Villanova HRD Fall Development Series Recap - Fall 2025
- villanovahrd
- 42 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This semester, Villanova HRD and the Villanova SHRM student chapter, VUSHRM, co-hosted a free hybrid development series. This series included various HR related topics and many students, faculty, and HR professionals from around the country were able to partake in this learning. Here is a recap of the Fall sessions!
Session 1: Communication is a Matter of Life and Death
The series opened with a session that challenged participants to rethink communication as more than the exchange of words. We explored the idea that communication is the movement of meaning from one mind to another, shaped by perception, interpretation, memory, and culture.
Breaking the Myths
Participants examined common myths, such as the belief that communication is simple or purely about transmitting information. Instead, communication is a complex, reciprocal process. Interpretation, not intention, determines meaning. Visual illusions and real-world examples illustrated how perception is a choice and how cultural and personal experiences shape understanding.
Mode, Medium, and Memory
The session also introduced the concepts of mode and medium, emphasizing how design choices, storytelling, and cultural practices shape how messages are created and received. Memory (genetic, cultural, and technical) emerged as a powerful form of communication that influences identity and connection across time.
The session concluded with a reminder that communication is not something we simply do. It reflects who we are and how we make meaning together.
Session 2: Yes, AND! What HR Can Learn from Theatre
Energy and creativity filled the room during the second session, which highlighted how the world of theatre offers valuable lessons for HR professionals. As the theatre industry increasingly formalizes HR roles, the crossover in skills has become clear.
Improv as a Workplace Tool
Using Tina Fey’s Four Rules of Improv: say yes, say yes and, make statements, and view mistakes as opportunities; participants explored how these principles strengthen collaboration, trust, and psychological safety. The session emphasized that embracing imperfection allows teams to learn faster and communicate more openly.
Roleplaying and Playfulness
Roleplaying emerged as a practical tool for preparing for difficult conversations, boosting emotional intelligence, and understanding others’ perspectives. Participants also reflected on the value of adult play, from warm-up games to team activities, in building connection and reducing workplace stress.
The session wrapped with actionable advice on curiosity, authenticity, and gratitude; essential practices for any HR leader navigating human complexity.
Session 3: How to Foster a Healthier Workplace Through HR
The final session focused on employee well-being and the evolving responsibility HR holds in shaping workplaces where people can thrive. Participants explored the shift from checklist-style wellness to holistic, lifestyle-based approaches.
Thriving vs. Surviving
Attendees reflected on the distinction between employees who are “just getting by” versus those who feel energized and engaged. HR has the power to influence which experience people have through policies, environment, and supportive resources.
Designing Inclusive and Accessible Wellness
The session emphasized the importance of personalization in wellness programs. Accessible resources, clear communication, and strong champions at all levels of the organization help create cultures where well-being feels approachable rather than intimidating.
Additional discussions focused on simplifying the healthcare experience, distinguishing between policy and culture, and leveraging incentives to increase participation. The KISS framework (Keep, Improve, Start, Stop) provided a grounding tool for evaluating current practices.
Key Themes Across the Series
Across all three sessions, a few themes consistently emerged:
• Communication is interpretive, social, and central to how we understand one another.
• Creativity and curiosity build stronger relationships and teams.
• Holistic well-being is a strategic advantage and a marker of effective leadership.
• Culture change is intentional work, driven by leaders and sustained through shared effort.
Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the fall. Your engagement and insight made this series a meaningful part of our HRD community. We look forward to continuing this momentum during the spring series!
Be sure to check our socials for updates on our Spring 2026 Development Series!
Instagram: @Villanova_HRD
Facebook: Villanova HRD
Twitter: @Villanovahrd
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/villanovahrd
