Pretty important stuff. And they are all influenced by our ability to disagree   [Read More...]

I think that there are two kinds of organizations. Living ones and dying ones. We seem to have this idea that organizations, especially large ones are around forever, or at least for a very long time, but they are not.  With few exceptions, organizations have a pretty short lifespan. A big part of what gives   [Read More...]

In an effort to get a little leaner and meaner, I have recently started running again.  This weekend we went to visit my parents on the family farm, and I got out for a run while we were there.  I ran four miles around the square “section” that they live on and while doing so   [Read More...]

Call it a knowledge economy.  Call it an information economy.  Call it an innovation economy.  Call it an idea economy a technology economy or a fruit salad with a kick stand.  Call it what you will, social process is the engine that drives it. Sharing and interpreting information, good decision making, problem solving, ideation and   [Read More...]

I have been terribly lax in my blogging lately and that is probably going to be the case for a few more weeks just due to my schedule.  Been blessed to participate in a lot of really cool events lately and I wanted to share one of them with you.  A few weeks ago I   [Read More...]

1970 called. It wants its business model back.  It also wants its diversity programs back. Business has changed.  I think it is critical that we are tracking on this so that we are also able to appreciate the growing significance of diversity in an ever evolving business environment. In many, many ways and in some   [Read More...]

Just a heads up on events that are on my calendar and open via registration.  Things are winding down for this calendar year, but the first half of 2011 is starting to look good! Minnesota Recruiters Conference 12 ||  Friday, December 3rd  ||  Minneapolis, MN 45th Annual Northern Ohio HR Conference ||  Friday, March 11th    [Read More...]

Everyone on the planet is talking about social media…except for diversity and inclusion practitioners.  Okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but not that big.  Of all the conferences that I have participated in this fall, D&I conferences are the only ones where social media has been absent from the agenda.  I have even felt some   [Read More...]