Fall Professional Development with CPHR Alberta

With the year quickly drawing to a close, ensure you get those CPD hours before it's too late! 

We have many great opportunities to learn and grow with us throughout the next 3 months, from Certificate Programs, to Partner Webinar opportunities. 

Check out what's upcoming below: 

October PD: 

October HR Roundtable 
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
The HR Virtual Roundtable is a monthly opportunity for CPHR Alberta members to connect with other members and discuss current and/or emerging HR topics.
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration. 

 
Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Virtual - Complimentary for Members 
CPD Hours: 1 
This session dives into the transformative impact of talent management within the HR department. Discover how strategic acquisition and employee development empower HR to become a driving force for organizational success. It involves analyzing the current talent within the HR team, identifying the required gaps to achieve the business' goals, and optimizing the workforce.
 
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm 
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
Are your organization's mental health and general wellness initiatives falling short despite significant investment? You're not alone. Join us for this insightful presentation that looks at the core reasons for such failures that are regularly missed or ignored and what needs to be done to ensure effectiveness in your workplace mental health and general wellness initiatives. 
 
Head over to our PD Page to view all the different dates and times available for this program. Offered throughout October and November with morning and afternoon cohorts. 
Virtual - Member $1,600 +GST | Non-member $1,850 +GST
CPD Hours: 21 
The role of Human Resource Professionals within an organization continues to evolve and with it, a shifting perspective on the expectations placed on HR when it comes to workplace mental health. Not only that, but a muddiness in accountability and responsibility between HR and the Business might have increased tensions between yourself and the very partners you’re meant to be supporting.
 
Tuesday, October 22 2024 to Thursday, October 24, 2024
Virtual - Member $1,000 +GST | Non-Member $1,250 +GST 
CPD Hours: 21
This certificate program combines live virtual instruction through Zoom with hands-on experiential learning through case studies, scenarios, group work/break out discussions and simulations.  
 
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual - Complimentary  for Members 
CPD Hours: 1 
This talk dives into the current reality of HR careers, drawing from a global study of more than 3 million HR profiles, surveys with 350 HR professionals, and in-depth career stories of 10 senior HR leaders to explore 4 pressing questions. 
 
The Trauma-Informed HR Professional
Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual - Member $399 +GST | Non-Member $450 +GST
CPD Hours: 7
This Trauma-Informed HR Professional training is designed to empower HR professionals with the knowledge and tools to apply a trauma-informed lens in their work. Participants will explore the fundamental concepts of trauma-informed practices, including understanding what a trauma-informed lens is and recognizing the benefits of incorporating it into the workplace.
 
November PD:

November HR Roundtable 
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 9:00am to 10:00am
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration.  It goes without saying that confidentiality and the willingness to share are key to the success of this event. 

Enhancing your Organizational Culture Certificate of Completion - 3 Day Certificate Program 
Tuesday, November 5, 6 & 7, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual - Member $1,295 +GST | Non-Member $1,495 +GST
CPD Hours: 21
You can create a vibrant, profitable culture within your organization by learning how to enhance it. With our Enhancing Your Organizational Culture™ Certificate Program, you will learn the tools needed to boost morale and bring positive energy into the workplace. Learn strategies for increasing productivity and performance, solving problems quickly and easily, lowering employee attrition, raising profits and sales - not to mention reduce stress levels amongst employees!

Partner Webinar - Unlock Talent Intelligence with AI
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
Discover how AI can revolutionize talent management. Explore practical strategies to leverage AI for identifying and developing top talent, enhancing decision-making, and refining talent strategies.

Report Writing Workshop - Half Day PD 
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 8:30am to 12:00pm
Virtual - Member $199 +GST | Non-Member $250 +GST
CPD Hours: 3.5
This half-day workshop will provide the overall purpose, right down to the details you need, to ensure your report withstands the highest level of scrutiny.  You have conducted interviews of your Complainant, Respondent, and Witnesses, analyzed dozens of documents, assessed other evidence, and now you need to write a report.

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast 
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 8:30am to 10:30am
Virtual - Member $50 +GST | Non-Member $75 +GST
CPD Hours: 2
Organizational culture has a profound impact on the success or failure of any strategic initiative, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Despite substantial investments in DEI programs, many organizations struggle to drive meaningful and lasting change. This workshop will explore why culture is the key factor in determining the outcome of your DEI strategy, and provide a practical framework for aligning your culture with your DEI goals.

Interviewing Techniques Workshop - Full Day PD 
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual - Member $399 +GST | Non-Member $450 +GST
CPD Hours: 7
This workshop is the practical extension of the interviewing module in the Workplace Investigations Training Certificate program. A successful investigation interview requires planning, learned skills and tips, focus and excellent communication skills. This day is filled with mini-scenarios and practice opportunities. 

Chapter Mingles 

Stay tuned for Mingles in each chapter! More information to come soon. 

December PD: 

December HR Roundtable 
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 9:00am to 10:00am
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration.  It goes without saying that confidentiality and the willingness to share are key to the success of this event. 


Conducting Credibility Assessments Workshop - Full Day PD 
Monday, December 9, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm 
Virtual - Member $399 +GST | Non-Member $450 +GST 
CPD Hours: 7 
This workshop is designed to build on the Credibility Assessments module identified in the Workplace Investigations Certificate workshop. Conducting credibility assessments is a critical analysis required when one person's version of events is different from another's and there is little corroborative evidence for either version - commonly known as he said/she said investigations.

 

 


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



By Marina Perkovic July 29, 2025
Companies that invest in leadership development see real returns. According to Brandon Hall Group, organizations with strong leadership development programs are 1.5 times more likely to be financially high-performing, reinforcing the clear connection between leadership strength and business success (Brandon Hall Group, 2015). For small to mid-sized businesses, this risk can be especially high. As teams expand and complexity increases, the informal leadership structures that worked early on can start to crack. That’s where proactive leadership development and risk mitigation go hand-in-hand. The Leadership Gap Is a Hidden Business Risk According to a recent CPHR Alberta report, talent development and leadership gaps remain one of the top five organizational risks (CPHR Alberta, 2023). The consequences are rarely immediate, but they compound over time: • Missed growth opportunities • High-potential employees leaving due to lack of career clarity • Poor team morale when unprepared managers struggle to lead • Strategic drift from lack of alignment at the top A growing company without a leadership pipeline is like a car without a spare tire, it might keep rolling, but one unexpected bump can send the whole operation into a tailspin. Risk Mitigation Starts with Leadership Insight The first step in mitigating leadership risk is to move from guesswork to clarity. That means using structured tools like leadership assessments, succession planning frameworks, and targeted coaching to surface the actual capabilities of current and emerging leaders. In professional services firms, for example, it’s common to see technically strong employees promoted into management roles. While they excel in their areas of expertise, they often lack key leadership capabilities like delegation, feedback, and emotional intelligence (Gallo, 2016). Without proper development, this can lead to stalled projects, disengaged teams, and higher turnover. Leadership assessments and focused coaching are essential to identify these gaps early and build the skills needed to lead effectively. Common Leadership Risks in SMBs Every organization faces different risks, but these are some of the most common leadership vulnerabilities seen in growth-stage companies (SHRM, 2022): • Lack of succession planning: Only one person knows how to run a key function, creating bottlenecks and burnout. • Unclear decision-making authority: Teams waste time waiting for approvals or duplicating efforts due to ambiguous roles. • Promotion without preparation: High performers are promoted into leadership roles without training, leading to micromanagement or misalignment. • Poor feedback culture: A lack of honest dialogue means small issues snowball into bigger people problems. • Leadership misfit: A leader’s natural style may clash with the culture or needs of a specific team or situation. Mitigating these risks requires more than a one-time workshop. It takes intentional development, structured tools, and reinforcement over time (SHRM, 2022). What Effective Mitigation Looks Like The most successful companies don’t wait for a leadership crisis to take action. They build leadership strength proactively. Here’s what that looks like: • Leadership assessments are used during hiring and promotions to identify fit, style, and potential blind spots. • Customized coaching programs help leaders build the exact skills they need in real time, tied to their actual challenges (International Coaching Federation, 2022). • Leadership training cohorts (such as PowerUp Leadership’s “Coaching Skills for Managers” or “Authentic Leadership” programs) create a shared foundation across the organization. • Succession maps identify who is ready or could be ready for key roles in 12–24 months, creating a proactive development plan (SHRM, 2022). As companies grow, the complexity of people management increases exponentially. Systems, tools, and strategy all matter but none of them work without effective leadership behind them (McKinsey & Company, 2018). Investing in leadership development isn’t a “nice to have” for big companies, it’s a risk management strategy for every business serious about sustainable growth. 
By Marina Perkovic July 15, 2025
Author : Ada Tai Over the past month, I spoke with three professionals who had recently been laid off. April , a former schoolmate, has over 20 years of experience and has held management roles at several organizations. Most recently, she led a team at a large oil and gas company, where she was instrumental in building out a new service area. Despite her accomplishments, a combination of economic challenges and a lack of connection with her new boss led to her dismissal. Having been involved in layoffs before, she understood the process, but when she called me, she admitted it was much harder to be on the receiving end. She felt overwhelmed by a mix of emotions: denial, anger, betrayal, and a deep sense of failure. Carol , once a mentee of mine, built a strong foundation in the finance sector, and her persistence earned her a team lead role at a competitive mid-sized firm. Therefore, her call caught me off guard; she was trying to make sense of being included in a round of layoffs that affected 12 others. Having just been promoted, she struggled to understand why she had been chosen. She reached out for support as she navigated both the practical and emotional aftermath. Joe had been a student in one of my classes. With a master’s degree and excellent communication skills, he established a respected career in the regional non-profit sector. We maintained contact and often crossed paths through work. Joe was frequently involved in launching new initiatives and was recognized by both his boss and the board for his contributions. However, when the sector faced financial strain, he and his manager were among the 15% let go. He contacted me a month after the layoff; he had taken time to process everything and was now reflecting on what direction to take next. These stories are not uncommon. In fact, with ongoing economic uncertainty, many professionals, regardless of their experience or performance, are facing unexpected career changes. While layoffs are always challenging, the way they are handled can significantly impact both the individuals affected and the organization. This highlights a critical challenge for organizations: how can companies manage necessary workforce changes with both strategic foresight and genuine care? In addition to engaging the Human Resources department early in the planning and execution process, many businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of utilizing third-party outplacement services. Outplacement services are employer-sponsored programs designed to support both the business and departing employees during layoffs or organizational restructuring. Typically included as part of a severance package, these services offer more than just logistical support; they help individuals navigate a difficult transition with confidence. Outplacement services can be customized based on the needs and budget of the employer. Offerings often include planning for workforce reductions in collaboration with the business, delivering termination messages, and providing one-on-one career transition coaching and emotional support to affected staff. More importantly, these services help affected employees regain focus by offering practical job search guidance, resume coaching, and career direction tailored to their experience and industry. For employers, outplacement services can deliver a clear return on investment. Companies that provide structured transition support often experience fewer legal disputes and benefit from a stronger employer brand, which can positively influence talent attraction and retention. Showing care during a difficult time speaks volumes to internal teams, affected employees, clients, and the broader market. Having worked closely with businesses and professionals throughout this process, I’ve witnessed the significant difference that experienced, neutral third-party support can make. In fact, a 2023 CBIZ report, referencing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, noted that individuals who received outplacement assistance secured new roles 40% faster than those who did not receive support (CBIZ, 2023). Just imagine if April had access to a coach experienced in private sector transitions, or if Carol had received immediate help with processing her layoff and planning her next steps; the positive impact would have been immediate. In today’s environment, outplacement isn’t merely a nice option; it is a strategic necessity. How will your organization ensure a respectful and supportive transition for its workforce? When selecting an outplacement partner, consider factors such as industry experience, the ability to customize services, the quality of career coaches, and the integration of digital tools for job seekers. Not all providers offer the same level of support or results, so thorough vetting is essential.
By Marina Perkovic July 10, 2025
The countdown to the CPHR Alberta 2025 Conference has officially begun!
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