Leadership Conference

*NO CHARGE FOR THIS EVENT

SESSION 1

Diversity of Thought Celebrated Through Respectful, Intellectual Rapport

Speaker: Liz Cox, Superintendent of Human Resources and Risk Management, Wilmette Park 

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Networking

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Speaker Presentation

One of the most powerful benefits of diversity is the diversity of thought. It is the power to open our minds, see things from a different perspective and embrace the opinions of all in a respectful manner. Creating an environment of diverse thought allows us to learn, as well as others, and helps us build a culture of thoughtful dialogue and debate, employee connectedness, and innovation where “outside the box” ideas come to life and are considered to help the organization move forward.

In this session you will:

• Learn how to build a culture of respect and equity for everyone.
• Understand why it is important to embrace and appreciate the points of view of others.
• Acquire knowledge of the key ingredients of having a healthy exchange of diverse ideas and opinions.
• Take part in sharing ideas with others in the Zoom room.
• Walk away with tips, tools, and resources you can put Into practice immediately.

SESSION 2

Investing In Your Most Valuable Resource: Your People

Speaker: Cheri Neal, Zion Township Supervisor, Zion Township

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Networking

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Speaker Presentation

The most critical investment an organization can make is in its people. In building your people, your people will build the business. Creating a culture of empowerment, personal development and growth helps cultivate employee engagement, trust and fosters mutual respect between you and your employees. Learn from Cheri Neal as she shares her story and the personal journey she has taken to invest in her employees and the rewards and outcomes the team has experienced.

In this session you will:

• Gain insights on the organizational benefits and the “WHY” behind the importance of investing in your people.
• Learn ways to invest in the success of your employees.
• Receive steps on how to conquer limiting beliefs that get in the way of leading staff to help them reach their full potential.
• Collaborate and share ideas with others on this topic.
• Get tips, tools, and resources that you can put into action immediately following the program.

SESSION 3

Creating A Culture Of Workplace Flexibility

Speaker: Dr. Jesse Rodriguez, Superintendent for Zion-Benton District 126

12:30 PM – 1:00 AM Networking

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Speaker Presentation

Workplace flexibility meets the needs of both the organization and its employees. As the workforce continues to shift, flexibility is becoming more popular as organizations look for ways to retain employees while remaining the employer of choice. Offering a flexible work environment helps workers achieve greater work-life balance which leads to increased employee engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction which has been known to support mental health. In addition to the benefits gained by employees, organizations reap the rewards of improved retention and higher productivity which ultimately impacts the bottom line.

In this session you will:

• Learn what workplace flexibility means and why is it important.
• Get insights on how to provide a culture of flexibility while still taking care of the customer.
• Understand the benefits and how workplace flexibility impacts all stakeholders.
• Hear what others have done to bring flexibility to their place of work.
• Exchange ideas with others and leave with tips, tools, and strategies you can implement immediately.

SESSION 4

Bringing Fun Into The Workplace While Staying Productive

Speaker: Pete Moore, Head of School at Davidson Day School

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Networking

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Speaker Presentation

Imagine employees with a smile on their faces as they transition into a productive workday. Incorporating the art of fun brings benefits to both the employees as well as the organization. Increased motivation, higher employee engagement, camaraderie, and a healthy bottom line are just some of the many perks that “fun” can bring to a culture.

In this session you will:

• Gain insights on what makes work fun.
• Learn how to infuse “fun” into the workplace in a fun and meaningful way.
• Recognize the power of belief in others and how it feeds positive energy back into the workplace.
• Understand how to create a workplace that people look forward to coming to every day.
• Collaborate with others and walk away with ideas that can be implemented immediately.