Meet Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gehan “G”, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?

I’ve never loved the word superpower, as it always felt a little over-the-top. But looking back, I realize I’ve been using mine all along through every layoff, termination, and transition. I call it my RAW superpower: a blend of Resilience, Adaptability, and WOO (Winning Others Over—once my #1 on the CliftonStrengths(Finder) scale). It’s what earned me the nickname “Transition Magician,” helping me navigate my own topsy-turvy career while guiding others through theirs.

With several childhood transitions and then starting corporate life as a temp at 18, I literally grew up—and built my career—in a state of constant change. Because this became my norm, when so-called “permanent” jobs ended, while the sting was real at times, it was rarely shocking.

25+ years, 6+ layoffs/terminations, and multiple voluntary transitions later, I’ve learned once we accept that “permanent” is non-existent, the setbacks hurt less and recovery comes faster, with renewed mojo. And that a superpower isn’t just a cheesy label; it can be a foundational state of being that highlights our uniqueness and value, especially when sharing our transition tales of woe and glow!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Gehan (“G” for short), a.k.a. the Transition Magician. As the Founder of Golden Synergy Touch, I take a non-traditional, quirky approach to “evil” human resources (HR) consulting by weaving LinkedIn® and YouMap® (which builds on CliftonStrengths®) into the workplace to help leaders and teams excel, strengthen culture, and elevate personal branding.

I’m a bestselling author of FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONAL HR! and a speaker who brings humor and clarity to HR, strengths, and personal branding. I’m also writing my second book, Work Your Quirk and Live Your Worth, which captures lessons from my topsy-turvy career journey to inspire others navigating change.

What excites me most is watching individuals and organizations alike move from ‘meh to ‘mojo’ as they uncover their unique value and own it with confidence. My core belief is that when people embrace their strengths and quirks, they not only shine individually, but also collectively spark workplaces that sizzle!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My advice to those early in their journey is to 1) Be unafraid to ask questions (we all have them!) and keep a curious, open mind when hearing the answers, 2) Remain flexible to inevitable detours and course correction, and 3) Take ownership of your choices by learning through trial and error when to lean in and when to walk away. Doing so not only shapes your professional success but also protects your personal boundaries and well-being.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client understands that partnership and collaboration can’t exist without communication—my non-negotiable #1 value—and that real progress goes beyond quick-fix band-aids. Because my own career has been anything but linear, I work best with leaders, teams, and individuals who know things won’t always be smooth, yet remain committed to building something sustainable. Since we’ll be on the journey together, they need to show up both open-minded and open-hearted. That’s when the magic happens: co-creating synergy and clarity that moves them from ‘meh’ to ‘mojo’ in the workplace and beyond.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Atlanta Creative Media (EVOLVE conference pics only)

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