How can organizations help their leaders navigate a complex workplace while taking advantage of emerging opportunities? The Cultivating Organizational Excellence conference will inspire leaders to explore new ideas and better ways of doing things, and learn to meet difficult situations head-on. Our agenda is specifically designed to help increase HR and management’s effectiveness within the organization. This conference is designed for business leaders, managers, and HR professionals at all levels.
8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-8:45 Opening Remarks
Jennifer Ward, Arizona President
8:45-9:20 Keynote: Voices of HR
Deborah Dale Brackney, MA, SPHR, Executive VP
Today’s workplace is, of course, a reflection of all that makes the headlines scream. Whether it be the call for equity, creating safe workplaces, managing cultural differences, or planning for the future of AI, Human Resources is the epicenter for integrating the voices of employees, managers, and customers. This session will open up the conference and lay a framework for the day focusing on a model of collaborating in increasingly complicated situations. At the end of the session, participants will leave ready for the conference with a tool that helps embrace the opportunities and challenges of today’s workplace.
9:20-10:15 Diversity with Intention
Kimberly Searfoorce, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, ODL Consultant
Many organizations strive to make diversity a priority. The challenge often is determining how to define and sustain it. More than box checking is required to make diversity efforts succeed long-term. One key to supporting a diverse workforce is focusing on encouraging an inclusive environment.
This session will discuss ways that organizations can encourage inclusivity to overcome the challenges in creating a diverse workplace. Ultimately diversity can drive better communication and decision-making, resulting in enhanced opportunities.
10:15-10:35 Morning Break
10:35-11:30 Speak Up! Engaging in High-Stakes Conversations Up, Down, & Across the Organization
Diana Sadighi, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, HR Consultant
The topics seem to be getting more difficult–unconscious bias, harassment, inclusion, engagement–but the conversations are not getting any easier. This is especially true when we have to engage in conversations with upper management or across the organization to peers. How can we effectively “speak truth to power” when the stakes are high and values are in play?
This session will review key aspects of high stakes conversations and skills HR, Managers, and employees across the organization can use when trying to engage in important conversations when power dynamics are in play.
11:30-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:45 Workplace Mental Health and Safety: Advice from the Experts
Invited subject matter experts
From identifying and responding to workplace threats and violence to building a culture of suicide prevention, awareness, and support, this session will provide timely tips and advice from some of the Valley’s best. In a TED-style format, our experts from the fields of workplace safety and compliance, mental health, and law enforcement will share their unique perspectives, guidance, and advice for addressing the most pressing issues of the day when it comes to the mental health and safety of everyone in your workplace.
1:45-2:00 Afternoon Break
2:00-2:55 Workplace Collaboration
Eric Daly, M.A., GPHR, ODL Consultant and Karen Stafford, MHRM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, ODL Consultant
Workplaces lacking collaboration waste time and resources. They are less creative, have higher turnover, lower trust, longer lead times, and lower employee satisfaction. Collaboration requires a skill-set and a mind-set, both of which can be learned. Please join us for this stimulating session on how you can cultivate greater collaboration in your workplace.
2:55-3:50 Inspiring Resilience in Challenging Times
Anitra Lesser, M.Ed., Professional Coach, Mediator, ODL Consultant
This interactive session will strengthen your awareness and offer applicable tools to help you:
- Gain practical ways to engender more resilience to mounting pressures
- Discover key components to building resilience and perseverance in yourself and your organization
- Deepen your understanding and ability to work with the mindset and neuroscience behind motivation and a positive psychology approach to addressing problems
3:50-4:00 Closing Remarks & Adjournment
Jennifer Ward, Arizona President
