Greg Brenner

University of Miami

What I do: As the Associate Vice President of Talent and Organizational Development within Human Resources I sit on the HR Leadership Team reporting to the CHRO/VP of Human Resources for the University of Miami. In addition to that team, I sit on the Executive HR Leadership team for UHealth & the Miller School of Medicine (the only academic medical center in the region) reporting the CHRO/VP of HR.  

I have the honor to lead the Talent & Organizational Development team as we get to partner with leadership and staff across "the U" and our academic healthcare system to conduct strategic planning sessions, design and run employee experiences such as I am the U and We Care which is our first-day orientation programs, executive coaching, team-building and intervention facilitation, change management/leadership, organizational design, conflict resolution, along with leadership and staff development programs. My team and I also administer our talent management and engagement program.

I have a wonderful and dedicated team who make this work come alive, every day at the highest levels. They truly make a difference and do their part together to transform lives at the U!

Associate Vice President Human Resources - Talent & Organizational Development 

As the Assistant Vice President of Talent and Organizational Development within HR I sit on the HR Leadership Team reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources. 

This wonderful group of people I am lucky to lead is fortunate to partner with leadership across "the U" and our academic healthcare system to conduct strategic planning sessions, design and run employee experiences such as I am the U which is our first-day orientation program, executive coaching, team-building and intervention facilitation, change management and leadership, organizational design, conflict resolution, along with leadership and staff development programs. We also administer our engagement survey among other duties as assigned.

I am so lucky to have a very dedicated team who make this work come alive, every day at the highest levels, they make a difference and do their part together and transform lives at the U!

Assistant Vice President,                            Human Resources - Talent and Org. Development

Talent and Organizational Development (TOD) serves the University community on all things cultural, setting the stage and enabling leaders to create the right work environment in making the University a great place to work, learn, and grow. A part of engagement is talent management, which is creating structure around succession planning and career paths in addition to  interpreting employee surveys that can bring about positive change. Another large part of TOD is diversity and inclusion. Understanding that diversity of thought and backgrounds is what makes UM s special place to be is in the fabric of this organization. 

Organizational Development (OD) also serves the entire University community, largely working with leaders and their teams from strategic planning, team building, change management, team interventions, and one-on-one executive coaching. OD gets to the heart of issues and helps teams work through their differences in a proactive and professional manner. Confidentiality and trust, when working with leaders, is the staple of OD.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by truly talented professionals who are the fuel to the success of Talent and Organizational Development. These same people find their passion in training, development, and diversity with the only focus being on how to help others succeed and grow.

Executive Director of Talent & Organizational Development - Human Resources

Organizational Development is part of Workforce Engagement and Development at the University of Miami. OD at the University assists leaders, faculty and staff through change initiatives, strategic planning, and coaching. The OD team is committed to being an internal consultant and strategic partner.

Director of Organizational Development - Human Resources

Today's organizations operate in a rapidly changing environment. Consequently, the long term viability of any organization is its ability to effectively manage these changes, and the impact of these changes on its most important asset…its people. Organizational Development (OD) strategies assist leadership in building team strengths that improves and sustains organizational performance and efficiency.

Organizational Development Specialist - Human Resources

Everyday People by The HR Dad

Everyday People Podcast - By The HR Dad is about Everyday People and their Real Stories! Listen to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information thehrdad.com.

Extraordinary things happen all around us, all the time, with everyday people just like you and me. We are all Smack Dab in the Middle of Life and this is where the magic happens. Behind every individual, there is a great big story. My podcast is dedicated to telling your big story.

Podcaster - Everyday People Podcast - By The HR Dad

The HR Dad

You know how people struggle with their personal lives at the intersection of navigating their professional career? We all know people who have this struggle. If this is you, you must know you are never alone. 

Many times people feel fractured, invisible and undervalued at home and or at work. I use the power of storytelling, humor, and authenticity to help people grow and believe. From my experience as a Dad, and as an HR leader, I give practical advice to begin to fill up the fractured cup of fulfillment. 

I love to write, think, speak and coach about the lessons learned from home and work. Leaders matter, people matter and you certainly matter!

Applebee's / Applesauce Inc.

As Regional HR Manager, I was responsible for the HR functions of an area of over 900 employees. I reported directly to the COO and VP of HR, and had a close working relationship with the Director of Operations for our area in South Florida.

My responsibilities included handling sensitive information investigations, recruiting, leadership and  compliance training.

Regional HR Manager

Gables Restaurant Management

I was the operating partner in this business venture.  I ran the day to day operations that included financials, hiring, training, marketing, quality assurance, and team building.

President

Applebee's

As the Training General Manager, I was responsible for the day to day operations of this business while managing a staff of over 60 employees. In this role, I was also charged with the training of new managers.

Training General Manager

Recognized as one of the 2021 TOP 50 Most Impactful People of LinkedIn by Ahmad Iman. I am also known as The HR Dad and a thought leader whose mission is to Serve & Inspire Others So That People can Grow. I am a good kind of obsessed with building great work environments so that people can succeed in all facets of their life.   

I am the author of the Smack Dab in the Middle of Life series. My passions are with all things people. In collaboration with my incredible wife, I have two wonderful kids, a nineteen-year-old son and a sixteen-year-old daughter who make me distinctly qualified to be the Dad. 

At work, I support a wonderful team who has taught me to learn, inspire and grow as the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Talent and Organizational Development at the fantastic University of Miami and Health System – UHealth. 

I cherish the time to write about HR, leadership, daily life. Thanks to my team, colleagues, network, and family, I always have plenty of material. Writer’s block is never a problem. Some say I can be very funny, sometimes serious but always authentic. 

👀 Specialties: 
Executive coaching • organizational development • listening • strategic planning/thinking • fun • the employee experience • culture transformation • human resources • recruiting • hiring • compensation negotiations • employee relations • conflict resolution & interventions • operations • leadership training and team building.🌞

Amy Blaschka

House of Colour USA

Looking to elevate your presence? 

I can help.

Imagine walking into a room feeling confident, empowered, and absolutely certain you were projecting an image that aligned with and expressed your individuality.

That’s the power of color and style analysis.

As an expert image consultant with House of Colour, I’ve gone through extensive training to learn our science-based color analysis process, teach you our famous 90-second makeup routine, and identify your unique style profile based on your individual body geometrics combined with your one-of-a-kind personality.

We like to say we’re celebrators of individuality and curators of confidence. 

I’d love to help you experience the transformative power of color and style analysis and share the life-changing knowledge and tools to shine as your most confident, unique, and authentic self.

Franchise Owner & Professional Image Consultant, North Pleasanton

AmyBlaschka.com

A social media ghostwriter? Yep, that was my thing.

Simply put, I helped founders craft their stories to communicate and connect better.

(Think personal branding and thought leadership.)

Here’s the counterintuitive truth: sharing your wisdom doesn’t diminish your impact; it amplifies it. And the best way to magnify your message is to harness the power and reach of social media.

As a social media ghostwriter, I shaped my client's stories and insights into compelling posts to elevate their presence, positioning them as experts, drawing others (clients, partners, talent, or investors) to them, and clarifying their distinct points of view.

The process was pretty simple: we had a weekly call where they would share what was going on in their world; I listened, asked questions, and took copious notes. I made the magic happen and sent them their ghostwritten posts. Rinse and repeat. Easy peasy.

I also wove together my clients' personal and professional experiences to write engaging, original, and authentic career stories that aligned with and supported their personal brands and thought leadership, positioning them for success.

Because once you have your story, it changes everything—including how others perceive, pay, partner with, and promote you.

But don’t take my word for it; listen to my happy clients:

“Amy hears the spaces between words and listens through to your passion. She captures what you say in ways you might not have been able to say for or about yourself. She is inspiring, warm, funny, and incredibly, incredibly good at what she does.”

“You are beyond brilliant! I value your open feedback and impactful suggestions. You capture what I want to communicate and, at the same time, capture how I connect with people. Thank you!”

“That post you wrote resulted in three new clients! I know you’re not writing sales copy, but this ghostwriting program has definitely upped my brand and brought in new biz.”

Social Media Ghostwriter

Forbes

I wrote for Forbes.com under Leadership and Careers, covering personal transformation and its impact on career growth. Below are links to some of my most popular articles.

Contributor

Visit Tri-Valley

What does being a tourism leader have to do with being a ghostwriter, thinking partner or image consultant?

Plenty. Stay with me.

This role was all about transformation and communication. About seeing what’s possible and working collectively and collaboratively to build a shared future. 

Positioning, branding, messaging, storytelling, engagement, and connection…all the elements I now use to help leaders I employed for a slightly different client: a regional destination.

And if you’re curious about some of the highlights during my tenure as CEO of a destination marketing organization, feel free to read on…

Key Accomplishments:

► I developed a new destination brand strategy for Tri-Valley, California that resulted in positive, enhanced media coverage.
► I leveraged our “internal agency” talent to integrate traditional marketing vehicles, new media and public relations efforts to create a compelling story to drive target customers to choose Tri-Valley as a meeting, event and leisure destination.
► I consistently delivered and communicated organizational results to regional partners and stakeholders, including year-over-year growth in sales (111% of goal), media impressions (804% of goal), and web site statistics (119% of goal).
► I successfully created two tourism business improvement districts (TBIDs) — including California's first multi-jurisdictional, cross-county district — that became the organization’s primary funding source, doubled its operating budget and increased its territory by 20%.
► I consolidated and renewed two TBIDs which doubled the assessment level and enjoyed 15% more voting strength approval than at district formation.

President & CEO

Enterprise IG (now Brand Union)

I served as account team leader responsible for building client consensus and motivating creative, production, and account management personnel. I led internal and external coordination of all aspects of strategic packaging and brand identity programs.

My clients included: Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, Beringer Wine Estates, Brown-Forman, Campbell's Soup Company, The Coca-Cola Company, General Mills, International Paper, Lipton, Morningstar/Suiza, and Nestlé.

Key Accomplishments:
► I drove strategic initiatives and solutions to create a consistent and relevant brand presence through the management of creative development, response to marketplace trends, and competitive analysis.
► I led research programs to determine consumer needs and acceptance of current and proposed product concepts in order to meet business goals and maximize sales.
► I generated new business from existing and new client base through relationship building and the development and delivery of client presentations, pitches and proposals.

Senior Account Manager

Landor Associates

I partnered with my clients to help them create, renew, and strengthen their consumer brand power using a multidisciplinary range of brand strategy and creative services.

My clients included: Albertson’s, Busch Entertainment Corporation (SeaWorld), Coors Brewing Company, Exploratorium, Pepsi, Suiza Foods, Sunkist Growers, Taco Bell

Key Accomplishments:
► Identified and analyzed corporations’ business and communication issues, developed communication strategies and brand positioning platforms to address these issues, and articulated and promoted these strategies to corporations’ executive management
► Directed the implementation of brand strategies through proactive management of design development, schedules, budgets, suppliers, personnel, and clients
► Drove new business development effort for consumer brand group through relationship building and the development and delivery of client presentations, pitches and proposals

Branding Consultant

Young & Rubicam

Agency point person responsible for the execution of advertising plan across various media through management of creative development, personnel, budgets, schedules, vendors and clients. 

My clients included: Birdseye, The Clorox Company, First Nationwide Bank and Kraft Foods

Account Coordinator

I’ve made a career offering “stories as a service.”

From my degree in film and over three decades spent branding products, places, and people to founding my strategic writing practice and becoming an expertly trained image consultant, I’ve always understood the power of weaving a compelling tale.

Part of that story is told verbally (i.e., through your words ), and part is told visually.

Together, they form your personal brand and thought leadership.

From how you present yourself at the office to what you share on social media, the way you show up matters.

Let’s make sure you're telling your intended story.

For years as a social media ghostwriter, I helped shape people's stories and insights into compelling posts to position them as experts, draw others (clients, partners, talent, or investors) to them, and clarify their distinct points of view.

Today, as your professional image consultant, I’ll help you discover your best palette and style of clothes, accessories, glasses, hair, and makeup that enhances your natural coloring and unique personality to boost your confidence so you shine.

My gift is bringing out the best in others, empowering them to show up as their authentic selves and share themselves with the world in a meaningful way.

I help leaders elevate their presence, magnifying their impact.

And I’d love to help you elevate yours.

_______

LET’S WORK TOGETHER: Learn more at https://www.houseofcolour.com/stylists/amy-blaschka-north-pleasanton-california

Specialties:

► Image consulting
► Personal color analysis
► Personal style analysis
► Executive presence
► Personal branding
_______

WANT MORE?
✅ Connect with me on Instagram: @hoc.trivalley.amyblaschka

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Greg Brenner

Amy Blaschka

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