The energy was palpable as HR professionals from across Miami gathered for our Annual HR Insights Summit. With coffee in hand and business cards at the ready, attendees dove into a day of learning that would transform how they approach the human side of business. This year's event showcased cutting-edge discussions, industry expertise, and celebrated exceptional talent within our HR community.
AI's Role in Today's HR
"Will AI take my job?" It's the elephant in the room these days, isn't it? A standout session tackled this head-on with "Re-Imagining HR with AI," where experts helped demystify what artificial intelligence really means for HR professionals.
The timing couldn't have been more relevant. According to the Society for Human Resource Management's 2024 Talent Trends report, of the 1 in 4 organizations using AI for HR-related tasks, nearly two-thirds only began doing so in 2023. As our panelists pointed out, this means most companies have barely scratched the surface of AI's potential applications in human resources.
The statistics shared during the session were eye-opening:
- Nearly 2 in 3 companies now use AI to develop job descriptions
- More than 42% are using it to customize or target job postings to specific groups
- Around two-thirds leverage AI to review resumes, communicate with applicants during interviews, or automate candidate searches
- 30% of companies report that AI helps them better tap into underrepresented talent networks
When implemented thoughtfully, AI can help create more equitable hiring processes and free up HR professionals to focus on the human connections that really matter. Attendees discovered practical ways AI can eliminate tedious tasks and create space for what humans do best: connecting, understanding nuance, and making value-based decisions.
The consensus? AI isn't replacing HR, it's transforming how HR professionals work, allowing them to be more strategic and impactful than ever before.
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Celebrating the Humans in Human Resources: The HR INSIGHTS RING OF HONOR AWARDS
The highlight of our summit came when we turned the spotlight on the people who usually work behind the scenes to make others successful.
The HR INSIGHTS RING OF HONOR AWARDS wasn't just about trophies—it was about recognizing the tremendous impact HR leaders have on our organizations and community.
HR Executive of the Year: Michelle Eisner—The Culture Builder
Michelle Eisner, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at SBA Communications Corporation, was honored as HR Executive of the Year. This award recognizes an HR executive at the VP or CHRO level who has demonstrated extraordinary and visionary leadership in enhancing an organization's strategic approach to human capital.
Michelle is best known for her exceptional ability to support organizations through rapid scaling to secure competitive advantage, attract and retain key talent, and develop people-focused innovative initiatives that support business objectives and drive financial success. Her leadership experience spans public, private equity-backed, family-owned, and private sectors with complex labor relationships and regulatory requirements.
What makes Michelle's approach special is that she never loses sight of the human element. Her talent roadmap doesn't just drive business results (though it certainly does that); it creates an environment where meaningful connections flourish and employees feel truly valued.
HR Rising Star: Junia Jean Baptiste—A Journey of Growth and Impact
Junia Jean Baptiste, Senior Manager of HR Business Transformation at The ODP Corporation, received the HR Rising Star award. This recognition celebrates an HR professional at the Manager, Generalist, or HRBP level who has positively impacted their organization by enhancing its effectiveness, efficiency, performance, cost management, or profitability to address critical business challenges or opportunities.
Junia's impressive journey with The ODP Corporation began in August 2000, shortly after graduating high school. While a special assignment initially led her to a role in finance, her passion for helping others ultimately guided her to human resources, where she started as an HR Customer Service representative.
Following the Office Depot and OfficeMax merger in 2013, Junia played a pivotal role as an HR business partner, successfully navigating the complexities of integration. Her contributions have been instrumental in achieving HR strategies that support business growth and organizational excellence.
Looking Ahead
The Annual HR Insights Summit continues to be a crucial event for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, identifying and celebrating professionals who contribute to the betterment and success of our community. As we look ahead, the ideas shared and connections made at this summit will ripple throughout organizations across Miami. When HR professionals are inspired and equipped with new tools and perspectives, everyone benefits—from the C-suite to new hires.
For more information about the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events that could help you grow professionally and connect with our vibrant business community, visit our events page.