Taking the Leap: A Year Without Pay in Pursuit of Shaping The Future of Work

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Imagine a year without pay, a bold sacrifice to invest in a transformative journey that challenges the status quo of work. In this article, we delve into the challenges and rewards of this audacious move, driven by a shared purpose to create more humane workplaces.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, there exists a delicate balance between the challenges we face and the rewards we reap. It is a journey fueled by passion, driven by determination, and bound by the courage to take bold risks. Today, my business partner Thomas and I find ourselves at the precipice of such a journey as we embark on an extraordinary endeavor: going a year without pay to invest a significant amount of our savings in the upcoming Horizon Summit.

Set to take place on the 14th and 15th of November in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Horizon Summit is a transformative event, serving as a platform for CHROs and senior HR leaders to reimagine the future of work and human capability.

It represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for these esteemed professionals to convene, connect, and delve into the latest trends in employee experience, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the future of work, talent strategies, leadership, and an array of other critical topics.

Why are we willingly taking on this immense challenge?

The answer lies in the fundamental shift that has occurred within the realm of work. We stand witness to the dawn of a new era, one where the well-being of individuals and the nurturing of humane workplaces have taken center stage.

The impact of these transformations extends beyond individuals themselves, rippling through their families and ultimately reverberating within society as a whole. It is our unwavering belief that it is high time for HR’s New Horizon to rise.

Undoubtedly, our path is not an easy one. The decision to forego a year of pay is laden with uncertainty and potential pitfalls. Yet, it is precisely this audacious leap into the unknown that will allow us to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals. By investing our all into the Horizon Summit, we are investing in the creation of a future that thrives on empathy, compassion, and genuine concern for the well-being of employees.

Throughout this arduous journey, we have been fortunate to receive an outpouring of support from an extraordinary international-speaking faculty. Legends in the field, such as Dr. Dave Ulrich, the father of modern HR, and Michele Zanini, co-author of “Humanocracy,” have wholeheartedly embraced our mission together with a truly stellar speaking faculty, to whom I am immensely grateful. Their involvement serves as a testament to the significance of the Horizon Summit and the immense potential it holds.

Moreover, we have been humbled by the early backing of like-minded sponsors who share our vision. Organizations such as Visier, and Workhuman who have recognized the critical importance of creating more humane workplaces, have partnered with us in our endeavor. Their alignment with our mission not only strengthens our resolve but also reaffirms the collective determination to bring about lasting change.

It is worth noting that our endeavor to create the Horizon Summit builds upon the strong foundation of The HR Congress World Summit Series, which has been a prominent force in connecting the HR community since 2016. With over 20 years of experience in organizing thought leadership HR events in Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Sydney, London, and many more cities around the world, we have established a legacy of fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the HR industry.

The Horizon Summit represents a natural progression in our journey, as we expand upon our past successes and venture into new territory. By leveraging our extensive network and drawing upon the expertise gained through years of organizing transformative events, we are confident in our ability to create a truly impactful and unforgettable experience for CHROs and senior HR leaders.

With this rich background in mind, we are poised to make the Horizon Summit an event that goes beyond the ordinary. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing the field of HR and shaping the future of work. We invite you to join us as we embark on this momentous endeavor, building upon our past achievements and propelling the HR community into a new era of possibilities.

As we stand on the cusp of the Horizon Summit, we urge you to join us in this inspiring journey. Let us set aside our reservations, embrace the spirit of risk-taking, and seize the extraordinary opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can shape a future where the workplace is a sanctuary for individuals to flourish, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The challenges may be formidable, but the rewards of creating a more humane world of work are immeasurable. By embracing this audacious path, we have the power to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. So, let us unite, dream big, and step into HR’s New Horizon together.

The journey awaits. Join us!