Surviving a religious cult and being an HR professional in Corporate America have more similarities than you might think.

What was happening to my body and my heart during these 5,658 hours was what happens to a human that has found and fought for their passion, and then gave it up.

Our industry holds enormous power in the future of nations, and we give that power up by being nice.

An intentionally harmless artillery shot or gunshot with intent to enact direct compliance and order to a hostile perpetrator or enemy forces.

For the love of God do not miss this, HR warrior. Pick up your hammer, breathe in the electrifying smoke, and shatter the norms of Corporate America.

Whether HR has a seat at the table, is an army of one, or a bar manager waiting for their next opportunity, the influence of a legitimate human resources professional is tangible, profitable and powerful.

We’ve allowed lawyers and the government to convince us that outdated paper policies and PowerPoint presentation trainings curate safe spaces and that is a lie we tell ourselves to assuage our consciences of the truth that minorities and the LGBTQ+ community are being attacked in our companies and we aren’t protecting them at all.

These warriors of this world who won’t be written about in the New York Times or Forbes or Time will collectively stand together, hand in hand, and watch the sunrise on their pain and their sacrifice and their herculean efforts.

As HR professionals we’re faced with advice hundreds of times a day, and it’s time we sift through that advice purposefully. Thanks, but no thanks.

HR trauma is as real as any other trauma, yet not once have I seen a workshop or conference breakout session addressing what strangles HR warriors every day.