Lessons from a Life Cut Short: Philonise and Rodney Floyd in Conversation with SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP
"Doors Open" 30 Minutes Before General Session Begins
It was a heinous act seen around the world that spurred people from Minnesota to Germany to South Africa to stand up for the right of Black people to survive encounters with police. The victim’s name, George Floyd, has become a rallying cry for justice in the streets, in our homes and in our workplaces. As workplaces struggle to provide the empathy and equity necessary to combat bias, discrimination and racism, employers, people managers and executives are looking for solutions.
In this intimate conversation with SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, Rodney and Philonise Floyd will tell their powerful stories about seeking justice for their brother and will share their experiences—as Black men—striving for a diverse, inclusive and equitable future in their communities and their workplaces. Through this discussion, you will gain a deeper understanding of the continued impact of race issues on economic and social mobility; take away a renewed sense of urgency on how you, as an HR practitioner, can be better workplace leaders; and find out how you can do your part in building a better profession.
Philonise Floyd
George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, MI. Survived by his family, George Floyd was the oldest of five siblings. Philonise and Rodney Floyd, George’s brothers, have publicly spoken out about George’s senseless murder, seeking racial justice in his name. Following public outrage over George’s death, Philonise and Rodney delivered powerful remarks during recent events like the 2020 Democratic National Convention and the March on Washington this summer. Philonise even testified before U.S. Congress in June of this year during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on policing practices and law enforcement accountability.
Rodney Floyd
George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, MI. Survived by his family, George Floyd was the oldest of five siblings. Philonise and Rodney Floyd, George’s brothers, have publicly spoken out about George’s senseless murder, seeking racial justice in his name. Following public outrage over George’s death, Philonise and Rodney delivered powerful remarks during recent events like the 2020 Democratic National Convention and the March on Washington this summer. Philonise even testified before U.S. Congress in June of this year during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on policing practices and law enforcement accountability.
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, is President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM. With nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 235 million workers and families globally.
As a global leader on the future of employment, culture and leadership, Mr. Taylor is a sought-after voice on all matters affecting work, workers, and the workplace. Recently named one of the “Most Influential People Shaping Public Policy” in our nation’s Capital by the Washingtonian Magazine, Mr. Taylor is frequently asked to testify before Congress on critical workforce issues and authors the weekly USA Today column, "Ask HR."
Mr. Taylor's career spans over 20 years as a lawyer, human resources executive and CEO in both the not-for-profit and for-profit space. He has held senior and chief executive roles at IAC/Interactive Corp, Viacom's Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster Entertainment Group, the McGuireWoods law firm, and Compass Group USA. Most recently, Mr. Taylor was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
He is the author of the national bestseller, RESET: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval, which delivers a candid and forward-thinking vision for leaders to reimagine their company cultures in a time of global upheaval and presents data-driven strategies to make the necessary foundational reset of all things work. Immediately upon its release in September 2021, RESET was in the top three of the Wall Street Journal’s list of best-selling hardcover business books. All author proceeds benefit the SHRM Foundation, which is committed to empowering HR as a social force for change.
He was appointed chairman of the President’s Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and served as a member of the White House American Workforce Policy Advisory Board during the Trump Administration. He is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami, Independent Director of the Flores & Associates corporate board and member of the corporate boards of Guild Education and XPO Logistics (NYSE: XPO).
The Women Business Collaborative (WBC) named Mr. Taylor as one of its 2023 Trailblazers in Gender Equity and Diversity for his work to achieve equal position, pay and power for all women in business. In 2020, he received the Distinguished Executive of the Year Award from the Academy of Management, and he was named 2021 ALA Professional Society CEO of the Year by CEO Update.
He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and is licensed to practice law in Florida, Illinois and Washington, D.C.