Susie Walsh writes …
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Lisbon to present my joint research paper, [1]‘Navigating Chaos: The Impact of Place Leadership on Volunteer Success in Crisis Response’ at the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) 2024 International Conference. Although my co-author, Dr. Alan Johnston, was unable to attend, others from the York Business School community were able to share this fantastic opportunity.
Lisbon, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provided a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for the conference. The city’s narrow, cobbled streets, the eclectic mix of buildings, and the warmth of its people meant from the moment I arrived, I felt welcome and will forever recall the beauty of the vibrant purple jacaranda trees that seem to line each street.
The conference was held at Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências (ISEC, Lisboa), well equipped with all the amenities to facilitate a productive and engaging experience. The atmosphere promoted conversation and collaboration, as Human Resource Development (HRD) academics, researchers and practitioners came together from around the world to share their research and insights, discuss challenges, and explore innovation and development in HRD.
Presenting our paper was a highlight of my career. The paper addresses the value of place leadership in leading, and the role of building resilience is highlighted, outlining how resilience can be strengthened by leadership from within, resulting in success. Thorough preparation and practice resulted in a confident presentation (which is unusual for me) and I was able communicate my ideas clearly and effectively, engaging my audience. The positive feedback I received reinforced my belief in my abilities, significantly boosting my self-assurance for future presentations.
The presentation was well-received, and the following discussion was both rewarding and insightful. Colleagues from various countries provided valuable feedback, and this exchange of ideas reminded me of the importance of international collaboration in addressing the global challenges faced by HRD academics and practitioners.
For me, one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with many esteemed colleagues. Conversations over coffee and pastel de nata breaks allowed for exchanges of knowledge and experiences. I met HRD professionals and researchers who are broadening our understanding of HRD in the contemporary world, alongside inspiring educators who are shaping the next generation of HR professionals. These interactions were not only valuable and enjoyable but also highlighted the sense of community that the UFHRD creates. It was a reminder that, despite the challenges we face, there is a collective commitment to fostering positive change in the workplace.
Reflecting on the trip, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Lisbon offered more than just a venue for the conference; it provided an environment that inspired creativity and collaboration, creating a truly memorable experience and my thanks to YSJ for facilitating this opportunity. While it was unfortunate that my co-presenter could not join me, I am excited to share the insights, knowledge and connections I gained with him. Our future research will undoubtedly benefit from the feedback received, and the new relationships formed will open doors to future collaborations.
On reflection, my visit to Lisbon for the UFHRD 2024 International Conference was a remarkable journey of learning, networking, and inspiration and I look forward to continuing the journey and contributing to the ever-evolving field of HRD. Next year the conference will be hosted in Belfast and further details can be found at University Forum for Human Resource Development Conference – Ulster University We then look forward to welcoming the UFHRD conference to York St John in 2026, for which more details will follow. Information about the work of the UFHRD can be found at Welcome to the University Forum for Human Resource Development – UFHRD
Susie Walsh
July 2024
[1] Walsh, S. and Johnston, A. (2024) Navigating Chaos: The impact of Place Leadership on Volunteer Success in Crisis Response. In: Book of Abstracts University Forum for Human Resource Development Annual Conference. Lisbon. UFHRD, pp. 339-340