Leading From the Core™

Jacob Brown, Keynote Speaker & Author

Explore what it truly means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and alignment. “Leading from the Core” introduces a powerful framework built on personal and organizational values, the guiding principles that shape how we show up and lead others. Using the memorable metaphor of an avocado, Jacob guides participants through a journey from the outer skin to the inner pit, illustrating how real leadership comes from within. Just like each part of the avocado has a purpose, every layer of a leader, skills, mindset, and values - must align for impact. Through stories, reflection, and actionable tools, leaders will learn how to clarify what they stand for, build trust, and lead with conviction. Whether you're managing a team or preparing for the next level, this workshop will help you lead from within and influence everything around you.

People, Process, and the Power of AI

Preparing HR for the Next Wave of Workplace Transformation

Brent Yax, CEO, Awecomm

As artificial intelligence accelerates across industries, HR teams are uniquely positioned at the intersection of people, process, and emerging technology. This session explores how AI is transforming the HR function today and what leaders must prepare for as advancements continue at a rapid pace.

We’ll begin with the People perspective: how employees are reacting to AI in the workplace, what fears or misconceptions exist, and how HR can guide teams through change with transparency, education, and trust. We’ll discuss job impact concerns, motivation during transformation, and strategies to build a culture that embraces responsible AI adoption.

Next, we’ll examine Process: the practical mechanisms and organizational groundwork required to introduce AI safely and effectively. This includes governance models, policies, regulatory considerations, and the operational systems needed to support AI inside a real workplace environment.

Finally, we’ll dive into AI in HR: the technologies being used today, where they’re delivering the greatest value, and how AI is reshaping key HR functions such as hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement. We’ll explore what’s coming in the next 5–10 years and how HR leaders can prepare now.

Together, these three perspectives paint a clear roadmap for HR professionals who want to maximize the opportunity of AI while protecting, supporting, and empowering their people.

Conference Welcome: 9:00 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.

Opening Keynote: 9:05 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.

Leading From the Core™

Jacob Brown, Keynote Speaker & Author

Explore what it truly means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and alignment. “Leading from the Core” introduces a powerful framework built on personal and organizational values, the guiding principles that shape how we show up and lead others. Using the memorable metaphor of an avocado, Jacob guides participants through a journey from the outer skin to the inner pit, illustrating how real leadership comes from within. Just like each part of the avocado has a purpose, every layer of a leader, skills, mindset, and values - must align for impact. Through stories, reflection, and actionable tools, leaders will learn how to clarify what they stand for, build trust, and lead with conviction. Whether you're managing a team or preparing for the next level, this workshop will help you lead from within and influence everything around you.

HRCI: 1 general credit
SHRM: 1 general credit

Breakout Session 1: 10:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Individual, Manager, and Organizational Strategies

Chris Dotson, Founder & CEO, Holistic Leadership Solutions

Burnout isn't just about working too hard. It's about unmanaged stress, depleted resources, and workplaces that fail to meet fundamental human needs. In this interactive session, Chris Dotson, Founder of Holistic Leadership Solutions and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, breaks down the science behind burnout, the stress cycle, and the leadership behaviors that either fuel or prevent it. You'll leave with practical strategies you can apply at the individual level, concrete tools for managers, and a framework for building a culture where employees actually thrive.

HRCI: 1 business credit
SHRM: 1 general credit

Breakout Session 2: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Changing Workplace: Legal Perspectives

Sandra Andre, Member, Miller Johnson

Adam Walker, Member, Miller Johnson  

The HR legal landscape is changing every minute. Stay informed on the latest legal developments impacting your HR practices. This update highlights essential changes in employment law, including new regulations on wage laws and discrimination protections. Ensure your business stays compliant with these evolving laws to avoid legal risks and foster a fair, transparent, and supportive work environment for all employees. More details will be updated as the attorneys from Miller Johnson finalize the most pertinent topics for this year's update.

HRCI: 1 business credit
SHRM: 1 general credit

Interactive Workshop: 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Make Work Matter: Communication & Coaching Techniques to Drive Engagement

Dana Black, Professional Speaker & Performance Coach

Shea Petaja, Strategic Advisor & Executive Coach

This interactive workshop focuses on communicating in ways people can genuinely receive and feel seen. Professional coaches Dana and Shea will teach the foundational skills required for confident, compassionate communication that signals interest and builds trust. Learning how to ask questions that invite truth rather than performance and how to coach in a way that draws out contribution instead of trying to gain control is a game changer in leadership. Participants for this session will engage in live practice and role-play to strengthen clarity across personalities and elevate everyday conversations!

HRCI: 1.5 general credits
SHRM: 1 general credit

Closing Keynote: 2:55 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.

People, Process, and the Power of AI: Preparing HR for the Next Wave of Workplace Transformation

Brent Yax, CEO, Awecomm

As artificial intelligence accelerates across industries, HR teams are uniquely positioned at the intersection of people, process, and emerging technology. This session explores how AI is transforming the HR function today and what leaders must prepare for as advancements continue at a rapid pace.

We’ll begin with the People perspective: how employees are reacting to AI in the workplace, what fears or misconceptions exist, and how HR can guide teams through change with transparency, education, and trust. We’ll discuss job impact concerns, motivation during transformation, and strategies to build a culture that embraces responsible AI adoption.

Next, we’ll examine Process: the practical mechanisms and organizational groundwork required to introduce AI safely and effectively. This includes governance models, policies, regulatory considerations, and the operational systems needed to support AI inside a real workplace environment.

Finally, we’ll dive into AI in HR: the technologies being used today, where they’re delivering the greatest value, and how AI is reshaping key HR functions such as hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement. We’ll explore what’s coming in the next 5–10 years and how HR leaders can prepare now.

Together, these three perspectives paint a clear roadmap for HR professionals who want to maximize the opportunity of AI while protecting, supporting, and empowering their people.

HRCI: 1 business credit
SHRM: 1 general credit

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We have levels available for every price point.

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