In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the quest to retain top talent has never been more intense. As the dynamics of how, where, when, and with whom we work continue to evolve, the drivers of performance and commitment for each individual have been forever reshaped. No longer do one-size-fits-all approaches suffice; instead, a new, more individualized approach sets the best organizations apart.

Enter Danny Goldberg acclaimed keynote speaker, award winning entrepreneur, and creator of the Modern Leadership Framework. With a proven track record of business success, Danny shares insights vital for nurturing high-performing teams in this new era of work.

Through the Modern Leadership Framework, leaders at all levels gain actionable insights to foster depth,

personalize their leadership approach, and lead in a way that inspires loyalty. This practical, inspiring framework empowers teams to not only be productive but also innovative, creative, connected, and psychologically safe.

Your people will learn:

• The importance of the Modern Leadership Framework to lead across generations
• How to stop competing for top talent and instead motivate top talent to stay
• An actionable framework for highly-engaged, productive, and committed teams

Intended Audience: Private Sector / Public Sector

Danny Goldberg is a serial entrepreneur-turned-keynote speaker.

His journey to the stage began after a life-changing conversation with his business partner months after his mom died.

Motivated by the desire for more meaning, purpose, and happiness in the workplace, Danny left his business behind to pursue a more impactful mission; To make the workplace, “human.”

Today, he works closely with leadership teams, training them to cultivate authentic human connections, build a culture of care, and effectively lead in a multi-generational workforce.

Many organizations today desire to create cultures of psychological safety, defined as cultures where individuals feel included, safe, and willing to speak out and challenge the status quo.  

If your organization is struggling to effectively implement these concepts, you’re not alone. It’s difficult to implement safety and inclusion without first identifying and addressing common patterns of drama that will sabotage (intentionally or unintentionally) environments of trust, accountability, and respect.  

This session will identify common patterns of drama in the workplace, reasons these patterns persist, and strategies to consistently reduce workplace drama as part of a larger strategy to increase psychological safety in the workplace. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Drama and Trauma – What Are They? What’s The Link?
• Understanding Common Drama Archetypes and Triggers
• The Role of Compassion as a Drama Antidote
• Strategies to Consistently Reduce Workplace Drama          

Intended Audience: Private Sector / Public Sector

Barb Ranck holds and an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master’s degree in adult learning & performance from Drake University.

Barb’s passion for learning & growth includes a 25+ year career in corporate workplaces, training employees and consulting with leaders, helping those she served become more professional and productive in – and out – of the workplace.

Barb coaches and trains individuals, leaders, and teams, using assessments and activities designed to increase self-awareness, leading to more accountable outcomes.

• ACC-Coach Certified through ICF
• iEQ9 Enneagram Certified

Join us for a look at the impact of marijuana usage respective to workplace safety and productivity. Our discussion will include such items as a look at current thoughts regarding applicable regulatory updates, trends in marijuana usage, updates in testing methods, and the importance of reasonable suspicion recognition training in relationship to a positive drug test for marijuana.  We will also interact and learn from each other through an engaging Q & A session. Come prepared to ask, share and learn.”

• Be able to identify suggested steps for updating controlled substance testing policy
• Know recent trends in marijuana, CBD, and their impact on safety in the workplace
• Understand options in drug testing methodologies
• Be able to define training requirements for employees and supervisors

Intended Audience: Private Sector

John Throckmorton is a Senior Trainer Consultant with Tomo Drug Testing. He has been with Tomo since December 2000, serving as a collection technician, field manager, breath alcohol and drug collection trainer, operations manager and account executive.  Often referred to as “JT”, John has assisted businesses with the development and implementation of substance misuse testing programs as well as program reviews for compliance with State and Federal regulations. As a Senior Training Consultant, John annually conducts over 100 educational training seminars and webinars. John is a graduate of Baptist Bible College where he met Carol, his wife of 45 years. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. John has been involved in public speaking for over 45 years.

“Everything you say and do – can and will be used against you.”

Unfortunately, that is how many people feel at work.  They have a fault-finding boss.  They attend meetings where new thoughts and ideas are ripped apart.  Reactive rework is deeply engrained in the culture.  And/or they have peers that tease and pick at one another – all in the name of “fun”, of course.

This kind of work environment is all too common.  And it comes with a cost:

• When leaders ask for input and ideas – they are met with silence.
• Staff waits to be told what to do – and seeks reassurance, often.
• Multiple meetings are held to ensure we “on the same page.”
• Work is checked and double-checked
• The status quo reigns supreme

In this kind of culture – employees don’t grow and flourish.  Instead, they withdraw, put up a shield, and endure.

During this workshop attendees will:

• Learn what psychological safety is and how it impacts an organization.
• Identify the stages of psychological safety.
• Discover what organizational leaders can do to build a culture of psychological safety.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

During Ben’s 27-year career he has 15+ years of leadership experience and 27+ years of success by leveraging a customer centric mindset to ensure clients see the results they expect. Ben’s background has spanned employee benefits, technology and the pharmaceutical verticals which allows him to leverage his experience across many trades when co-creating solutions for our partners. He has led highly successful, large and complex organizations through various change management, re-organizations and process improvement efforts including the DMAIC Way.

Ben’s role at BecomeMore Group is to help identify where our partners can leverage our Experts to solve complex challenges and Become More!

Caring for aging parents is a significant responsibility that an increasing number of employees are shouldering. This role comes with a multitude of challenges that can impact both their personal and professional lives.

Balancing workplace demands, caregiving responsibilities, and one’s own well-being can be overwhelming.

Participants will gain insights into the emotional impact of caregiving, validating their experiences, and fostering a sense of community. Through evidence-based approaches and personal anecdotes, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of the unique struggles faced by working families as caregivers.

Recognize, as an employer, the role you can play in ensuring your employees have the tools necessary to successfully navigate the area between caregivers and employee in a manner that supports their well-being.

Participants will acquire practical skills and resources to promote their own mental health, support co-workers/employees and achieve work-life balance. Strategies for navigating sensitive conversations and accessing important information, while respecting the autonomy of aging parents, will be provided. This workshop aims to empower caregivers and employers with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their well-being and connect with a supportive network.

• Understand the emotional impact of caregiving and its effect on the well-being of both caregivers and their aging parents.
• Acquire strategies for navigating sensitive conversations, accessing important information, and setting long term care goals.
• Discover practical tools and techniques for achieving work-life balance as a caregiver.
• Recognize, as an employer, the role you can play in ensuring your employees have the tools necessary to successfully navigate the area between caregivers and employee in a manner that supports their well-being.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Haglund provides behavioral health subject matter expertise, public policy analysis, and system design consultation and is a founding member of Rural Policy Partners. Haglund brings with him over 20 years of experience leading, managing and navigating the behavioral healthcare system in numerous leadership and consultative roles.

Haglund provides candid guidance through challenging policy requirements. In addition, Haglund understands the uniqueness of rural Iowa and as a seasoned public speaker draws upon the lessons he has learned from his own multigenerational family farm. As co-owner of Boone County based Hickory Grove Family Farm, Haglund is the 5th generation to continue the family farming tradition.

Keeping up with the constant evolving pace of science, technology, and management of uncertainty can be overwhelming. Haglund understands first hand juggling all of this is required to own and operate a technology informed, financially viable, sustainable family business. This unique perspective affords Haglund to lead engaging, relatable discussions on topics such as stress management, emotional wellness, public policy, and burnout.

Ms. Schulte has over two decades of leadership experience in the behavioral healthcare field. Her work in the public and private sectors has given her a unique understanding of the complexities of delivering quality care.

Renee is nationally recognized for her expertise in behavioral health policy, system design, financial analysis, and strategic planning. As a licensed mental health therapist, Renee has worked across an array of the care continuum including psychiatric hospitals, child welfare providers, and therapeutic foster care services.

She began Schulte Consulting, LLC in 2012. As a consultant she has worked with multiple states creating strategic plans, legislation, and best practice guidance in regulation and rules.

Renee has taught at multiple colleges and universities in the psychology department, encouraging the next generation to join in this important work.

This presentation helps attendees understand the different ways a rewards program can impact companies’ brand and reputation, recruitment and retention goals, and culture. In this session, we will dive deep into employee perception of total rewards and how it can be used to align employer incentives with what employees value most in order to drive better employee retention.

• A Framework to Prioritize Your Total Rewards Initiatives
• Innovative Ways to Tweak Traditional Rewards to Stand Out From the Crowd
• Tools and strategies to measure feedback and drive results

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19.  Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.

Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children.

This seminar will discuss the basics of cybersecurity from threat identification through the multiple levels of protection.  We will first discuss the various types of threats businesses face. After understanding the threat landscape, we will then discuss how business should engage in various types of prevention.  First, we will discuss the various technologies and other measures that businesses can implement to prevent or avoid those threats.  We will discuss the importance of training and educating a workforce to spot and prevent cyber events.  Then, we will look at outside forces and review how businesses can use security assessments and auditing of their vendor and service providers’ security positioning to protect themselves.  Finally, we will discuss how having appropriate provisions in your contracts can be crucial to blocking attacks from those with whom you do business.

• Participants will recognize the cybersecurity threats to their businesses face.
• Participants will be able to describe the mechanisms and training that their businesses should implement to avoid and mitigate the cyber threats and attacks.
• Participants will better understand the advantages of security assessments and auditing to keep their businesses ahead of the threats.
• Participants will realize how to contractually protect themselves against security threats arising from customers, vendors, and other service providers with whom they do business.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Billee Elliott McAuliffe serves as the Practice Group Leader for the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy practice group at Lewis Rice Law Firm. She practices in the Firm’s Corporate Department, with a particular focus on information technology (IT).

As IT is now the conduit upon which all businesses operate, this area of law touches on nearly all aspects of a client’s business. Along with information technology law, Billee has extensive experience throughout corporate law, including technology licensing, cybersecurity and data privacy, mergers and acquisitions, and general business and corporate law. As such, regardless of what type of business utilizes a particular technology, Billee has the background and perspective to understand the needs of that business or business unit and has the experience to interpret the various areas of law implicated by such needs. Utilizing such understanding and experience, Billee addresses the needs of each client and each engagement with a well-rounded, practical, client-centered approach.

In today’s world, data and the equipment and/or software in which that data is held or used are often a business’s largest assets. Frequently, that data and software is held in third-party servers at a location hundreds of miles from a client’s headquarters. Ensuring that such data is adequately protected is a priority for Billee in each transaction. Additionally, the purchase and sale of such data, software, and equipment is a major component of most mergers and acquisitions. For example, transitioning a company’s enterprise resource system and the data contained therein is often the most crucial aspect of any acquisition, for without that system and data, the plant or business cannot operate. Billee is often called upon to consult with both purchasing entities and selling entities about the purchase/sale and transition of data, software, and IT equipment in a variety of merger and acquisition transactions. Having adequate IT representation early in the purchase/sale process is crucial to the success of any such transition. Billee has assisted numerous clients with these transactions and stands ready and willing to assist you with yours.

In addition to her busy law practice, Billee is a mother of triplets and therefore dedicates much of her free time volunteering for organizations primarily related to children and education.

This presentation will focus on the latest developments in labor and employment law, how they apply to and impact Missouri employers and their workforces, and strategies for avoiding and mitigating legal risks.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand recent developments in employment law, and how they impact your workforce.
• Develop a better understanding of the current Administration’s labor law landscape, and strategies to remain issue-free.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

John J. Marino, Jr. represents the interest of management in all facets of Labor & Employment Law. Mr. Marino received his juris doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law where he earned a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law.

Mr. Marino’s employment practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination claims under Title VII and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mr. Marino also represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in charges of unfair labor practices, challenges to elections and post-election conduct. In addition, he advises clients on employment-related matters such as employment contracts and daily human resources issues.

Mr. Marino is very active in the human resource community. He has been on the Board of the St. Louis Chapter of SHRM (HRMA) for the past several years and is currently serving as President of the organization. HRMA has nearly 600 members and provides phenomenal networking and educational opportunities for human resources professionals.
Outside of his professional interests, Mr. Marino is currently serving an appointment with the City of Chesterfield Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Marino and his wife are also very active in their communities through volunteer work with various organizations such as St. Patrick Center and St. Louis University High School.

Mr. Marino’s experience prior to joining McMahon Berger includes insurance defense litigation representing corporations in a variety of interests. Mr. Marino has argued both in trial and before the Missouri Appellate Court. He has also served as associate in-house counsel, handling a variety of employment and general business issues.

This presentation will explore changes in the legal landscape to employment handbooks and policies based upon recent NLRB decisions and guidance. This presentation will provide an overview of potential pitfalls in drafting employment policies and handbooks and provide practical insight into construction compliant and comprehensive policies and manuals.

• Understanding of legal landscape for employee handbooks and policies in 2024
• Learn pitfalls to avoid in drafting policies and handbooks.
• Gain practical guidance on constructing compliant and comprehensive policies and handbooks.

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Thomas R. Chibnall is an associate in the St. Louis, Missouri, office of Ogletree Deakins. He represents and counsels clients of all sizes in a variety of employment related matters before both state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies, including the Missouri Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR), the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Tom is experienced in the phases of discovery, trial preparation, and negotiation of settlements. Tom handles matters involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, and many other employment-related matters.

Tom represents clients in a variety of employment litigation matters, including claims arising under Title VII, disability claims under Title III, and claims arising under state law employment statutes. Tom is an experienced litigator, having conducted several jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. Tom also specializes workplace safety law, as he represents and assists clients in investigations, complains, and appeals addressing environmental and work safety conditions under federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Acts and regulations as well as under the Mine Safety and Health Act. Also experienced in traditional labor matters, Tom has represented clients in labor arbitrations, union organizing campaigns, and has provided union avoidance and traditional labor relations training for clients.

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Tom was an associate at a national labor and employment firm. During law school, Tom clerked for a Fortune 500 manufacturing company in St. Louis, participating in the Mergers and Acquisitions department, as well as the company’s real estate, environmental and immigration departments. He also served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Gary M. Gaertner, Jr. of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, and as an intern in the Office of the General Counsel of Saint Louis University.

Holly Morrison is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She represents management in all aspects of litigation from inception through resolution. In addition to litigation, she provides advice and counseling to employers to avoid work-related legal exposure. Holly obtained her law degree from Saint Louis University and previously served as the Managing Editor for the ABA Journal of Labor and Employment.

Attendees will review the requirements of Missouri’s Constitutional Amendment authorizing recreational marijuana and changing the provisions of medical marijuana in the state. It will also address current requirements and trends in employer drug testing policies, and the impact of such policies on workers’ compensation claims. Attendees will learn about marijuana use in disability and accommodation requests. Finally, issues relating to expungement of marijuana records will be addressed.

• Understand Missouri’s current recreational and medical marijuana laws
• Understand current requirements and trends in drug testing.
• Understand how to deal with disability and accommodation requests from employees involving marijuana.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Rex P. Fennessey represents the interests of employers in all areas of labor and employment law. Prior to joining McMahon Berger, Mr. Fennessey served for six years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, where he defended the interests of the State, its agencies, and its elected and appointed officials in civil rights, employment discrimination, education law, and professional licensing matters.

His current practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination cases under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Missouri and Illinois Human Rights Acts. Mr. Fennessey also routinely represents both public and private employers in cases brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and state wage and hour laws; such as the Missouri Minimum Wage Law, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Mr. Fennessey is recognized in the field of wage and hour litigation and has extensive experience representing employers in complex class action lawsuits.

Mr. Fennessey litigates before administrative agencies, Missouri and Illinois circuit courts, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern and Western District, the Missouri Supreme Court, both United States District Courts in Missouri, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Southern Division of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Fennessey further represents employers in U.S. Department of Labor investigations and audits, and represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in representation matters and unfair labor practice charges.

Mr. Fennessey is a sought-after speaker for companies and organizations on a broad range of employment topics. His many presentations include wage-and-hour compliance, how employers can systematically handle complicated ADA, FMLA and Workers’ Compensation leave issues, garnishments, and other continually developing federal and state labor laws.

Mr. Fennessey is recognized for his experience guiding new and existing non-profit organizations on a broad range of issues, and regularly assists these clients in obtaining 501(c) exemption recognition before the Internal Revenue Service.

For years organizations have endorsed making data-based decisions.  This focus on collecting data and analyzing data has become so prevalent that most companies have a team of people whose sole purpose is to deliver data to the executive team so that they can use that information to both grow the organization AND keep it safe. 

Data is king…  Except when it comes to the lifeblood of an organization – it’s people.
Most organizations still rely on gut instincts when it comes to hiring, developing, promoting, and leading their people.  And yet – there is reliable people data available.  There are ways to analyze how an individual will perform in a specific role, jell with a team, or even respond to change. 

Come discover the science of people data and how your organization leadership can use data to lead their most important asset. 

Outcomes:

• Recognize the impact of NOT measuring people data.
• Realize what people data is readily available.
• Discover how people data can be leverage to both grow an organization and reduce expenses.

Intended Audience: Private Sector / Public Sector

Jenn Peterson is a Talent Optimization Consultant with the BecomeMore Group focusing on helping companies with their most valued resource – their people. She has over twenty-five years of experience in design, project management, leadership and sales roles that focused on aligning solutions to the needs of her clients.  She leverages her experience and passion for working with organizations and individuals to level-up and be the best they can be through hiring top talent, aligning strategy, and building dream teams.  She is a skilled facilitator and connects with people through shared experiences and stories – helping them along their own journey to becoming more.

SIX Types of insurance platforms –and which one is right for my company.

• Fully Insured
• Level Funded
• Partially Self-Insured
• Captive – Partially Self-Insured
• Direct Contract– Partially Self-Insured – predetermined fee schedule
• Referenced based contract- level funded or Partially Self Insured

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Kent joined Bukaty Companies with 30 years of experience building, running and consulting for companies ranging from small to Fortune 500.

He understands what it takes to design an employee benefits program that is attractive to both employers and employees. With all his talents in the finance and operations world, Kent works diligently to provide solutions across the nation the many services Bukaty Companies can assist companies and executives with — Group Health Insurance, Commercial P&C, HIPAA compliance, COBRA administration and payroll, to mention a few.

By keeping the client’s needs as the driver, Kent implements a strategy that allows his clients to stay focused on what they do best.  His new clients have been averaging over a $1,600 per year savings per employee… and they now have better benefits.

Kent is a seasoned public speaker on multiple topics and is known a ones of the nation’s leading expert on Wellness programs, Contributions Strategies, Strategic Plan Design, Direct Contracting and Cost Containment programs. No one brings more passion to their clients than he does.  Kent and his team deliver a world class benefit / insurance experience -so his clients can stay focused on running their company.

Kent graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia, with a combined degree in Marketing/ Management/ Public Relations.

Licensed in Life & Health / Commercial Property & Casualty 

Verticals

All companies over 10 employees – Associations, Auto, Banks, Churches, Construction, Distribution, Food Industry, Gaming and Hospitality, Manufacturing, Marine, Medical providers, Public, Schools, Utilities, 501-c3’s.

Please join Rex Fennessey and John Marino from McMahon Berger for a no holds barred Q&A session on all things labor and employment.  We will be taking unscripted questions from the audience, so please come with your trickiest questions!

• Handling unique HR/employment law situations
• Sharing ideas and common HR challenges
• Forecasting the continuing changes to the workplace

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

John J. Marino, Jr. represents the interest of management in all facets of Labor & Employment Law. Mr. Marino received his juris doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law where he earned a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law.

Mr. Marino’s employment practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination claims under Title VII and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mr. Marino also represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in charges of unfair labor practices, challenges to elections and post-election conduct. In addition, he advises clients on employment-related matters such as employment contracts and daily human resources issues.

Mr. Marino is very active in the human resource community. He has been on the Board of the St. Louis Chapter of SHRM (HRMA) for the past several years and is currently serving as President of the organization. HRMA has nearly 600 members and provides phenomenal networking and educational opportunities for human resources professionals.
Outside of his professional interests, Mr. Marino is currently serving an appointment with the City of Chesterfield Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Marino and his wife are also very active in their communities through volunteer work with various organizations such as St. Patrick Center and St. Louis University High School.

Mr. Marino’s experience prior to joining McMahon Berger includes insurance defense litigation representing corporations in a variety of interests. Mr. Marino has argued both in trial and before the Missouri Appellate Court. He has also served as associate in-house counsel, handling a variety of employment and general business issues.

Rex P. Fennessey represents the interests of employers in all areas of labor and employment law. Prior to joining McMahon Berger, Mr. Fennessey served for six years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, where he defended the interests of the State, its agencies, and its elected and appointed officials in civil rights, employment discrimination, education law, and professional licensing matters.

His current practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination cases under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Missouri and Illinois Human Rights Acts. Mr. Fennessey also routinely represents both public and private employers in cases brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and state wage and hour laws; such as the Missouri Minimum Wage Law, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Mr. Fennessey is recognized in the field of wage and hour litigation and has extensive experience representing employers in complex class action lawsuits.

Mr. Fennessey litigates before administrative agencies, Missouri and Illinois circuit courts, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern and Western District, the Missouri Supreme Court, both United States District Courts in Missouri, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Southern Division of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Fennessey further represents employers in U.S. Department of Labor investigations and audits, and represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in representation matters and unfair labor practice charges.

Mr. Fennessey is a sought-after speaker for companies and organizations on a broad range of employment topics. His many presentations include wage-and-hour compliance, how employers can systematically handle complicated ADA, FMLA and Workers’ Compensation leave issues, garnishments, and other continually developing federal and state labor laws.

Mr. Fennessey is recognized for his experience guiding new and existing non-profit organizations on a broad range of issues, and regularly assists these clients in obtaining 501(c) exemption recognition before the Internal Revenue Service.

This session demystifies Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business leaders and HR professionals, offering a comprehensive overview of AI’s impact on the modern workplace. Participants will gain insights into how AI technologies are reshaping industries, enhancing efficiency, and creating opportunities for innovation. Through real-world examples, we’ll explore the potential of AI to drive business success and address common concerns and misconceptions.

1. Understand AI Basics: Learn the fundamental concepts of AI and how it differs from traditional computing approaches.
2. Identify AI Opportunities: Discover how AI can be leveraged in various business functions, including HR, customer service, and operations, to enhance productivity and innovation.
3. Address AI Skepticism: Address common fears and concerns about AI, including job displacement and ethical considerations, and how to navigate them.
4. Implement AI Strategically: Gain insights into the steps for integrating AI into your business strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Blake Hodits is the visionary founder of Aidealist, a consultancy at the forefront of AI innovation, dedicated to harnessing artificial intelligence to empower businesses and communities. With a distinguished background in technology, including leading Salesforce’s largest project in the Asia Pacific region, Blake’s expertise is matched by a profound commitment to ethical AI use and a passion for creating meaningful, connected communities. His approach is fueled by a deep-seated curiosity and a desire to explore the potential of AI as a transformative tool for solving complex challenges. Blake’s personal values of open-mindedness, compassion, and relentless pursuit of knowledge guide his work, making him a sought-after expert in the AI space. Through Aidealist, he aims to demystify AI, fostering a future where technology amplifies human potential and fosters greater understanding across all walks of life.

The Framework presented in this keynote will empower the attendee to activate their inner resilience that will leverage anxiety, exhaustion and overwhelm into opportunities to achieve the productivity and profit they seek while sustaining health through organizational growth.

Nearly every HR department ss struggled with balancing the “to do” list and quality of work to challenges that are faced with organization’s growth. This can often bring on with it anxiety, exhaustion & overwhelm, wondering if they can truly be successful when expected and unexpected challenges come. There is a resilience framework that people are not currently accessing that can be the difference in increasing productivity or drowning in the daily work. In this keynote, wellness expert and 2x All-American, Jennifer Watson, MPT, teaches the chemistry of healthy resilience and how mastering it is the key to accelerated sustainable productivity and ultimately their bottom line through growth & challenges. During this

presentation the attendee will come to understand what their current relationship with challenges is and how to create one that champions their success and leadership skills toward the organizations’ goals. They will learn a framework that optimizes the chemistry of the mindbody, it’s influence on increasing the capacity of resilience and ultimately multiplying productivity. Finally, they will learn how this framework allows accelerated profit while staying in optimal health, no matter the adversity. During this journey the attendees will come to appreciate healthy resilience that accelerates their success in peace, productivity and profit while sustaining their health and impact during organizational growth.

They will walk away with:

• How to accelerate & sustain higher-levels of profit and success while staying in peak health
• through challenges.
• How to optimize the chemistry of Mind-Body and gain a deeper understanding of its influence
• on resilience and ultimately multiplying productivity + energy with ease.
• A clear understanding of their current relationship to change and shift into one that champions
• their success & leadership skills toward organization’s goals.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Jennifer Watson, MPT, I.M.T.,C., is a healer and a dynamic speaker with a gift for intuitive and visionary coaching. She is an expert in integrative wellness, transformational leadership, flow-state performance, and mental-edge + resilience enhancement.

Incorporating her expertise along with her athletic gifts as a former D1-collegiate track athlete and 2x All-American, she has had the honor to share here message on the TEDx stage, NBC, Fox Radio and top Summit & Podcasts. With 20+ years experience in wellness advocacy + business leadership development, she inspires those to unleash their potential and performance, no matter the environment.

She is the CEO of Watson World Wide (WWW) & Jennifer Watson Leadership (JWL) which supports the ambitious executives & business leaders to step out of chaos into creation to live their legacy now. WWW/JWL does this through Mind-Body-Soul Wellness Optimization, Leadership-Genius Trait & Next-Level Speaking Amplification, and Sustainable High-Performance Creation.

Her gift is truly to tap into the leaders “Flow State” in Wellness + Leadership and create their extraordinary business and life with ease & joy.

In addition, Jennifer is the founder of Run Your Race Global whose vision is to create healing, opportunity, and prosperity in every community and country around the world with mission to accelerate influence of the 1% Leaders & Entrepreneurs in their area of impact to achieve ambitious results for good.

EDUCATION: She received her undergraduate degree in kinesiology and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her time at Wisconsin Jennifer was also a member of the University of Wisconsin- Madison track & field team in which she received All-American honors. As she began her work, her interests began to grow outside the athletic arena. She has completed over 2500 hours of continuing education courses & certifications in integrative wellness, manual therapy, energetics, functional orthopedics, and postural restoration with areas of focus & expertise in high performance, gut health, brain health, mental health and a special interest in men & women’s health. She has also completed over 1000 hours of continuing education in leadership development and certified in health + transformational coaching. Watson World Wide & Run Your Race Global has given rise to Jennifer’s great passion of supporting people in their journey to live their EPIC Health, their EPIC Leadership, and their EPIC Legacy that they were destined for…to change the world for good.