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Thrive Together Session Topics

2025 DETAILS COMING SOON

Keynote Sessions

Leading a Human-Centered Brand in the Age of AI

Celeste Herron

In an age when artificial intelligence transforms nearly every industry, how do we harness its potential and power while preserving the human-centered values that define exceptional brands? In this thought-provoking keynote, we will explore the balance between trust and technology in AI adoption, address the ethical implications of these powerful tools, and discuss how to build customer trust in an era of AI-powered interactions. We will also look at how AI can be used to augment human capabilities, create efficiencies, and enhance your team's creativity and decision-making. Through real-world examples and practical insights, you will learn how to lead with both technological savvy and human wisdom in this new age by understanding key AI concepts and asking the right questions when implementing these powerful tools. Leave empowered to lead a resilient, future-proof brand that leverages AI to its fullest potential while remaining deeply human at its core. An interactive Q&A session will follow, allowing you to dive deeper into specific AI applications for your business.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Building the Warrior Spirit

GENERAL MARI K. EDER

General Eder has been intrigued by stories of ordinary women in WWII who found their way forward - who survived, fought, and made a difference, against huge odds. They did it without mentors, a social network, or sometimes even friends. Here's their leadership legacy for us - belief in the path forward. Yet sometimes that path may be neglected or forgotten. And we lose touch with those earlier trailblazers and feel like we're alone with our life challenges and worries. We are not alone. We have each other, strength in numbers, and like those women in the greatest generation, we can lead ourselves and get tough when the going gets rough. General Eder knows what it's like to try to run full speed ahead on a path strewn with roadblocks and bureaucratic mud. She spent 30+ years in boots. But you never let the judgments of others slow you down. And you don't let them define you - only you can do that. You'll leave this session with your faith renewed, greater confidence in yourself, and a warrior's determination to make that uphill run your personal victory.

Rest & Joy are Our Birthright

Ashley Cornelius

Explore the transformative power of rest and joy in a woman's life and work. Far too often, women are conditioned to prioritize productivity and success at the expense of their well-being. We will challenge this narrative and reclaim rest and joy as vital components of our daily lives. Drawing on research and personal experiences, we will delve into the positive impact of rest on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Through play and poetry, we'll experience the importance of joy as a form of self-care and self-expression. Too often, women feel guilty or selfish for indulging in activities that bring them joy when in fact joy is a powerful act of resistance. Join as we affirm that rest and joy are not luxuries, but a birthright that everyone deserves. It's time to redefine success on our terms and create a life that is truly fulfilling and sustainable.

Workshop Sessions

The Art of Persuasion: Strategies to Amplify your Voice & your Impact

Lisel Petis

This comprehensive workshop will equip women with the tools for effective persuasion in everyday scenarios. While persuasion may carry negative connotations for some, the ability to influence is essential in all aspects of life. Whether it is convincing your child to eat their vegetables, your boss to give you a raise, or an individual to become a client, customer, or donor, persuasion is key to making an impact in your career and your life. Participants will learn about the dynamics of influence, discovering that success often hinges more on thorough preparation, interpersonal finesse, and cultivating relationships than merely the verbal articulation of ideas. Key takeaways include adopting a persuasion mindset, mastering persuasive communication techniques, refining interpersonal skills, and developing a strategic approach to influence.

Conflict to Collaboration: Mastering Communication Strategies for Difficult Conversations

EMMA HUDSON, MPH MPA

We all encounter difficult conversations where, despite our best efforts to be clear, firm, and understanding, we fall short of our own expectations and feel frustrated afterward. The good news is that with the right skills and knowledge, we can improve and achieve better outcomes in these tough moments. In this interactive workshop, participants will develop essential skills for managing difficult conversations in both personal and professional settings. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and insightful discussions, participants will identify their personal conflict styles, understand the dynamics of difficult conversations, and apply proven frameworks and techniques for effective communication. The workshop includes an engaging conflict styles quiz to help participants recognize their natural tendencies in conflict situations, forming the basis for exploring various approaches to conflict resolution. We will delve into established models for navigating challenging conversations and the essential skills needed for success.

Breakout Sessions

Becoming a Superconnector: Why You Should Stop Networking & Start Building Lasting Connections

KATE BLACK

In today's fast-paced and digital professional world, the concept of “networking” often emphasizes quantity over quality (we see you, LinkedIn), leading to shallow and transactional interactions. This presentation aims to redefine the traditional approach to networking for women, emphasizing the power and importance of building meaningful, enduring relationships. The session will offer concrete tips on how to build connections that foster a stronger, more collaborative community. This presentation encourages women to rethink their approach to networking and embrace the transformative power of genuine, lasting relationships.

Aging Gracefully, Mentally & Physically: Tips from the Blue Zones

Anna Lundeen

Aging gracefully may mean different things to different people, but today we will focus on maintaining an excellent quality of life through the years. This means fostering both physical and mental health through daily practices. Taking tips from the blue zones around the globe where higher numbers of people live and function well beyond 100 years, we will focus on how we can implement daily practices that boost our mental and physical health. We will explore some of the challenges and how we might creatively overcome them in this wild and crazy world. After this session, you will leave with ideas you can immediately put into practice.

Presenting Sponsor:

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email Alex Weissner.