This is the slide deck from the opening keynote delivered at the 2014 HR Star Conference both in Cleveland and Atlanta. It's premise is that the role of HR is evolving, entering a new era influenced by social and economic changes and with that in mind, becoming more challenging. To thrive in this new era, HR professionals will need to have and display a more empowered presence. The suggestion is that can and must be done through the personal branding of each HR professional.