Speaking

I speak on a range of employee engagement, talent-management, leadership, and other human resources issues in ways that challenge conventional thinking. I strive to inform as much as entertain because, let’s face it, I don’t want to rattle off PowerPoint bullets any more than you want to watch such an atrocity. By injecting Madonna, cats, and ’80s television characters into HR slideshows (curious? see below!), I offer impactful and fun ways to ponder provocative viewpoints to help create better workplaces.

If you’re interested in having me deliver an enlightening, exciting, and engaging experience (clearly, I’m all about alliteration), then we should talk!

I was looking for speakers who would inspire and educate. I got that and more! Vadim delivered masterfully on his presentation and also managed to bring down the house as our closer for the event. You will not be disappointed with his expertise, magnetic personality, and high energy he brings to the stage. — Kristi Baumgartner, Speaker Chair, DisruptHR Sioux Falls

I co-organized DisruptHR’s first event in Central PA and asked Vadim to be our lead-off speaker. We wanted someone who was engaging, funny, and dynamic to start off our event with a bang, and Vadim delivered. He was a pleasure to work with and the perfect blend of insightful and hilarious. He will elevate any event he is a part of. — Gabe Bell, Organizer, DisruptHR Central PA

Vadim is engaging, honest, and funny. He was not only amazing to work with on preparation leading up to our event but delighted our audience day of. We were psyched to have him as a part of our line-up. He’s a total pro, and I would absolutely work with him again and recommend him for other events and organizations. — Kelly Paulson, Organizer, DisruptHR Philadelphia

DisruptHR Philadelphia 11/15/17

The Myth of Authenticity: Don’t tell people to be their real selves when they can be so much better than that. It’s time to emancipate employees from the shackles of authenticity.

DisruptHR New York 9/13/17

Equality Is a Lie: What do we mean when we talk about equality? What should we mean?

DisruptHR New York 12/12/16

Will This Presentation Get Me Fired?: When should it be OK to punish someone for behavior outside of work? And when keeping your job requires keeping your mouth shut, what are the implications inside and outside your company?

DisruptHR New York 9/22/16

Workers Gone Wild: Where should you draw the line when employees engage in bad behavior? Should you care about all hanky panky or just specific actions? Or specific workers? Or at specific times?

DisruptHR New York 1/21/16

Oh No! Not Another Performance Management Presentation!: What if achieving outcomes and assessing people based on achieving outcomes are not the same? What if focusing on results is not the best way to get results? What if it’s actually the worst?

DisruptHR Long Island 10/11/18

Shut Up About Authenticity: It’s nothing more than nonsense in the workplace.

DisruptHR Central Pennsylvania 5/2/18

Authenticity Is Stupid: Why? Because it makes no sense in the workplace. And we should stop pretending otherwise.

DisruptHR Sioux Falls 4/19/18

Authenticity Is a Lie: Because after all, no one wants to work for an authentic jerk. There’s more. Check it out.

DisruptHR New York 5/8/18

Authenticity Is a Lie: It was when I originally gave this talk in 2015, and iit still is today.

DisruptHR New York 9/24/15

Nobody Cares If You’re Authentic: As HR professionals, we throw around a buzzword that not only lacks real meaning — it’s actually counterproductive. In actuality, we do not — and should not — want authentic employees or leaders. So what do we want exactly?