Member since January 2024
Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski believes in the fusion of two mantras: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” and “Go where you’re celebrated and not tolerated.” Together, they reflect both the message she shares and the journey that brought her there.
G is a TEDx and DisruptHR speaker, Amazon bestselling author of FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONAL HR! 7 Ways to Humanize “Evil” Human Resources, and Principal HR & People Operations Consultant of Golden Synergy Touch, LLC. She brings 20+ years of multi-industry HR, recruiting, training, and consulting experience with organizations including Cintas, CVS, 7-Eleven, and Sara Lee. She has a knack for turning workplace topics into engaging conversations filled with practical takeaways, relatable stories, and a little Sriracha-style spice.
As a bullied kiddo turned high school dropout, 6X+ laid-off/transitioned employee, and now solopreneur, G knows firsthand that the most meaningful journeys are rarely linear. Through resilience, quirk, and personality, she creates edutaining experiences that leave audiences energized and inspired. Her talks give people permission to stop fitting in, start showing up fully, and build workplaces—and lives—that go from meh to mojo.
G holds various certifications, earned her B.S. in Human Resource Development from Oakland University, and MSA in Leadership from Central Michigan University. A Metro Detroit, MI native, she now lives in North Dallas, TX, where she’s currently writing book #2, Work Your Quirk and Live Your Worth.
And be sure to ask about meeting her husband while working at Cintas—and their workplace wedding!
I live by and impart to others the fusion of two mantras: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" and "Go where you're celebrated and not tolerated."
My passions include writing (Substack has become my outlet), content creation (Canva is my jam), LinkedIn® training (as an 18+ year user, I've seen plenty on the love/hate platform lol), and delivering virtual and in-person talks on topics that inspire and empower others to take meaningful action and discover their own potential to make a lasting impact.
On a more personal note, dance/music - I started dancing at the age of 3, was in high school show choir, a certified Zumba instructor, and some of my quirky trivia includes an eclectic taste in music (including ol' school Herb Alpert and bossa nova)!
One Monday morning—July 8, 2013, to be exact—I headed straight to a breakfast networking event one mere hour after being let go from a role I’d struggled in for two years: FINANCIAL ANALYST at PwC. (NOTE: Spreadsheets and analytics weren’t my jam then, and aren’t now!)
Among friends at that event, I was introduced to StrengthsFinder (now CliftonStrengths). I took the assessment a week later, and when “Analytical” came in at #30 out of 34—later solidified at #34 on a retake—it confirmed what I’d suspected all along: I’d parked myself in the wrong seat on the bus, so to speak. 😉
That WOW discovery wasn’t just eye-opening; it was igniting! It became a total game-changer, helping steer me back toward work more aligned with who I really am and how I’m naturally wired.
And the story didn’t end there. Nearly 13 years later, in March 2026, that pivotal moment became an integral part of my first TEDx Talk! It also let me turn a career setback and a powerful self-discovery into a story that encourages others to embrace what makes them unique and find the seat where they truly belong.
Link to the TEDx Talk: What My Hair Taught Me About Fitting In ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syvS0IH3Do0&list=PL2WHRTJZiFGjFUXv1bXQgpPK9O7CcUSy7
My lifelong public speaking journey started at age 13, and I won 1st place in a statewide MI forensics competition (MIFA) for a Roald Dahl "Revolting Rhymes" monologue (the book's twisted version of Cinderella involving the chopping of heads is a convo starter, to say the least) 🤣
As a Metro Detroit, MI native, I currently reside in North Dallas, Texas, with my husband, whom I met 20 years ago while working together at Cintas (ask me about our workplace wedding)!
Lastly, as a longtime trainer and speaker, I'm psyched to add value as I continue to grow and glow on the professional speaking circuit, while writing my second book.
The only feeling better than wrapping up a presentation you hope has made an impact is when your audience lets you know it did!
Here are a few things people have shared about me:
"If you get the chance to book her as a speaker, DO IT!"
"She gave an engaging talk that hit on the perfect number of items to be memorable and powerful."
"I received excellent feedback on both the content and Gehan's presentation style."
"Gehan is a polished presenter keeping the participants engaged and making the event interactive, which many people appreciated."
"Whether she's sharing her knowledge through video, live presentations, or writing, G brings creativity and golden expertise to everything she does."
"If you are looking for an inspirational speaker at your next event, I highly recommend connecting with G to energize your audience."
See "Testimonials" on my LinkedIn Profile for more ➡️ https://bit.ly/45OIPu0
Link here, as Featured at the top of my Innovation Women Profile ➡️ https://bit.ly/44NNbiX
Link here for this < 3-min. video is a sample from a virtual presentation I gave on February 17, 2024, courtesy of Brenda Meller @ Meller Marketing - details and video on my YouTube channel ➡️ https://youtu.be/bUtv0wMUlX8
This lively and edutaining session invites you to scrap the bland and serve the bold by leveraging your unique strengths and authenticity to create more human-centered workplaces. Just as Sriracha adds a little bit of somethin’ to many foods, you add your own personal flavor to your work. Through stories, strategies, and spicy metaphors, you'll (re)discover your own Signature "Sig" Sauce and how to pour it generously into your practices. Expect laughs, a-ha’s, and a renewed sense of purpose!
*An expansion of a 5-min. DisruptHR Talk, this one's on the topic of personal branding. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Link to 5-Min. DisruptHR Talk inspiring the extended presentation ➡️ https://bit.ly/45HY0oF
Have you been sloooow to jump on the AI train? Who knew that AI doesn’t have to be cold, complicated, or even creepy! Drawing from her own growth journey with AI and her empathetic, “meet you where you’re at”-approach, G’s quirky session makes demystifying AI easier — and warmer. Regardless of your role, reduce the overwhelm and learn small, actionable steps that keep empathy, trust, and culture at the core, leaving with confidence to embrace “big-hearted AI” and inspire others to learn, too!
*This one's on the topic of AI, and the importance of leadership and HR adoption for employee ease and understanding. Tailored toward leadership and anyone in a supervisory role and above, non-industry/title/department-specific (the more, the merrier)!
Ditch the dusty, forgettable LinkedIn® profile and start showing up like the memorable, magnetic professional you are.
In this high-energy, informative session, you'll learn how to HUMANIZE, OPTIMIZE, and ENERGIZE your LinkedIn® presence so it reflects your true value—professionally and personally. Whether you're navigating a career transition, leveling up in your current role, or just plain tired of blending in, this session guides you from Glum-Gray to BOLD-YAY™ with simple, strategic moves that help your profile—and personality—pop.
You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps to attract attention, spark opportunity, and shine online!
*Taken in part from G's signature foundation-up program "Glum-Gray to BOLD-YAY™ Pathway" this one aligns LinkedIn® fundamentals with personal branding strategy. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Force-fed, flavor-of-the-month initiatives and cryptic communication leave employees feeling disconnected.
Based on insights, humor, and energy from G’s 20+ years in multi-industry HR and more, you’ll learn how aligning employee values with company mission builds buy-in, shifts teams “From Meh to Mojo,” and empowers employees to advocate with pride: online, in meetings, and beyond.
This session moves beyond buzzwords and into practical strategy—helping HR pros and leaders transform workplace culture through everyday interactions, rituals, and intentional messaging. You’ll explore how employee experience isn’t just about what happens on the first day or at the annual retreat—it’s shaped daily, in moments that are sustainable, flexible, laughable (yes, fun matters!), and tweetable (worth sharing).
*This one's on employee engagement and workplace mojo. Tailored toward leadership and anyone in a supervisory role and above, non-industry/title/department-specific (the more, the merrier)!
Ever felt like you've spent years smoothing, shrinking, or twisting yourself into who you thought you “should” be? Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to tighten our grip—to be more polished, agreeable, or acceptable—often at the expense of who we naturally are.
Shaped by years of lived experience navigating identity, resilience, and internalized pressure, this relatable session explores unknotting ourselves to become the CURL we're naturally intended to be. Through storytelling, humor, and a 4-part CURL approach (Courage, Uniqueness, Resilience, Lift), you'll discover practical ways to build self-trust, release expectations, and show up more fully and naturally—without over-adjusting to fit in.
Expect reflection, a-ha moments, and permission to stop managing yourself so tightly and start embracing the value you already bring.
*Inspired by, and an expansion of, G’s TEDx Talk and focuses on authenticity, confidence, and showing up fully. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
One Monday morning—July 8, 2013, to be exact—I headed straight to a breakfast networking event one mere hour after being let go from a role I’d struggled in for two years: FINANCIAL ANALYST at PwC. (NOTE: Spreadsheets and analytics weren’t my jam then, and aren’t now!)
Among friends at that event, I was introduced to StrengthsFinder (now CliftonStrengths). I took the assessment a week later, and when “Analytical” came in at #30 out of 34—later solidified at #34 on a retake—it confirmed what I’d suspected all along: I’d parked myself in the wrong seat on the bus, so to speak. 😉
That WOW discovery wasn’t just eye-opening; it was igniting! It became a total game-changer, helping steer me back toward work more aligned with who I really am and how I’m naturally wired.
And the story didn’t end there. Nearly 13 years later, in March 2026, that pivotal moment became an integral part of my first TEDx Talk! It also let me turn a career setback and a powerful self-discovery into a story that encourages others to embrace what makes them unique and find the seat where they truly belong.
Link to the TEDx Talk: What My Hair Taught Me About Fitting In ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syvS0IH3Do0&list=PL2WHRTJZiFGjFUXv1bXQgpPK9O7CcUSy7
My lifelong public speaking journey started at age 13, and I won 1st place in a statewide MI forensics competition (MIFA) for a Roald Dahl "Revolting Rhymes" monologue (the book's twisted version of Cinderella involving the chopping of heads is a convo starter, to say the least) 🤣
As a Metro Detroit, MI native, I currently reside in North Dallas, Texas, with my husband, whom I met 20 years ago while working together at Cintas (ask me about our workplace wedding)!
Lastly, as a longtime trainer and speaker, I'm psyched to add value as I continue to grow and glow on the professional speaking circuit, while writing my second book.
The only feeling better than wrapping up a presentation you hope has made an impact is when your audience lets you know it did!
Here are a few things people have shared about me:
"If you get the chance to book her as a speaker, DO IT!"
"She gave an engaging talk that hit on the perfect number of items to be memorable and powerful."
"I received excellent feedback on both the content and Gehan's presentation style."
"Gehan is a polished presenter keeping the participants engaged and making the event interactive, which many people appreciated."
"Whether she's sharing her knowledge through video, live presentations, or writing, G brings creativity and golden expertise to everything she does."
"If you are looking for an inspirational speaker at your next event, I highly recommend connecting with G to energize your audience."
See "Testimonials" on my LinkedIn Profile for more ➡️ https://bit.ly/45OIPu0
Link here, as Featured at the top of my Innovation Women Profile ➡️ https://bit.ly/44NNbiX
Link here for this < 3-min. video is a sample from a virtual presentation I gave on February 17, 2024, courtesy of Brenda Meller @ Meller Marketing - details and video on my YouTube channel ➡️ https://youtu.be/bUtv0wMUlX8
This lively and edutaining session invites you to scrap the bland and serve the bold by leveraging your unique strengths and authenticity to create more human-centered workplaces. Just as Sriracha adds a little bit of somethin’ to many foods, you add your own personal flavor to your work. Through stories, strategies, and spicy metaphors, you'll (re)discover your own Signature "Sig" Sauce and how to pour it generously into your practices. Expect laughs, a-ha’s, and a renewed sense of purpose!
*An expansion of a 5-min. DisruptHR Talk, this one's on the topic of personal branding. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Link to 5-Min. DisruptHR Talk inspiring the extended presentation ➡️ https://bit.ly/45HY0oF
Have you been sloooow to jump on the AI train? Who knew that AI doesn’t have to be cold, complicated, or even creepy! Drawing from her own growth journey with AI and her empathetic, “meet you where you’re at”-approach, G’s quirky session makes demystifying AI easier — and warmer. Regardless of your role, reduce the overwhelm and learn small, actionable steps that keep empathy, trust, and culture at the core, leaving with confidence to embrace “big-hearted AI” and inspire others to learn, too!
*This one's on the topic of AI, and the importance of leadership and HR adoption for employee ease and understanding. Tailored toward leadership and anyone in a supervisory role and above, non-industry/title/department-specific (the more, the merrier)!
Ditch the dusty, forgettable LinkedIn® profile and start showing up like the memorable, magnetic professional you are.
In this high-energy, informative session, you'll learn how to HUMANIZE, OPTIMIZE, and ENERGIZE your LinkedIn® presence so it reflects your true value—professionally and personally. Whether you're navigating a career transition, leveling up in your current role, or just plain tired of blending in, this session guides you from Glum-Gray to BOLD-YAY™ with simple, strategic moves that help your profile—and personality—pop.
You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps to attract attention, spark opportunity, and shine online!
*Taken in part from G's signature foundation-up program "Glum-Gray to BOLD-YAY™ Pathway" this one aligns LinkedIn® fundamentals with personal branding strategy. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Force-fed, flavor-of-the-month initiatives and cryptic communication leave employees feeling disconnected.
Based on insights, humor, and energy from G’s 20+ years in multi-industry HR and more, you’ll learn how aligning employee values with company mission builds buy-in, shifts teams “From Meh to Mojo,” and empowers employees to advocate with pride: online, in meetings, and beyond.
This session moves beyond buzzwords and into practical strategy—helping HR pros and leaders transform workplace culture through everyday interactions, rituals, and intentional messaging. You’ll explore how employee experience isn’t just about what happens on the first day or at the annual retreat—it’s shaped daily, in moments that are sustainable, flexible, laughable (yes, fun matters!), and tweetable (worth sharing).
*This one's on employee engagement and workplace mojo. Tailored toward leadership and anyone in a supervisory role and above, non-industry/title/department-specific (the more, the merrier)!
Ever felt like you've spent years smoothing, shrinking, or twisting yourself into who you thought you “should” be? Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to tighten our grip—to be more polished, agreeable, or acceptable—often at the expense of who we naturally are.
Shaped by years of lived experience navigating identity, resilience, and internalized pressure, this relatable session explores unknotting ourselves to become the CURL we're naturally intended to be. Through storytelling, humor, and a 4-part CURL approach (Courage, Uniqueness, Resilience, Lift), you'll discover practical ways to build self-trust, release expectations, and show up more fully and naturally—without over-adjusting to fit in.
Expect reflection, a-ha moments, and permission to stop managing yourself so tightly and start embracing the value you already bring.
*Inspired by, and an expansion of, G’s TEDx Talk and focuses on authenticity, confidence, and showing up fully. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
