Author: Greg Shrewsbury

I’ve always heard that the value of networking is unmatched when it comes to finding great careers opportunities.   This is definitely true.

I’ve had the privilege of engaging and interacting with the Houston International HR Roundtable over the past year.   What it has afforded me is the realization of a very important career goal—true international exposure via a two year assignment in Paris, France!

I was approached about this opportunity through a contact at the roundtable.  Because of the roundtable connection, I was interviewed and ultimately offered the role of Vice President of Human Resources at Technip-North America…a journey that will start in Paris.

I can’t stress the importance of networking with colleagues at the appropriate level.  I feel the International HR Roundtable is the best organization in Houston that addresses international issues and mobilization for senior HR leaders.

We are all presented with prospects, and we have to take advantage of them as they arise.  This is true in our personal lives and our professional lives.   Participating in and supporting the right organizations are essential.

I would like to thank Larry and the roundtable for “getting me connected” with the right international career opportunity.  Merci!

I wish the Larry and the roundtable continued success.

À la prochaine!

[Editors Note:  We are happy to welcome back Greg Shrewsbury as a Guest Author.  Greg is now Vice President, Human Resources-North America for Technip.  We wish Greg the best of luck on his new adventure in Paris.]

The Human Resource Development Program at the University of Houston

Your source for experts in training and development, and organization development

Succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, are all critical topics on the minds of today’s HR Leaders. The University of Houston (U of H) remains one of the few universities embedded within an urban community to help ensure that local organizations have the resources necessary to succeed locally and globally. The Human Development and Consumer Sciences department at U of H currently offers both an Undergraduate (B.S) and a Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Resource Development (HRD). This article provides information on the following four topics:

1. Faculty
2. Program
3. Advisory Board
4. Students
5. Global Outreach

Faculty
Faculty members have expertise in the strategic disciplines of HRD as well as practical experience in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors. Consequently, students benefit because the faculty facilitates learning experiences that are relevant, meaningful, and authentic. Students are able transfer learning to their jobs and organizations.

Program
The HRD curriculum is unique because it retains its fundamentals in learning and performance but remains dynamic to ensure relevance and timeliness with business and industry. The curriculum is diverse and integrated. The program includes courses such as Instructional Design, Adult Learning, E-learning, Design of Organization Development Interventions, and Leadership. The integrated approach provides students a well-rounded perspective of learning, change, transfer and performance in organizations at the local and global levels. The blend of theory and practice, gives students strong problem-solving skills that allows them assess and adapt to any context. The program is also characterized by a concerted effort to helping students “learn how to learn”.

Advisory Board
What differentiates this program from other master’s degree programs is the advisory board. The program’s advisory board consists of experts that include consultants and practitioners in public and private organizations. The board regularly interfaces with faculty and students to provide additional perspectives on curriculum and applied projects, while sharing examples of business problems requiring HRD expertise and action. Advisory board members are also regular speakers in the HRD courses, and many serve as mentors. Advisory board members also provide leads on HRD internships and full-time positions.

Student Society of Human Resource Development
Along with having top-notch faculty and access to the advisory board, the student population has also taken ownership of the program’s success. The students manage the Student Society of Human Resources Development (SSHRD) and actively recruit students for the HRD programs. The SSHRD group is associated with the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), providing additional opportunities to network with industry professionals. SSHRD members lead and participate in service projects, and HRD events that promote the development of its members and related communities.

Global Outreach
To further the global reach of the HRD programs, a student mentorship program has been established in partnership with the Houston International HR Roundtable. The goal of the mentorship program is to foster new relationships and assist students in better defining their career paths. This mentorship program enhances the global presence and foci of the HRD programs.

If you are interested in furthering your career in Human Resource Development, please contact Dr. Consuelo Waight (cwaight@uh.edu) or Dr. Holly Hutchins (hmhutchi@Central.UH.EDU).

[Editors Note:  Thank you to the faculty of the HRD program for providing this information.  We look forward to working with the HRD faculty and students on a variety of initiatives as we continue to develop Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International HR.]

I have said it many times, “Houston is a great place to live.” I especially love being able to share all the wonderful things that Houston has to offer with people who are relocating here. True, this is an important part of my job as Director of Global Relocation Services at John Daugherty, Realtors, but it is also the truth. From our great shopping and restaurants, to all the great sporting events, arts and culture, parks and trails and much more…Houston really has it all.

Here’s a new one for you:
Houston is the Global Center of Excellence for International Human Resources.

For the past three years, I have been involved in the Houston International HR Roundtable. This is a fantastic group of individuals comprised of the HR community and the service professionals who work in partnership with them. During the time that I have been involved in this group, I have come to know its leader, Larry Scott, who has done an exceptional job at bringing great speakers and educational opportunities to the group. He has also incorporated networking Happy Hours, which has helped bring the members of this group together.

At the end of 2009, Larry Scott formalized the group, adding structure and varying levels of membership and sponsorship opportunities, while enhancing membership benefits. He now serves as president for the group and is the visionary for its future.

So, what is Houston International HR Roundtable?

Houston International HR Roundtable is committed to developing Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International Human Resources. It is the leading education and networking professional organization in Houston for international HR professionals, including international and domestic service providers.

The vision of the group is to develop Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for international human resources.

I was absolutely thrilled when Larry approached me and asked me to Chair the Global Center of Excellence Committee. He felt that I would be a perfect fit, given my work within the Relocation Industry and the contacts that I have locally within the Houston Relocation and HR community.

The Global Center of Excellence Committee is focused on bringing increased recognition to Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International Human Resources in accordance with the vision statement of Houston International HR Roundtable.   This committee works in conjunction with our other committees to promote Houston and its value as a global leader in international HR.  I am very excited to be the Chair of this important committee, and look very forward to assisting in bringing recognition to the Houston as the Global Center of Excellence.

If you are interested in membership or more information about Houston International HR Roundtable, please visit:
Houston International HR Roundtable.  To view upcoming events, please click here:  Events Calendar.

The above is reprinted by permission from the Houston Relocation Blog published by Michelle Sandlin, CRP.  Michelle is the Director, Global Relocation Services at John Daugherty.

You are invited to the January 27, 2010, education program of the Houston International HR Roundtable.  Our speaker will be Jordan Cowman of Akin Gump presenting the first in our Tough International HR Challenge Series:  Global Terminations. Employers are increasingly facing the consequences of their decisions to think and act globally, especially when it comes to employment responsibilities. Jordan’s presentation will cover many of the issues facing global employers today, particulary terminations. At the end of the presentation, the audience will have a clear picture of the nature of employment liability related to terminations and other cost-cutting measures when operations are in the global arena.

Jordan’s presentations are always lively and contain real-world examples.  His presentation will provide an understanding of the relationship between US and non-US labor laws and how they differ in their application and purpose, and will equip the multinational employer with the right questions to ask before implementing terminations and other cost-cutting measures.

Jordan Cowman is a Partner in the Dallas, Texas, office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. He specializes in international labor and employment law and counseling on employment litigation, international public policy, cross-border matters and corporate compliance.Mr. Cowman is a director of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, the Dallas Assembly, the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations, and a member of the U.S. Council for International Business’ International Labor and Employment Law Committee. He was an employer advisor to the United Nations’ International Labor Organization in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He is past chairman of the Texas Lyceum Association.

This program has been submitted to HR Certification Institute for review.

Great things are happening at Houston International HR Roundtable. We have introduced new committees to further our vision, assist our members and to contribute to our community.   Our Transition Committee was created to assist our members in financial need. Donald Vincent is the Chair of the Committee.   Our Global Center of Excellence Committee was created to bring increased recognition to Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International HR in accordance with our vision statement.  Michelle Sandlin chairs the committee.  The Membership/Sponsorship Committee assists in outreach to new members and sponsors. This committee also assists us in meeting our mission of bringing awareness to the profession by encouraging and inspiring others to consider careers in international human resources.  Michael Jones chairs this committee.  We are also excited to welcome new members to our Advisory Committee.

For information on all our committees, please click here for more information on all of our committees.  We thank our Advisory Committee, Committee Chairs, and committee members for their leadership in the Houston International HR community.

We are excited to announce the Houston International HR Roundtable’s Best Practice of the Year Award.

The Contest

We want to honor and recognize our members that innovate and create Best Practices in the field of international human resources. This is the opportunity for you and your HR department to receive recognition for the creative and innovative programs you implemented during 2009.  At our March 2010 educational breakfast meeting, we will announce the Best Practice of the Year for 2009.  We believe that by honoring and recognizing creative and innovative ideas that you will inspire your peers and colleagues to bring solutions to challenges they face. Although only “one” Best Practice will be chosen as the “Best Practice of the Year,” we will also recognize a select number of “Best Practices” at the meeting.

The Rules

The contest is open to all members of the Houston International HR Roundtable.  Nominations must be programs implemented between January 2, 2009 and December 31, 2009. The program needs to relate to international HR and could be related to expatriate management, international compensation and benefits, immigration program, global training, etc. The program may include other departments or groups or even vendors. Multiple nominations by a single company are allowed.

Nomination form is available by clicking below.

Houston International HR Roundtable has embraced social media. Whether you use Facebook, Linkedin, Google, FeedZilla, or Twitter – we are there to connect with you. We also invite you to follow our RSS feed or share our content. We provide links on each page for most of the major social networking sites. For those who prefer to receive our updates by email, please subscribe via Feedzilla for email updates. We also publish an “old-fashioned” newsletter and you can sign-up here.  Let us know how we can help you connect via social media.

Houston is one of the largest international HR markets in the world.  As the energy capitol, expatriate management and related services are Texas-sized businesses judging by the number (and quality) of our immigration lawyers, expatriate tax providers, and relocations companies.  We have a world-class infrastructure that connects us to the global community.  Houston is also incredibly diverse and we are home to 90 foreign consulate offices.

Reflecting Houston’s standing in the international HR community, we host a constant stream of international HR conferences.  In addition to our monthly events, Houston regularly hosts conferences by Families in Global Transition (FIGT), National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), Texas State Council of SHRM, and Global HR News.

Please send us a tweet or say hello in person when you are in Houston.  For further information on Houston as the Global Leader in international business, please visit the Greater Houston Partnership.

Welcome to Houston!

Author:  Shari Lewis Fish

All of the excitement, nerves, adjustments and transitions accompanied with moving to a new country can be quite overwhelming.  As expatriates focus on adjusting to a new business climate, time zone, culture, living conditions, language, food, and home, their wellness should not be, and does not need to be, sacrificed. This column is designed to provide information and ideas so that expatriates can create and maintain healthy, positive lifestyles no matter where they are assigned.

You may be relieved to learn that some stress is actually good for you.  It can increase your intensity, your senses and your focus.  However, too much stress can have dire health consequences.  Fortunately, you can actually decrease your stress level in as little as five minutes with the relaxation techniques outlined below:

1. Take a “time-out”.  Find a quiet place to sit or lie down. Maintain focus on your breath as you inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your entire belly, sides and lower back expand. As you exhale completely, feel your belly, back and sides contract as you maintain focus on your breath and quiet your mind. Repeat 7-10 times.
2. Take a “mental vacation” – Close your eyes and picture yourself in an environment that elicits peace and pleasure.  Visualize this “place” in great detail. “Hear” the birds, the rustling of leaves, the waterfall; “feel” the sand between your toes or the snowflakes hit your face.  The more realistic and detailed your daydream is, the more relaxation you will experience.
3. Muscle releases – Scan your body for areas of tension.  Focus on tensing and relaxing a major muscle or area of tension.   Repeat for 60 seconds.

These techniques are available to you at home, on a plane, worldwide.  They are free,  no equipment is required and in five minutes or less you can feel like a new person.  Remember, you are your number one asset!!

Enjoy and Be Well!

We tend to agree that the Houston International HR Roundtable is an excellent resource for “all things international HR.”  As part of our new membership program,  “Get a Membership – Give Back in the Process,” if you join in December, a percentage of your membership dues will be contributed to FIGT.  FIGT stands as the global leader in providing educational resources and support for families, as well as other international organizations and service providers.  Join the Houston International HR Roundtable today and help us support our global community.

FIGT will hold their 2010 Conference here in Houston and has announced a truly stellar line-up of speakers and sessions.  The conference provides a truly unique forum where members of internationally mobile families gather with those who assist them: human resource personnel, relocation experts, educators and counselors.  Together they develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of cross-cultural living.  Please visit them online at www.figt.org for additional information, great resources on families in transition, and to register for the conference.

My sons had a unique experience as TCKs.   They had to deal with at least three very different cultures when we lived in Hanoi, Vietnam.  They attended the French International School in Hanoi where the teachers only spoke French (they really only spoke French), the classes were all in French, and the “culture” of the school was French; they were in the capital city of Vietnam and everyone around them spoke Vietnamese, e.g., they took Tae Kwon Do in Vietnamese and the driver who took them to school only spoke Vietnamese (Mr. Tam); and their “family” was American.  Attend the conference in Houston and you’ll learn how to best handle these types of situations as an expatriate and also as an international HR professional.