GVFHRA Summit Recap 2025
- villanovahrd
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
On October 17, 2025, HRD Graduate Assistants Abby Fortune and Alexis had the opportunity to attend the Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association (GVFHRA) Summit, connecting with HR professionals across the Greater Philadelphia region. Read to hear about their experiences and learnings from the conference!
Themed The HR Blueprint: Building Blocks for the Future of Work, the event featured four dynamic sessions and a keynote address by Steven Robertson. Robertson offered forward-looking perspectives on workplace adaptations resulting from generational differences and accountability strategies.
Keynote: Steven Robertson – “Aliens Among Us”
Robertson explored the evolving workforce, emphasizing Gen Z’s unique characteristics. With 52% of the global population under 30 and 65% of today’s 7th graders destined for jobs that don’t yet exist, he urged leaders to adapt. He posited a paradigm shift from ownership to access, arguing that modern employees behave more like subscribers than traditional hires. His analogy of a dog holding its own leash illustrated ineffective accountability structures. He emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that tolerating poor performance undermines strong employees. Leaders must provide clarity, application, and accountability to foster engagement and growth.
Session 1: Bethany J. Adams – “Job Crafting”
Adams, a professor in our very own HRD program, explored the concept of job crafting. She broke it down into three categories: task, relational, and cognitive crafting. She emphasized that job crafting allows employees to personalize their roles, leading to increased engagement and retention. Adams shared foundational research showing that the relationship between high job engagement and individuals with proactive personalities is mediated by job crafting behavior. She illustrated task crafting with the example of chefs redefining plating as a core part of the role. Relational crafting involves building connections beyond one’s immediate responsibilities, while cognitive crafting encourages reframing one’s mindset to find deeper value in work. Her session reinforces the importance of empowering employees to shape their roles in alignment with personal strengths and organizational goals.
Session 2: Anna Greenwald – “Emotionally Intelligent Leadership with AI”
Greenwald presented a forward-thinking session on integrating AI into emotionally intelligent leadership. She argued that in the age of AI, knowledge alone is no longer power; human connection and critical thinking are essential. Greenwald introduced a framework where AI serves as a mirror (revealing blind spots), a coach (offering feedback), and an amplifier (scaling leadership practices). She encouraged organizations to create prompt libraries, train employees on AI tools, and develop custom GPTs tailored to company contexts. Greenwald emphasized ethical AI use, reminding attendees that AI is a support tool, not a replacement for human judgment. Her session highlighted the need for leaders to guide AI adoption thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces human connection.
Session 3: Toni Thomas – “The Art of Saying Goodbye”
Toni Thomas addressed the often-overlooked process of off-boarding, emphasizing its impact on brand reputation and employee morale. She outlined three levels of off-boarding: basic respectful farewells, thoughtful exits that build bridges, and transitions that foster ambassadorship. Through genuine execution of these off-boarding steps, she shared that employers can successfully transition a former employee into an ambassador of their company.
Session 4: RoMaine Jones-Wise – “LEGO Your Limits”
RoMaine KJ Wise delivered an interactive session on accountability, using LEGO as a metaphor for building strong leadership structures. She introduced a Venn diagram with three intersecting components—vision, communication, and culture—arguing that all are essential for accountable leadership. Wise facilitated audience participation through surveys and word clouds, revealing common challenges like “role creep” and “deflection.” She emphasized the importance of inclusive communication across various mediums and the need for leaders to be transparent, especially during difficult conversations. Wise offered strategies for rebuilding trust, including acknowledgment, collaborative solutions, and consistent follow-through. Her session concluded with actionable steps: conduct self-audits, align teams, and strengthen systems to ensure accountability is embedded throughout the organization.
In conclusion, each speaker from the 2025 GVFHRA Summit provided thoughtful insights and useful strategies for (future) HR professionals at all levels. Each speaker highlighted how leaders can use the building blocks of accountability, connection, and emerging technology to construct strong foundations for their organizations in a rapidly evolving world.
This post was authored by Abby Fortune and Alexis. Connect with Abby here!
