19th Annual Virtual National Leadership Development & Recognition Conference
Future Ready:
Power Up Change
September 16th - 18th, 2025
Virtual Conference
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Hours
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Join us for the 19th Annual National Leadership Development & Recognition Conference. A pivotal event dedicated to fostering leadership and innovation in an ever-evolving landscape.
As we navigate these unprecedented times, our commitment to empowering individuals at all levels remains stronger than ever. Our conference offers a distinctive platform to highlight transformative learning experiences that foster personal and organizational growth. We will celebrate those who bravely embark on their development journeys and contribute to the future of leadership.
Session times are in Central Standard Time
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Three separate sessions featuring published authors sharing insights and personal stories from their recently published work.
Inclusion, Belonging & Equity
Leadership
Race Relations
Three separate sessions featuring published authors sharing insights and personal stories from their recently published work.
Inclusion, Belonging & Equity
Leadership
Race Relations
Three separate sessions featuring published authors sharing insights and personal stories from their recently published work.
Inclusion, Belonging & Equity
Leadership
Race Relations
Sarita Srivastava
This module is designed to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive significant improvements in both individual and team performance. Participants will delve into the power of data driven decision-making, learning how to leverage data to inform strategies and optimize outcomes. They will also explore various productivity frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, while developing a strong results-oriented mindset focused on achieving tangible goals. A key aspect of the module involves aligning individual and team efforts with the overarching objectives of the organization, ensuring that everyone is working towards a common purpose. Furthermore, participants will learn how to foster a culture of accountability, where individuals take ownership of their responsibilities and are held responsible for their contributions. Finally, the module addresses the importance of resilience, providing leaders with strategies to navigate change effectively and maintain peak performance in the face of challenges.
This session focuses on developing participants ability to influence others, recognizing that influence is a critical component of effective leadership. The core of the session revolves around negotiation, framing it as a strategic leadership tool that can be used to navigate intricate stakeholder relationships. Participants will learn techniques for managing relationships both upwards (with superiors) and across (with peers and other departments) within the organization. A key objective is to equip participants with the skills to secure buy-in for high-impact initiatives, ensuring that these projects receive the necessary support and resources. The session incorporates practical exercises and real-world case studies to solidify understanding and build confidence in applying values-based negotiation practices. This approach emphasizes ethical and principled negotiation strategies, ensuring that participants can influence others effectively while maintaining their integrity and upholding organizational values.
Leaders will explore how to move beyond traditional mentorship to activate powerful sponsorship relationships — both as protégés and as sponsors themselves. This module emphasizes the importance of visibility, advocacy, and creating inclusive pathways for talent.
Two concurrent and dynamic laser mentoring sessions where participants will receive real-time mentoring tailored to the group’s specific topic. Industry experts and published authors will provide personalized coaching and leadership tips, sharing their valuable insights and strategies for thriving in today’s competitive landscape. Engage in interactive discussions, gain practical advice, and develop actionable plans to enhance professional growth and leadership skills.
Board Development
Leveraging Non-Profit Service
Relationship Discovery
Power of Oneness
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Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Opportunities
Groundbreaking data on how inclusive leadership practices are redefining organizational success. Drawing from the Inclusive Leadership Index’s robust benchmarking and research. Highlighting key insights into how companies can elevate performance,
engagement, and equity by investing in inclusive talent ecosystems.
The Future of Work in the Global Landscape
Exclusive global workforce insights based on Manpower’s extensive research across markets and industries. Offering a global perspective on the future of work that includes skills shifts, talent scarcity, and the emerging expectations of employers and employees alike — helping organizations with future-proof workforce strategies in a rapidly evolving talent economy.
A Legal Town Hall for Today’s Business Leaders
In a time of sweeping social change, legal uncertainty, and polarized discourse, the intersection of workplace rights and broader civil liberties has never been more consequential. This timely and thought-provoking legal town hall brings together an extraordinary panel of national legal experts to unpack the urgent legal, ethical, and societal challenges organizations face today. As laws evolve and demands for equity and accountability grow, these influential voices in employment and civil rights law will explore how justice, inclusion, and the rule of law are being redefined across both workplace and community landscapes.
In today’s diverse business environment, culturally competent leadership is essential for fostering innovation, enhancing organizational culture, and driving performance. This executive master class will explore the importance of competent leadership, providing practical tools and strategies to model and promote inclusivity. Executives will understand its impact, develop skills in self-awareness, effective communication, and empathy, to create actionable plans for building inclusive teams and cultures.
In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, creating high-performing teams requires more than just effective leadership, it demands a brand-centered approach that drives inclusion and belonging. This session expands on the “Advancing the Critical Middle” foundation from Day 1 and is designed for middle managers committed to amplifying their team’s leadership
capabilities through the strategic use of marketing brand influence.
Stepping into new roles and taking on greater responsibilities can be daunting, but confidence is the key to successful transitions and leadership growth. This session will provide attendees with actionable insights and techniques to build and sustain confidence in their professional journey. Through a combination of expert advice, real world examples, and interactive exercises, participants will discover how to leverage their strengths, overcome self-doubt, and present themselves with assurance.
As polarization deepens across political, racial, and socioeconomic lines, Dr. Tillery offers a critical framework for understanding how identity and power operate within organizations and society at large. This master class equips executives and changemakers with the tools to navigate these fault lines, foster inclusive dialogue, and lead with courage in institutions where belonging is no longer optional — but essential.
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and redefining work processes, it is crucial for professionals to harness the power of AI to boost individual and team performance. This session will delve into the practical applications of AI tools, providing actionable insights and strategies for optimizing performance in the workplace. Participants will learn how to select and implement the right AI solutions to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and drive innovation.
Discover how to amplify your career success by harnessing your full leadership potential. This session will explore the power of understanding your holistic self and the impact of intersectionality in effective leadership. Engage in insightful discussions and actionable strategies to elevate your influence and career trajectory.
In the constant evolving business environment, visionary leadership is critical. This master class empowers leaders to sharpen their strategic insight and cultivate the clarity needed to drive meaningful impact and advance equal opportunity. “Strategic
Foresight” focuses on strengthening your ability to lead with purpose, aligning organizational vision with dynamic strategies that inspire progress and foster inclusive excellence. Through this session, leaders will refine the tools needed to navigate ambiguity, anticipate change, and make decisions that move teams and organizations forward.
In today’s diverse workplace, trust is the cornerstone of an inclusive culture. This session will explore practical strategies for building trust among team members, emphasizing the importance of transparency, communication, and empathy. By understanding the dynamics of trust and how it influences team cohesion, leaders and managers will be better equipped to create an environment where all employees feel valued and included.
This session is designed for emerging leaders who aspire to elevate their strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Participants will delve into the principles of strategic planning, learning how to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, attendees will develop the ability to align their actions with organizational goals, fostering long term success and innovation.
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Leading in the Future
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the future belongs to those who can lead with clarity, courage, and adaptability. This high-impact session brings together top CSuite executives and CEOs to explore the competencies, mindsets, and strategic
imperatives that define next-generation leadership. “Leading in the Future” will delve into emerging global trends, disruptive innovation, and the transformative role of technology, inclusion, and sustainability in shaping business success. Participants will
gain insights into how to lead organizations through uncertainty with resilience, empower culturally intelligent teams, and future-proof their business strategies. This session fosters candid dialogue among elite leaders who are not only navigating today’s challenges but also actively shaping the future of enterprise. Whether you are building legacy systems for tomorrow or recalibrating for what’s next, this session equips you with the tools to lead forward — boldly and decisively.
Social Justice & Call to Action
In this powerful live-streamed fireside chat, Martin Luther King III joins Pam McElvane
for an intimate conversation on the enduring fight for justice, the evolution of civil
rights, and the urgency of action in today’s world. Drawing from his book My Legacy,
Mr. King reflects on the personal and public journey of advancing his father’s dream
while confronting new challenges to equity and human dignity. This will inspire
attendees to move beyond awareness into meaningful, sustained advocacy.
This Panel showcases forward-thinking companies that are setting the standard for
inclusive leadership, workforce equity, and sustainable impact. This dynamic session
features best-in-class organizations that are successfully navigating today’s challenges
while advancing bold diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategies. Panelists will
share real-world insights, proven practices, and measurable outcomes that
demonstrate what it means to be truly future-ready. Join us to gain actionable
takeaways from trailblazers who are powering up change within their industries and
beyond.
In this transformative keynote, Dr. John A. Powell — renowned thought leader and
global voice for belonging and justice — will explore the urgent need to bridge divides in
a time of deep polarization. Drawing from his influential work, The Power of Bridging,
Dr. Powell will share insights on how we can collectively move from othering to
belonging, creating systems and spaces that are truly inclusive. Attendees will be
inspired and challenged to reimagine leadership, power, and community through the
lens of empathy, equity, and transformative action.
Attendees will engage in culturally grounded breakout panels that explore lived experiences, community challenges, and pathways forward for inclusion and equity. Each session is designed to foster brave dialogue, amplify intersectional voices, and shape future ready strategies rooted in cultural truth and collective action. With veterans, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and Gen Z leaders embedded throughout, these sessions reflect the diverse fabric of our communities and where we go from here.
African American
Asian American
Hispanic American
White American
Two concurrent and dynamic laser mentoring sessions where participants will receive real-time mentoring tailored to the group’s specific topic. Industry experts and published authors will provide personalized coaching and leadership tips, sharing their valuable insights and strategies for thriving in today’s competitive landscape. Engage in interactive discussions, gain practical advice, and develop actionable plans to enhance professional growth and leadership skills.
Board Development
Leveraging Non-Profit Service
Relationship Discovery
Power of Oneness
Awards program honoring the 2025 Best Places to Work, Top 25 Outstanding Leaders of Impact and Inclusion Champions
President
PhD Project
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy
Northwestern University
Author
‘Unfinished Business: Breaking Down the Great Wall Between Adult Child and Immigrant Parents’
Partner
Lyon & Kerr, PLLC
Vice President, Community Engagement and Chief Diversity Officer
Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
Executive Director
Gamaliel Foundation
Economic Justice Advisor
National Action Network (NAN)
Founder
FOTM & Our Money United
CEO
Dynasty Media
Managing Director
The Social Justice Agency, South Africa
SVP, Chief Access & Opportunity Office
Advocate Health
Vice President, Belonging & Inclusion
Novant Health
Executive Director
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Dr Director Diversity
Zimmer Biomet
Chief Talent Management & Diversity Officer
UPMC
Director of Diversity
Ferrara USA
Sr Director, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Author & Director
Othering & Belonging Institute
GenZ Representative
Loyola University
Senior Consultant
Former Chief Diversity Officer, AIR
CEO
The Pedagogz
Director of Manufacturing Solutions
Manpower Group
Vice President, Global Insights
Manpower Group
Chief Talent & Inclusion Officer
Blue Cross Blue Shield MA
Board Chair
Fritz Pollard Alliance (NFL)
Author
‘Credibility Nation: For Professionals Who Want to be Seen as Credible’
Chief Human Resource Officer
SureStaff
President & CEO
National Black MBA Association, SF Chapter
CEO
Springboard Consulting
CEO & Publisher
P&L Group
Area Vice President, Office of Access & Opportunity
Advocate Health
Chief Culture & Inclusion Officer
GE Vernova
President
RIM Logistics
Author
‘Trumping the Race Card’
Author
‘Are You Calling Me a Racist?’
Author
‘Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work’
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
OpalSphere
Principal
Hamilton Lanes
CEO
CTR Factor
CEO & Founder
TRIBE Insights
Author
‘Equity, Equality & Justice for All’
Marketing Manager
P&L Group
