Embracing Change and Driving HR Forward

Lessons from DisruptHR YEG 12.0

Author: Amanda Tam


A disruption is a major disturbance that interrupts an activity, event or process. But what does being an HR Disruptor mean? It isn’t only about using new tools but rather challenging norms and traditional ways of doing things to promote new ways of thinking to redefine the workplace. 

 

What is DisruptHR?  

Disrupt HR is an information exchange showcase designed to re-ignite thoughts and empower people in the HR field. A series of 12-15 speakers have 5 minutes each with 20 PowerPoint slides that rotate every 15 seconds. What’s the intention, you ask? Simply to promote a new way of thinking across multiple HR functions. 

 

Sharing My Disruptive Learnings 

I had the opportunity last year to attend DisruptHR YEG 12.0 in Edmonton, hosted by the HR Disrupt YEG team. A lineup of thought-promoting speakers, the chance to connect with other like-minded HR professionals and food - what better evening could I experience? (They even updated us with the scoreboard during the Oilers' glorious playoff run.)

 

Disrupt 12.0 left me with a lasting impression of new insights that I can use to influence both my personal & professional life (and, of course, as an HR professional): 

  1. Work-life integration > work-life balance: Allow space for both work and your personal life so that you can feel fulfillment in both. Higher personal and professional productivity will lead to higher satisfaction. Make sure you celebrate your own wins! 
     
  2. Imposter Syndrome: Many of us still experience self-doubt even in areas that we're excelling at. Even the people that we hold in a high regard experience it. Learn to confront some of these deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves. 
     
  3. The future: The pandemic and Gen Z's have truly questioned the way that things have 'always' been done in the workplace. Contrary to belief, they're not holding us back but pushing us forward! 

 

Potential HR Disruption - What can you do?:  

Embrace and utilize AI:  Many fear that human-centric functions are going to be replaced by technology and artificial intelligence (AI). But let's disrupt these fearful thoughts and re-define the narrative that AI can instead automate, streamline and increase efficiencies to free up time spent on monotonous tasks so we can better focus on our strengths, creativity and innovation. 
 

Championing Diversity & Inclusion:  Historically, many individuals have experienced discrimination because of their backgrounds, identities, disabilities, lived experiences or other characteristics. How can you acknowledge that systematic barriers, biases and stigmas still continue to exist? Diversity, equity, equality and inclusion aren't just words on paper but we should continue to have discussions on actions that we can take to incorporate multiple perspectives to ensure that people have equal access and opportunity. 
 

Redefining Performance Management:  Feedback shouldn’t only be provided annually in order to dictate a salary raise. Rather, continuous feedback, learning, recognition and engagement are all essential key factors in performance management. Hold people accountable in improving, growing and developing their skills or meeting their goals. 

 

DisruptHR reminds us that HR is about constant evolution. We're challenged to think differently and embrace new ideas. If you're ready to join the conversation, CPHR Alberta is excited to host DisruptHR YYC 12.0 in Calgary on April 15, 2025. And for those in Edmonton, tickets for DisruptHR YEG 13.0 go on sale March 19th, with the event on May 21, 2025. We hope to see you there, ready to disrupt!


This blog was written by Amanda Tam, a member of the Social Media Committee at CPHR Alberta.   


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



By Jessica Jaithoo December 4, 2025
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meets quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we are sharing post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on November 27, 2025, and is proud to share the strong momentum we are experiencing across our community. The Board’s key messages are as follows: Membership Growth As of September 30, 2025, we reached 7,213 active members, a 7% year-over-year increase, with the majority coming from student and emerging HR professionals. This growth affirms the momentum of our HR profession and the impact of our student engagement initiatives. Professional Development Member participation remains strong with 53 events held year-to-date, with 5,013 attendees across workshops, roundtables, webinars, and community sessions. Our complimentary events have played a key role in sustaining engagement and access to learning. Annual Conference The Annual Conference was a heavy focus for the association in Q3. The sold-out event continues to bring together our community for valuable professional development and networking opportunities, creating a strong foundation for 2026. Attendees reported high satisfaction, with over 370 in attendance, and a sold-out exhibitor hall. “The CPHR conference was incredibly educational and inspiring. The speakers motivated me, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I really enjoyed it, grew closer to my team, and I definitely want to attend again.” – 2025 Conference Attendee The 2026 event will be held at the BMO Centre, in Calgary on June 2 and 3 – with increased capacity, expanded exhibitor space, and enhanced programming will elevate the experience for all HR professionals across Alberta, NWT and Nunavut. Self-Regulation The Board continues to assess the implications of Alberta’s Professional Governance Act (PGA), including: Advocacy, legal, and governance impact assessments are being commissioned. Preliminary recommendations from management will be brought to the Board in March and June 2026, leading to a formal decision. Further information will be shared, when ready.  Future Vision Approved: 2026-2028 Strategic Plan Our new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan will be rolled out in December to all members. The 3-year Strategic Plan, crafted from member feedback, market research, and collaboration with CPHR Canada – aims to strengthen our profession’s influence, amplifies leadership, and creates pathways for all members to thrive. Fiscal Responsibility Our Q3 financial review remains on track for a balanced year-end forecast. The 2026 draft budget has been approved – aligning resources with our strategic priorities while maintaining a disciplined and responsible financial approach. Board Governance Our board continues to focus on good governance practice, ensure stability, clarity, and accountability across our organization. FCPHR Nominations A reminder that the prestigious Fellowship Award is open for nominations! This national program recognizes Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHRs) who have made exemplary contributions to the HR profession. Recipients are granted recognition as a Fellow of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (FCPHR). Click here to learn more about the Fellowship Award, including the guidelines and completing your nomination. You can also download a copy of the nomination form here. The next Board meeting takes place in March 2026, after which we will again share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!
By Jessica Jaithoo December 2, 2025
At CPHR Alberta, we believe that the future of work is being shaped by the decisions we make today. That’s why we’re proud to share our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan—a bold, member-informed roadmap that will guide our organization over the next three years. This plan is the result of a deeply collaborative process, led by our Board of Directors and developed in partnership with our operations team. It reflects the voices of our members, gathered through surveys and conversations, and is grounded in market research and aligned with the national priorities of CPHR Canada. Together, we’ve crafted a strategy that is responsive, forward-looking, and rooted in data. At its core, the plan is about strengthening the Human Resources profession and supporting the people who drive it. It reaffirms our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive HR community—one that is equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving workplace landscape. Our redefined vision and mission statements speak to this ambition, and our newly articulated values provide a foundation for how we work, connect, and grow. The strategic priorities outlined in the plan reflect the areas where we believe CPHR Alberta can make the greatest impact. They focus on elevating the visibility and influence of the HR profession, fostering innovation and leadership across our community, and deepening engagement with our members and partners. These priorities are designed to meet the diverse needs of our jurisdiction, from urban centers to rural communities, and to ensure that every CPHR has the tools and support to thrive. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the possibilities this plan unlocks. It’s a call to action—for our team, our Board, and our members—to work together in shaping the future of HR. Whether it’s through new learning opportunities, stronger regional connections, or amplifying the voice of HR in public discourse, we’re committed to leading with purpose and impact. We invite you to explore the full 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and see how our shared vision will come to life. Together, we’re building a future-ready HR community—one that’s connected, influential, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
By Bailey Beauchamp December 1, 2025
Seeking CPHRs, Retired CPHRs and Public Board Members
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