In episode 117, Coffey talks with Howie Zales about optimizing virtual environments.They discuss considerations to maximize personal effectiveness on camera; the importance of background, lighting, and sound quality; internet speed concerns for virtual meetings; the technical aspects of planning hybrid and virtual events; and how to evaluate virtual platforms.Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—premium background checks with fast and friendly service. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Howie is an Emmy Awarded camera operator who started his career at the NFL Network and NBC Sports. His passion for broadcasting led him to found Viridity Entertainment Services, a streaming and professionally-recorded in-house productions service offering TV-quality livestream to corporations. Their clients include T Mobile, Capital One, The Food Network, and hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa.Howie Zales can be reached at https://www.viridityentertainment.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzaleshttps://twitter.com/hjzprodinc?lang=enhttps://www.facebook.com/hjzproductionshttps://www.instagram.com/howiezales/?hl=enAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.Learning Objectives:1. Identify key considerations for optimizing on-camera presence in virtual environments.2. Evaluate the importance of background, lighting, and sound settings for a professional appearance.3. Develop strategies to manage technical aspects of hybrid and virtual events effectively.