Heal to Lead: How Language Shapes the Humanity of Work Presented by Will Ortiz-Febus

 

December 11, 2026
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
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Washington County Free Library
100 S Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
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Join CVSHRM on Friday December 11, 2026 For "Heal to Lead: How Language Shapes the Humanity of Work" Presented by Will Ortiz-Febus

Course Description
If companies keep talking about people like resources, we shouldn’t be surprised when they feel replaceable. Together, we’ll unpack the hidden impact of HR language and identify practical shifts that honor human dignity while protecting operational performance.

HR does more than interpret policy. HR shapes culture through the language we normalize every day. The way we talk about “headcount,” “low performers,” “attendance issues,” and “business decisions” influences how leaders think, how employees experience work, and how trust is built or broken.

In this interactive session, participants will examine how everyday HR language impacts burnout, credibility, and influence within the organization. Through guided reflection and practical exercises, attendees will identify outdated narratives, reframe critical conversations, and leave equipped with clear, actionable language shifts that strengthen both humanity and results.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify common HR phrases that unintentionally diminish trust, dignity, or clarity in the workplace.
  2. Analyze how language influences decision-making, leadership credibility, and employee mental health.
  3. Reframe conversations around performance, accountability, and policy using language that aligns humanity with operational effectiveness.
  4. Apply practical language shifts immediately in performance discussions, investigations, policy communication, and leadership coaching.
  5. Articulate the business case for human-centered language when partnering with Operations and executive leadership.

Speaker Bio
Will Ortiz-Febus, SHRM-CP, is an HR practitioner, speaker, and co-host of The Beyond HR Podcast. Known for challenging conventional thinking within the profession, Will advocates for a human-centered approach to leadership that integrates operational excellence with emotional intelligence and accountability.

With experience leading HR in manufacturing environments and partnering closely with operations teams, Will brings a grounded, practical perspective to conversations about burnout, credibility, and culture. His work centers on redefining HR not as a compliance function alone, but as a strategic force capable of shaping healthier workplaces through conscious leadership and intentional communication.

Through his writing, speaking, and workshops, Will equips HR professionals to lead with clarity, courage, and humanity without sacrificing business performance.

  • Registration, Coffee, & Networking | 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
  • CVSHRM Updates | 9:45 - 9:50 AM
  • Speaker Presentation | 9:50 - 11:00 AM

Cumberland Valley SHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for 1 PDC for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification and 1 PDC for HRCI.

CVSHRM Cancelation Policy: Due to planning efforts and costs, refunds will not be offered to for canceled registrations. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

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Tickets

$0.00 Member In-Person Attendance

$35.00 Non-Member/Guest In-Person Attendance

$0.00 BOD Ticket