When AI, HR, and Punk Collide: The Power of Creativity in Innovation.
- Sharkey HR Consulting
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
When you talk, most people don't understand what you're talking about. My mother used to tell me that. She wasn’t wrong. She was saying, know your audience. 👀
My mind switches from corporate to creative—sometimes in the same day. And honestly? I see more commonalities in these different fields than most people do. That’s why I usually dumbfound accountants. My linear thinking is a little too corporate for my creative projects, and my pattern thinking and storytelling are a bit
too “crazy” for the corporate world. It’s a problem.
When I worked for a conservative Orange County real estate company, I was considered “wacky” for choosing a deep bing cherry couch for my office. But hey, what better way to deal with corporate stress than by writing silly songs like "Passive Aggressive"? 🎶
Passive Aggressive, Passive Aggressive, Passive Aggressive—
Not a word to my face,
just a grimace and a smirk,
And mumbles how she always hurt.
(By the way, why is passive-aggressive behavior so bad? It’s better than aggressive-aggressive, and at least you don’t have to fight them because they’re cowards.)
For those of you who question my punk credentials, what other HR lady do you know who made horror films? Here’s a little story: years ago, my husband and I didn’t have the budget or time to go on vacation. So, instead of breaking out in a rash from HR stress, I broke out in song. I wrote “You’re Fired”.
Now, you might think I don’t like employees, but here's the thing: everyone is an employee. Even owners have to answer to stakeholders. One of the best things about being an interloper in the corporate world is that I learned so much from people who think differently from me.
I came into HR with an employee-centered mindset, coming from a blue-collar background in New Jersey and Irish immigrant roots. For me, it was simple: You work. Period. End of story. But over time, I learned that not everyone is like me. Some employees will do anything not to work.
And you know what? I learned more from my CEOs than I ever expected. They gave me masterclasses in leadership, strategy, and decision-making. So much so, that I started my own film company. Yeah.
And sure, I’ll say it—some employees don’t work, just like some CEOs are morons. But isn't that humanity? We all have our flaws, but it’s how we work together that counts.
Here’s the thing: I’m a unicorn—I bring together AI, HR, writing, and filmmaking. Sounds like a lot? It’s not. It’s all about creativity and storytelling.
AI in HR: Creative problem-solving doesn’t just change workplace efficiency. It helps us engage people in ways that aren’t just about numbers. It’s about people, too.
Writing and Storytelling: These aren’t just hobbies. They help me bring a human element into every project—whether it’s technology, HR, or business.
Filmmaking: Every story needs a vision. Every business needs a vision. Both need emotion and the guts to break the rules.
I can't tell you how many of my "storytelling" phrases have been "incorporated" by CEOs. Plus, understanding story structure means you know how to work with the endgame in mind. Storytellers recognize the rising action and can see the half-man necessity for how things unfold. They know where the story ends, and that’s exactly how they drive their decisions.
But here’s where it gets interesting: no matter what field we’re in, whether it’s HR, AI, writing, or filmmaking, we’re all after the same thing—connection. We all want to make a difference, tell our stories, and leave our mark on the world. The tools and tactics may vary, but the human experience is the common thread that runs through everything we do.
Imagine if we could concentrate on actually learning from each other rather than sabotaging? Maybe you just like to sabotage and be the villain—hey, it’s a free country. Personally, I would love a world of unicorns.
And when CEOs want to get artsy, they call me. Show my film to investors, not employees. Oh my, I had to go to a Metallica concert with my CEO and some C-suite people. Ok, I liked these people. Yes, I knew they were using me, but sometimes, if the con/grift is good enough—enjoy. Just remember the price for the ride.
Back to story—I’m a Ramones/Social Distortion girl, not a Metallica girl. Especially at my age, with lousy eyesight and a new knee. But let’s just say, I saved my CEO’s life that night.
But that’s a separate post. 😉
Let’s stop playing by the same old rules. It’s time to think different and make a real impact. 💥
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