As HR professionals, we are often called upon to navigate difficult conversations, challenge the status quo, advocate for others, and make decisions that may not always be the most popular. But true leadership requires courage.

Join Jayhawk SHRM President-Elect Brook Donovan for an engaging and interactive session exploring what it means to practice Courageous HR. This discussion will challenge participants to step outside their personal comfort zones, understand the science behind why speaking up can feel difficult, and recognize the importance of breaking patterns of behavior that may be harmful to individuals or the organization.

Together, we will explore the ethics of doing the right thing—even when it is the unpopular choice—and discuss practical tools to help you confidently take a courageous stance. Whether you are advocating for organizational change, asking for a raise or additional resources, or simply seeking support from your team, this session will provide strategies to help you make the ask.

Brook will also guide participants through real-world “sticky situations” that require courage, encouraging thoughtful discussion and shared insights from fellow HR professionals.

Come ready to reflect, discuss, and walk away with practical strategies to become a more courageous HR leader.

Speaker: Brook Donovan, SHRM-SCP

Brook Donovan is an accomplished human resources professional with a passion for developing leaders, fostering ethical workplace cultures, and empowering individuals to bring courage and authenticity to their work. As the President-Elect of Jayhawk SHRM, Brook is committed to advancing the HR profession and creating meaningful opportunities for HR professionals to learn, connect, and grow.

Throughout her career, Brook has partnered with leaders and employees to navigate complex workplace challenges, facilitate difficult conversations, and drive solutions rooted in integrity and respect. Her approach to HR emphasizes the importance of speaking up, challenging harmful norms, and leading with courage—even when the path forward is uncomfortable.

In her presentation, Courageous HR, Brook draws on both professional experience and practical insights to help attendees recognize their own capacity for courageous leadership. Her engaging, discussion-based style encourages participants to examine real-world scenarios, share perspectives, and leave with actionable tools they can apply immediately within their organizations.

Who Should Attend

• HR Professionals at all levels
• Business leaders and decision-makers
• Anyone interested in behavioral psychology and decision-making

*SHRM and HRCI recertification credits pending approval.