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From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.

I was born in a small town in rural Mississippi. We moved to Memphis, TN when I was 4 years old and to Portland, Oregon when I was 8 years old and back to Memphis when I was 13 years old. I had my first job when I was 10, picking strawberries and raspberries for commercial growers in Oregon. Later on, I had a newspaper route, so I feel like I have been working most of my life. The good news is that I love to work.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

It may sound trite, but nothing I have achieved would have been possible without her. She has had my back and been my support every step of the way in this great adventure we call life. I am fortunate to have found her along the way.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Professional Career

That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?

I started out majoring in Political Science. I was fascinated by the political workings not only in the US, but also around the world. In my junior year, I finally asked myself what I was going to do with a degree in Political Science. The only thing I could think of was to go on and get my PhD and teach at the university level, and I really didn't want to do that. I decided to take a course in the Business School to see if I had any interest there. The University of Memphis had a great survey course called Introduction to Business. The course gave an overview of all aspects of business; Accounting, Finance. Marketing, Production Management, and Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. I immediately found my passion in the people side of the business.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Professional Career

What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?

I have always been very analytical by nature and I think that is a habit that has served me well in the business world. Quite often, things are not what they appear to be. I think its important to always look beneath the surface to see if there is something else there. There is not always something else there, but quite often there is and I think it is important to know. It's the difference in what I call shallow thinking verses deep thinking.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Professional Career

Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

I'm not sure that I remember my first interview as a Personnel Manager. I was very fortunate to have a mentor by the name of Bob Bardwell who helped me tremendously. He taught me that the most important thing in an interview is to really listen to what the applicant has to say.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?

There are a couple of older books that are still my favorites. "In Search of Excellence" and "Good to Great". I think they both focus on the importance of the human element in the business world.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

What do you think about Executives Diary?

To paraphrase Confucius, "Find a job that you love doing and you will never have to work a day in your life."

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?

Just do it. I think most people know when it's time to move on. I think it's fear of the unknown that keeps people in jobs where they are unhappy and unproductive. Life is too short. If we are lucky we spend 1/3 of our lives in a job. We work 8, sleep 8, and play 8. If that first 8 makes us miserable then you can be sure it has a negative impact on the second 8 and third 8. Screw up your courage, step out into that great unknown and enjoy your work life.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?

My personal feelings are that a job candidate should never pay upfront fees to anyone who promises them a job. There are jobs available and the process of going out and finding the job is a valuable experience for any candidate. If a person doesn't know how to go about finding a job there are resources available to help them. Just Google it.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?

First of all please let me say that I love millennials. I'm a boomer and I think the biggest difference in millennials and boomers is that the millennials are vocal about things that boomers were just thinking about. For millennials interested in leadership roles, I would say that it is extremely important to learn as much as possible about the jobs of the people you aspire to lead. Empathy is one of the most important aspects of leadership. If you are going to be a good leader, you must really care about the people. You can't fake it.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?

At one time I felt that way, but now, for a couple of reasons, I really try hard not to. Time has sped up so much recently that I don't think we can continue to think in the same time parameters we once did. We can now do in 10 minutes what it used to take us 10 hours to do. That, and the volatile nature of the business world should make us rethink our feelings about employees with short tenure. Companies come and go very rapidly now. I think it is important that we focus on the individual.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?

It depends entirely upon the job. If it's an entry level job, I'll go with the education. If it's a job that must be mastered by long tenure, I'll go with experience. The most important thing is to match the individuals abilities to the job requirements.

 

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?

I think maybe it goes back to the analytical nature. We have to be able to dig deeper than what appears on the surface. For an executive to be successful, they must have both emotional and intellectual intelligence. Just smooth talkers won't get it. We have to have specific examples of how they have put their intellect to work.

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

Life and Experiences

  1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
  2. You will be celebrating your 35th anniversary with your wife, Phyllis PJ West Keenum, this coming March. Congratulations, that’s a long time! Would you like to take this opportunity to say something special to the love of your life?

Professional Career

  1. That’s interesting, thank you! What inspired you to study Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at university level – was it a personal choice or advice from a mentor, counselor, or your parents?
  2. What is the most productive habit that you have carried in your profession that you think has played a significant role in building your career?
  3. Being a hiring authority yourself now, can you recall your first job interview as Personnel Manager at Kellwood Company?

Leadership Advice

  1. In your opinion, what is the essential personality trait to consider when hiring an executive-level employee?
  2. What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
  3. What do you think about Executives Diary?
  4. Some of our senior fellow executives report having difficulty transitioning from old jobs to new ones. Often, they find it hard to announce publicly that they are moving or seeking new employment. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard?
  5. Sometimes, candidates fall into the trap of paying upfront fees to unscrupulous recruiters that promise future opportunities. What are your suggestions on authenticating the legitimacy and capabilities of recruiting firms?
  6. In the Information Age, millennials tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
  7. Transitioning from one company to another in a short span of time is generally frowned upon by hiring managers. What are your thoughts on this?
  8. If you have two candidates, one that is highly experienced and another with a strong educational background, which one would you hire? Why?
  9. According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

Travis Keenum's story

Leadership Advice

According to Undercover Recruiter, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace 16% of HR jobs within the next 10 years. Do you think that it will play out that way? How should professional HR aspirants respond?

I doubt that will happen. I think AI may replace some HR jobs but I don't think it will be as high as 16%. I think AI may help us do our jobs more efficiently and help with some of the administrative burdens, but I truly hope it doesn't take the "Human" out of Human Resources. I think professional HR aspirants need to look at AI as one of the tools they use to help make the workplace more effective and efficient.

From the diary of Travis Keenum's story

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From the diary of Travis Keenum
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