#WISHRM22 Speaker Spotlight: Kody Green

As a part of the WISHRM State Conference SMILE Team, I have the opportunity to connect with speakers and exhibitors and learn more about what to expect at the upcoming conference.

Today I spoke with one of the WISHRM22 Speakers, Kody Green, about his "Second Chance Opportunities" session on Friday, October 14th at 10 AM CST.

Q & A with Kody:

1. Who should attend your session?

It is important that anyone involved with hiring knows how they might be missing out on really good candidates just because of a criminal record or a past that's not the best. I would encourage anyone directly involved with the hiring process because I think that's where second chance opportunities are shot down the most. With the unemployment rate returning to an all-time low, it is important for hiring managers to be willing to look into new avenues for recruitment and hiring.

2. What is something you hope all attendees will learn in this session?

I like tying my personal story to my workshop so people can get a feel for how it impacts people on a personal level, let alone on a professional level, when they're given a second chance or another opportunity to reenter the workforce. I will also share many statistics showing why hiring people with criminal records is beneficial.

3. Is there anything you want attendees to know about you?

I think it's important, and I always talk about it right away when I start doing these events; I am a recovered addict and a reformed convict. As much as I hate always having to bring that up, because who doesn't love bringing up the worst parts of their past? I need to bring that up because not only am I someone who went back to school for HR and has understood more of that hiring process, but I'm also someone who's lived as a person who has had many issues getting back to work, who wanted to work, who was excited to work, who was ready to be engaged with the company and wasn't given the opportunity.

4. What are you most looking forward to at WISHRM22?

I’m excited as someone who’s attended as a student and as an HR professional to be a speaker. I am excited to come back in this capacity and still be able to interact with HR professionals and represent those with unique backgrounds. I also enjoy hearing stories from people who are in HR and have experiences with addiction and criminal records.

5. Tell me about your non-profit. What inspired you to create it?

It originally started as a staffing agency but shifted once COVID hit. It now acts as an interview prep resource by providing resume reviews, interview clothing, haircuts, and transportation. I have many volunteers that I have met through TikTok who have reached out and volunteered their time to write resumes for people. My inspiration came from going back to school for HR, seeing the conversation starting with SHRM, and in our area, there was a lack of resources, and I wanted to fill those gaps.

6. 1.2M followers on TikTok, 46.4K subscribers on YouTube, and 11.7K followers on Instagram - what has this platform given you?

I have had many opportunities for resources people donating clothing and donate their time to build resumes. So, it has given me not only a platform to share my story but also to help fund these projects in the local area.

7. You are very transparent about your mental health and have taken breaks to focus on ‘you”. What advice would you give professionals regarding taking time for themselves and concentrating on their mental health?

If you are transparent with management and leadership, then it should be an easy conversation. The importance of it is that you will not be able to do what you want and be as passionate about your job if you are not giving yourself full attention. We often hear in mental health advocacy, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” So, if you want to give your best, you need to take time to prioritize yourself and your mental health. HR can be extremely difficult to work in, so taking breaks and focusing on mental health is super important.

8. In the last couple of years, SHRM has made “Getting Talent Back to Work” one of its key initiatives, which includes a Getting Talent Back to Work Certificate, which is a multi-faceted program with the actionable knowledge and tools HR professionals, hiring managers, front-line supervisors, and other HR professionals need to attract, hire, and retain people with criminal records. What are your thoughts on this?

If people are willing to take that training, that is amazing. It sounds like a fantastic resource, and it doesn’t hurt to show you’ve taken additional steps. Many speakers and advocates would love to hear that HR is taking those actions because it is difficult when you're in that position. It is also relieving to someone who’s been in my position to hear these steps are being made.

9. Are there any additional things you wish for Wisconsin HR professionals and people leaders to know?

I want to continue to hone in on why getting people back into work is essential. Not only does it affect the workplace, but it affects the local economy and state economy. Recidivism rates drop significantly if people get jobs after they get out of jail or prison, which means fewer people in jail, fewer taxes being spent on people in jail, and more people funding the local economy.

10. You have a book, 'Mentally Ill Influencer,' coming out in Spring 2023. What can readers expect?

The entire idea of the book was to help people understand that social media, as much as it is filled with dancing and silly videos, can also be used as a great form of advocacy for mental health, addiction, prison reform, etc. If you’re passionate about your job, that can be something you advocate for, I know you are always looking for new people, and it’s hard to get people to do that job.

Meet Kody:

Kody Green (He/Him) is a 27 years old with a diagnosis of Undifferentiated Schizophrenia. Kody is also the Founder of a non-profit, a motivational speaker and content creator with over 1 million followers on TikTok. He has struggled in the past with drug addiction, incarceration, and serious mental health issues.

In order to be a better advocate and speaker, Kody has been trained as a peer support specialist, recovery coach and suicide prevention specialist.

Now, Kody shares his stories about his struggles and how to navigate through recovery, mental health issues, and life after incarceration. He chooses to pursue motivational speaking and mental health advocacy for schizophrenia awareness, drug recovery and second- chance opportunities because he has dealt with these struggles in his own life.