Event Details

Presenter - Rich Cruz, SHRM-CP, CMC, MBA, MSIOP 

Organizational Development has always centered on people, but in today’s world of  burnout, fast change, and unclear purpose, we need new ways to engage the human side of  transformation. This session introduces Hermie the HR Hermit Crab, a cartoon character and  natural change expert navigating the messy modern workplace. Using humor and visual  metaphor, we’ll explore how OD’s past wisdom (e.g., Schein’s artifacts and Lewin’s freeze unfreeze model) meets today’s need for psychological safety, analysis and diagnosis, narrative  intelligence, and transparent leadership. Participants will reflect on how storytelling can surface  hidden resistance, rebuild trust, and make complex change initiatives more human. 

Learning Objectives: 

1) Explore the use of metaphor and visual storytelling in OD 

2) Connect classic OD theories to modern-day culture and change challenges 

3) Use humor and emotional intelligence to support employees through disruption 

Business Outcomes: 

• Improved change readiness and communication 

• Reduced employee disengagement and turnover during transformation 

• Stronger leader–employee connection and cultural alignment