Gehan "G" Haridy-Ardanowski
Founder and Creative Consultant at Golden Synergy Touch, LLC
Human Resources
Education: Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Training & Development (Oakland University) - Master of Science - Leadership (Central Michigan University)
Dallas, TX, USA
Biography
Gehan Haridy-Ardanowski (a.k.a. "G") is not only a national and virtual speaker, and bestselling author with a convo-starter name, but also has an equally robust background in human resources (HR) and lol career narrative to go with! She's known for her positive, “GOLDEN” personality/acronym, and wrote her first book, "FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONAL HR! 7 Ways to Humanize "Evil" Human Resources," based on a DisruptHR Talk she delivered in 2024. She's the Founder and Creative Consultant of Golden Synergy Touch, LLC, and her multi-industry journey spans 20+ years in HR, training, and recruiting roles with small and household-name companies, including Cintas, 7-Eleven, CVS, and Sara Lee.
In going from
↳ Bullied high school dropout
↳ College grad
↳ Corporate HR leader
↳ 6X laid-off/termed employee from “permanent” roles,
G empathizes with resilience, vulnerability, and challenges in favorably standing out. She has the unique distinction of having been on all sides of the table as recruiter/HR/consultant, AND job seeker! All to say, she “gets it” and her "creative, not imaginative," topsy-turvy, belly-laugh workplace journey couldn't be made up if she tried 😂
She provides a twofold approach to HR solutions: 1) Fractional/Project HR Consulting and Partnership, AND 2) Personal Branding strategy through her signature "Glum-Gray to Bold-YAY™ Pathway," aligning LinkedIn® and CliftonStrengths(Finder). All while pursuing her passion for edutaining on the speaking circuit and related podcast appearances.
*GO GOLDEN
~Grab Opportunities, Live Decisively, Empower a Network~
Passion
I live by and impart to others the fusion of two quotes: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" and "Go where you're celebrated and not tolerated"
My passions include writing, content creation, LinkedIn® training, 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 lingering impact.
And as a 17+ year LinkedIn® user, I could talk/train forever on this topic alone 😁
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 Herb Alpert - whose name periodically appears in my LinkedIn® headline)!
Best Story
I’ve got a library of stories, each with its own quirky twist 🤣—but a fan favorite has to be the Monday morning I stumbled into a networking event just an hour after being termed from a role I’d grappled with for two years…as a FINANCIAL ANALYST at PwC. (spoiler alert: not my jam)!
That morning in July 2013, 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 about being on the wrong seat on the bus (so to speak) 😉
And this WOW discovery wasn’t just eye-opening—it was igniting! A total game-changer that led me back into a career direction more aligned with who I really am.
Origin Story
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, "Work Your Quirk and Live Your Worth" (anticipated release Fall 2025)
Example talks
🙏 Feedback from "Captivated" Audiences (someone legit once used that word to describe my presentation 🤣)
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
🔥 Speaker Sizzle Reel - 2025
Link here, as Featured at the top of my Innovation Women Profile ➡️ https://bit.ly/44NNbiX
🎤 Excerpt from a Virtual Presentation - “Rich Experience, What’s Next? Using Your Strengths to Find Your Next Dream Job at Any Age.”
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
😈🤩 *TOPIC* From Satan to Sensational HR and Leadership
Based on the 5-Min. DisruptHR Talk AND subsequent bestselling book "FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONALHR! 7 Ways to Humanize "Evil" Human Resources," this bold, insightful presentation is designed to help teams rethink perceptions of HR and leadership, from fear-based to human-focused.
Through 7 relatable and actionable strategies, I guide audiences to build trust, spark collaboration, and turn everyday team interactions with HR and leadership into empowering experiences. If your team is ready to ditch the "evil HR" stigma and embrace a culture where people and performance thrive side by side, this one’s for you!
*This one's on HR and Leadership, but can be tailored to include their employees, too! Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Link to 5-Min. DisruptHR Talk inspiring the bestselling book and extended presentation ➡️ https://bit.ly/44iyHbP
🌶️ *TOPIC* Service with Sriracha! Bringing Your Sauce to...(HR; insert dept)
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 “Somethin’ 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
⚡ The Experience Edge: From Meh to Mojo in Today’s Workplace
Let’s face it: force-fed, flavor-of-the-month initiatives and cryptic communication leave employees feeling disconnected, and employers asking why they're not engaged, and even leave. Hmmm...😉
This bold, energizing session shows how to go from meh to mojo by cultivating overall workplace experiences, including those of candidates AND customers, that are sustainable, flexible, laughable, and tweetable! We’ll explore how aligning employee values with company mission creates real buy-in, and how shared messaging can turn your people into proud advocates - online, in meetings, and out in the world. Because when the experience is intentional, people don’t just fill a role—they fuel the culture!
*This one's on the topic of corporate culture and the alignment of employee engagement and advocacy. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
✨ Glum-Gray to Bold-YAY™: Aligning Strengths and LinkedIn Strategy for Personal Branding
This high-energy, informative session helps professionals escape the shadows of sameness by blending the power of harnessing your CliftonStrengths® and LinkedIn presence into a personal brand that’s authentic, magnetic, and memorable. Whether you’re job-seeking/career transitioning, leveling up in your current role and profession, or simply tired of being overlooked, this session will equip you to show up boldly — online and off — with a brand that truly reflects your worth.
*This one's on the topics of LinkedIn, CliftonStrengths, and personal branding. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
Everything is negotiable
Topics
Best Story
I’ve got a library of stories, each with its own quirky twist 🤣—but a fan favorite has to be the Monday morning I stumbled into a networking event just an hour after being termed from a role I’d grappled with for two years…as a FINANCIAL ANALYST at PwC. (spoiler alert: not my jam)!
That morning in July 2013, 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 about being on the wrong seat on the bus (so to speak) 😉
And this WOW discovery wasn’t just eye-opening—it was igniting! A total game-changer that led me back into a career direction more aligned with who I really am.
Origin Story
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, "Work Your Quirk and Live Your Worth" (anticipated release Fall 2025)
Example talks
🙏 Feedback from "Captivated" Audiences (someone legit once used that word to describe my presentation 🤣)
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
🔥 Speaker Sizzle Reel - 2025
Link here, as Featured at the top of my Innovation Women Profile ➡️ https://bit.ly/44NNbiX
🎤 Excerpt from a Virtual Presentation - “Rich Experience, What’s Next? Using Your Strengths to Find Your Next Dream Job at Any Age.”
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
😈🤩 *TOPIC* From Satan to Sensational HR and Leadership
Based on the 5-Min. DisruptHR Talk AND subsequent bestselling book "FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONALHR! 7 Ways to Humanize "Evil" Human Resources," this bold, insightful presentation is designed to help teams rethink perceptions of HR and leadership, from fear-based to human-focused.
Through 7 relatable and actionable strategies, I guide audiences to build trust, spark collaboration, and turn everyday team interactions with HR and leadership into empowering experiences. If your team is ready to ditch the "evil HR" stigma and embrace a culture where people and performance thrive side by side, this one’s for you!
*This one's on HR and Leadership, but can be tailored to include their employees, too! Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
Link to 5-Min. DisruptHR Talk inspiring the bestselling book and extended presentation ➡️ https://bit.ly/44iyHbP
🌶️ *TOPIC* Service with Sriracha! Bringing Your Sauce to...(HR; insert dept)
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 “Somethin’ 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
⚡ The Experience Edge: From Meh to Mojo in Today’s Workplace
Let’s face it: force-fed, flavor-of-the-month initiatives and cryptic communication leave employees feeling disconnected, and employers asking why they're not engaged, and even leave. Hmmm...😉
This bold, energizing session shows how to go from meh to mojo by cultivating overall workplace experiences, including those of candidates AND customers, that are sustainable, flexible, laughable, and tweetable! We’ll explore how aligning employee values with company mission creates real buy-in, and how shared messaging can turn your people into proud advocates - online, in meetings, and out in the world. Because when the experience is intentional, people don’t just fill a role—they fuel the culture!
*This one's on the topic of corporate culture and the alignment of employee engagement and advocacy. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!
✨ Glum-Gray to Bold-YAY™: Aligning Strengths and LinkedIn Strategy for Personal Branding
This high-energy, informative session helps professionals escape the shadows of sameness by blending the power of harnessing your CliftonStrengths® and LinkedIn presence into a personal brand that’s authentic, magnetic, and memorable. Whether you’re job-seeking/career transitioning, leveling up in your current role and profession, or simply tired of being overlooked, this session will equip you to show up boldly — online and off — with a brand that truly reflects your worth.
*This one's on the topics of LinkedIn, CliftonStrengths, and personal branding. Non-audience, non-industry specific (i.e. open to all)!