084: Poetry, Hip Hop, and HR: Creativity and Leading in the Future of Work With Arend Boersema

Ever thought of poetry as a tool for revolutionizing our thought process and sparking creativity? Well, our esteemed guest, Arend Boersema, a human resources leader, hip-hop enthusiast, spoken word poet, and writer, helps us unravel this unique concept. He passionately talks about how his journey in writing, particularly during the trying times of the pandemic, became an emotional outlet that eventually led to the creation of his book "Poetry at the Heart of Business."

Arend’s rich global experiences shaped his unique identity and seeped into his work. He explains how his transition from globetrotting to settling in Rochester, New York, brought about culture shock, especially dealing with the harsh winters. He shares how he embraced different cultures he was exposed to and how these experiences have influenced his writing. His love for hip-hop, specifically, has been a significant influence on his style of writing. His book intriguingly explores company culture and the overall employee experience.

In the final part of our conversation, Arend tells us about his innovative approach of using spoken word poetry and hip-hop for change management. He uniquely incorporates haikus into retreats and summits and uses the power of call-and-response concepts to foster a sense of community. He ends the discussion by sharing his perspective on life's opportunities and challenges and underlines how different viewpoints can lead to growth and change. This episode is a fascinating blend of art, creativity, and leadership that you wouldn't want to miss. Tune in and let's explore the power of poetry together!

Show Highlights:

The influence of hip-hop and poetry on HR leadership Using spoken word poetry as a tool for change management The impact of different cultures on Arend's identity and writing style The use of haikus and call-and-response techniques in business settings His experiences at DisruptHR Philadelphia The power of different perspectives  The potential of art forms like poetry and hip-hop to inspire transformation in the corporate world How creativity and art can unlock solutions and new perspectives in HR and leadership

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People & Resources Mentioned In This episode: 

Arend Boersema - Website, LinkedIn Profile

Book - Poetry at the Heart of Business : Spoken Word Poetry Exploring the Concept of Company Culture & Belonging by Arend Boersema

DisruptHR Philadelphia Talk - Do You Even Hear Yourself? (Leadership & Self-Reflection) | Arend Boersema 

DisruptHR Philadelphia Talk - Turns Out, You Can Fix Stupid | Arend Boersema

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Episode Credits

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