Jennifer Currence, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPC is the president of The Currence Group. The Currence Group specializes in training geared towards enhancing leadership development and management skills. They further specialize in HR related training and offer HR professionals a place to earn recertification credits online and on-demand. Jennifer is a certified career coach, a professor of management at the University of Tampa, has been recognized as a Thought Leader by the International Society of Performance Improvement, and was named the Tampa Bay HR Consultant of the Year for 2017.
In her work with SHRM, Jennifer has been published and featured in HR Magazine as well as featured in Fast Company magazine, HR.com, and BambooHR. She was an editor for SHRM's 2016 Learning System and is a writer of exam questions for the SHRM-SCP exam. Jennifer is also a regular speaker at regional, national, and international SHRM events and conferences and is the author of SHRM's eight-part behavioral competency book series: Making an Impact in Small Business.
Tell me a little bit about your background and how it led to your decision to champion and support the HR Department of One?
Jennifer: I spent seven years as an HRDOO for small organizations, and although we had less than 50 employees, we still had big company problems and intricate needs. It was one of the greatest growing opportunities in my career. Having spent time as an HRDOO, I lived the truth that the HR department is responsible for so much more than just hiring and firing, and the solo HR practitioner is often pulled in so many directions that it's hard to keep up with changing priorities in the profession. As a generalist, I have a love and knowledge for all things HR, and I also wanted to help business owners and other HRDOOs find the answers to their problems. So I started my own company that provides training and HR resources to small businesses. I now help others through my strong network. We there for HRDOOs when they need help, as I know (from experience!) that they often have little or no time to research. HRDOOs need immediate answers so they can attack the next situation on their desk.
Jennifer is presenting three different topics over the course of the conference, which include Business Acumen: A Workshop for HR Departments of One, How to Harness the Power of Intentional Communication as an HR DOO and The Top Five Priorities for an HR Department of One.
Can you give us some insight on what your presentations are all about? Where did the inspiration come from and what do you hope people can take out of it?
Jennifer: The Top Five Priorities for an HR Department of One was inspired by fellow SHRM speaker Dick Finnegan, who suggested doing a survey and presenting results. The survey, now in its 4th year, is really interesting as you see both the similarities year over year, as well as the changes. I present the findings with real world situations, and I include the comments (anonymously) in my presentations. Then I present situations and solutions that people can utilize. Lastly, I take it a step further, and facilitate a discussion of audience members who have experienced the same issues, and how they dealt with them. This presentation is unique because we crowd source solutions from attendees. It’s interactive, and you walk away with real solutions. This session is scheduled for June 23, 2019, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SHRM19 to take the 5 minute survey. Check out and plan all your concurrent sessions HERE.
Prior to the SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition (2019) Jennifer polled small-business HR professionals to identify the top issues they're facing in 2019. Attend her session to see how this year’s results compare to last year!
Developing Business Acumen is a preconference workshop for HR Departments of One where you can learn practical solutions for implementing skills in business acumen, critical evaluation and consultation in your job. Presented on Saturday June 22, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. For more information on some fantastic preconference workshops and sessions click HERE.
How to Harness the Power of Intentional Communication as an HR DOO is a presentation based on my 4th book, which is soon to be released! This session will give you information and guidance that enable you to intentionally control the power of your communication with all stakeholders. This session is scheduled for June 25, 2019, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Check out and plan all your concurrent sessions HERE.
What’s the best advice you’d give someone starting out as an HRDOO?
Jennifer: Learn the business. You’ve been hired because you know HR, but you’ll make the most impact by knowing the business. The rest will follow.
Given this conference is centered around Creating Better Workplaces, what about that particularly resonates with you?
Jennifer: I believe that HR is in a unique position to truly make an impact in the business. Use your knowledge of best people practices to help consult with senior management to help grow the business.
What should people be thinking about before they come to the conference to ensure get the most out it?
Jennifer: Accept the fact you’re going to be overwhelmed. Know you can’t do it all. Enjoy each moment where you are and try to soak as much in as you can.
Jenni Stone aka “Jenna” is a self-proclaimed HR Rockstar, SHRM Influencer, Trainer, Speaker, Podcaster and HR Analyst at Millennium Physician Group, one of the largest comprehensive independent physician groups with more than 550 healthcare providers located throughout Florida. For more than twenty years, Jenni has been immersed in the Human Resources industry, as a Recruiter, Generalist, HRIS Specialist, Project Manager and HR Consultant. Her experience includes the manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality & restaurant and staffing industries.
Jenni holds a Master’s degree in HR Management and is certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Jenni's diverse HR background has enabled her to bring an innovative, practical and fresh perspective to HR issues. Jenni also provides training and consulting to companies with minimal or no human resources within the organization. Jenni lived in Tampa Bay for over 25 years, and recently relocated to beautiful Travelers Rest, South Carolina. She’s a wife, mother to 2 beautiful grown children, and grandmother to 2. When she’s not doing “HR” she’s a personal chef, avid motorcyclist and singer.
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