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The PeopleFirst
Global Summit ’24

October 24, 2024

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About the Summit

The PeopleFirst Global Summit (previously Workplace Inspiration) is a free 24-hour non-stop virtual event designed to give you the confidence, tools and options to make 2024 the year you create a truly inspiring workplace.

This unique event spans the globe – uniting us through our shared purpose to change the world by improving the world of work. As the 50+ short presentations move from Auckland to New York (local time), you will receive advice tailored to your specific region and the challenges you are currently facing.

You will leave energized, with clarity and control about your options and freedom to choose your next steps in an uncertain world. Everyone who attends will take away ways to make simple changes that have the power to transform their organisation.

See details below!

What you’ll learn

The below sessions are just an appetizer of what you will learn across the 24 hour event:

  • Onboarding Excellence: How early onboarding can build a positive culture and improve employee retention and performance.
  • Workplace Well-being: Strategies for supporting mental health, boosting engagement, and fostering a people-first culture.
  • Hybrid Work Challenges: Approaches to creating flexible, high-trust hybrid work environments that support well-being and attract talent.
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): The importance of integrating DEIB into workplace culture for success.
  • Leadership and Communication: The role of empathy, trust-building, and active listening in enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.
  • AI in the Workplace: How AI can boost productivity while maintaining a human-centric, trust-driven work culture.
  • Psychological Safety and Inclusion: The need for psychological safety to create genuine inclusion and strengthen team collaboration.
  • Employee Feedback to Action: How listening to employees and acting on feedback can lead to meaningful change and improved engagement.
  • Empathy in Leadership: The critical role empathy plays in leadership, decision-making, and improving employee well-being.

Register for Free Now!

Date: October 24, 2024
Time: 24 HOURS!

Register Now

Australasia & Asia Speakers

  • Associate Professor Karl Treacher
    Group CEO
    The Culture Institute of Australia

  • Nicola is a people-centered, purpose-driven leader from New Zealand. She is the co-founder of the successful Kiwi fintech company Tax Traders and a new venture, Taxi, which provides tax-powered working capital to businesses (a world first!). A commercial lawyer by training, Nicola is an award-winning leader who was recently recognised at the New Zealand Leadership Awards and who has received international recognition for the workplace and culture she has been instrumental in creating in her businesses.

    Nicola Taylor
    Co-Founder
    Taxi, Tax Traders

  • Roy is a seasoned Business Development Executive, helping organisations solve complex people and OD challenges for sustainable and positive results.

    Roy Fletcher
    Partner & Client Relations
    Mindset

  • Mrs. Yulianti Hadena has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources across various multinational companies in Indonesia. In 2013, she joined PT Rekso Nasional Food (McDonald’s Indonesia) as the Human Resources & General Services Director.

    She consistently makes holistic decisions to foster a comfortable workplace culture, enabling employees to deliver their best performance for the sustainability of the company.

    In her free time, Mrs. Yuli enjoys cooking, particularly sushi, miso soup, and other Japanese dishes, along with a variety of local cuisines, which reflects her long residence in Japan.

    Mrs. Yuli holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Indonesia.

    Yulianti Hadena
    Human Resources & General Services Director
    PT Rekso Nasional Food (McDonald’s Indonesia)

Australasia & Asia

The times listed below are in Greenwich Mean Time (London).

  • Midnight

    Associate Professor Karl Treacher
    Group CEO
    The Culture Institute of Australia

    Wonder and the truth about Toxic Leadership

    “Wonder and the Truth about Toxic Leadership,” explores the complex relationship between toxic leadership in the workplace and the loss of wonder – a core human skill that connects us to one another. It examines the psychological and societal factors that contribute to toxic leadership, including fear, insecurity, and organizational pressures. The presentation argues that as leaders lose their sense of wonder, they become disconnected from their employees’ humanity, leading to decreased empathy, stifled creativity, and eroded trust in the workplace. The talk concludes by offering strategies for rekindling wonder in leadership and creating a more positive, human-centered workplace culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and overall well-being.

  • 12:30am

    Nicola Taylor
    Co-Founder
    Tax Traders

    Onboarding with Heart: Creating the right culture even before day one!

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    A successful and effective onboarding programme is key to retention, performance, and effective communication of your values and culture. Find out how award-winning Tax Traders start their onboarding journey a full 28 days before their new starters hit their desks, what the first-day experience looks like, and how the team creates a magical start that embodies their culture and sets an expectation for excellence.

  • 1:00am

    Roy Fletcher
    Partner & Client Relations
    Mindset

    A Methodology for Empowering Leaders to Drive Engagement: Changing Leadership Behavior

    Unpacking a methodology that finally addresses why employee engagement has remained stagnant over the past decade.

  • 1:30am

    Yulianti Hadena
    Human Resources & General Services Director
    PT Rekso Nasional Food (McDonald’s Indonesia)

    Enable the Best Employee Experience at McDonald’s Indonesia

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    At McDonald’s Indonesia, we believe that delivering feel-good moments to our customer begins with a strong internal culture. In this summit, we are thrilled to share our journey and best practices for creating a workplace that prioritizes employee experience which will drives customer experience. We will discuss how fostering an environment where every team member can thrive, leads to remarkable transformations in our people and significantly enhances the service we provide to our valued customers. By putting our people first, we aim to inspire other organizations to recognize the powerful impact of a positive workplace culture.

  • 2:00am

    BREAK

Middle East & Africa Speakers

  • Dr Jerry Gule is a Director and Executive Coach at Gule Executive Coaching (Pty) Limited and has a passion for people development, transformation, and mainstreaming of persons with disability in the economy.  

    He is a seasoned Executive Coach with over 30 years of leadership and HR management experience. He earned a Doctor of Education qualification from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1991 whilst still employed at University of Botswana and Swaziland (now Univ of Eswatini).  

    Dr Gule has worked across different sectors leading strategic initiatives.  As the former CEO of the Institute of People Management (IPM) he has been instrumental in shaping HR practices in many organizations and jurisdictions. His expertise in leadership coaching and organizational transformation makes him a respected figure in contemporary HR practices and leadership development. Dr Gule volunteers as Chairperson of the Love Trust, a charity organization serving underprivileged children. He is also an Independent Non-Executive Director in leading organizations including being Board Chairperson, Chairperson of an HR & Remuneration Committee, member of Finance & Risk Committee as well as member of a Social and Ethics Committee.    

    Dr Jerry Gule
    Director | Executive Coach | Facilitator
    Gule Executive Coaching (Pty) Limited

  • Premo’ Ojokojo is Chief People Officer at AZA Finance and has over twenty years experience in Human Resources Advisory. Prior to her role at AZA Finance, Premo held senior HR roles at various organisations in Nigeria and Africa. Premo’s expertise spans numerous HR functions, including HR strategies and policy formulation, employee relations, performance management and organisational development.At AZA Finance, Premo has been instrumental in building ‘AZAwatu’ culture – where every person feels empowered to bring their best self to work and operate as a diverse and yet completely unified team.

    Premo Ojokojo
    Chief People Officer
    AZA Finance

  • Brett is the Founder and CEO of Engage Group, the Middle East’s leading employee communication agency, based in Dubai. For over a decade, Engage has been pioneering internal communications and employee experience in the region, serving an impressive client portfolio that spans both government and private sectors. Guided by the credo that communication moves people, and people move organisations, Brett leads with a focus on impactful engagement. With master’s degrees from Harvard University and London Business School, Brett is an expert in advocacy, communications, stakeholder engagement, strategy, and transformation.

    Brett Smyth
    Founder and CEO
    Engage Group

Middle East & Africa

The times listed below are in Greenwich Mean Time (London).

  • 5:30am

    Brett Smyth
    Founder and CEO
    Engage Group

    Branding for impact: Shaping the employee experience

    Discover how effective employer branding can dramatically shape and enhance the employee experience. Learn the secrets behind creating an EVP and brand that not only attracts top talent but also fosters a positive, long-lasting impression. This talk is ideal for anyone looking to leverage their employer brand to boost recruitment efforts and establish a strong, employee-centric culture.

  • 6.00am

    Dr Jerry Gule
    Director | Coach | Chairperson of Boards

    “Lifting all of humanity – leading with Ubuntu First”   

    At the heart of capable organizations, high-performing teams, effective communities, and healthy relationships lies the spirit of ubuntu (humanity).
    Global icons like Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, and Malala Yousafzai epitomized this spirit in their interactions with people from all walks of life.

    In workplaces teeming with an intergenerational workforce and in a world where people are living longer, what is needed are generous doses of ubuntu (humanity). This ensures that everyone we encounter has their day brightened, feels loved and worthy, and experiences their burdens lifted, spirits buoyed, and inspiration to live and do better.

    In this inspiring talk, I will delve into the essence of ubuntu (humanity) and demonstrate how embracing its values can place the PeopleFirst Agenda firmly in the driver’s seat. By doing so, we can accelerate our collective progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the benefit of both people and the planet.

  • 6.30am

    Premo Ojokojo
    Chief People Officer
    AZA Finance

    How and Why to Build an Authentically Diverse Team

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    In this talk, we’ll explore how to authentically build a diverse team. Every leader understands why having more people with different viewpoints, languages, and country backgrounds is important; however, this only comes if you’re truly committed to building a diverse team. Premo will discuss the three steps your CEO, leadership, and Head of People, should take to ensure your recruitment process is set up for authentic diversity.

  • 7:00am

    BREAK

Europe Speakers

  • Karin Volo
    CEO
    Evoloshen

  • Diego Biasi
    Founder and CEO
    BPRESS

  • Christian defines and leads our company-wide employee experience initiatives and heads our human resources groups worldwide. In that role, he defines the company’s people strategy, employer branding, learning and development, talent development programs and talent acquisition.

    Christian began his career in the travel industry in 1993 at BCD Travel legacy company DanTransport, covering many roles in operations, marketing, learning & development and finally overall HR. He lives in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Christian Dahl
    Executive Vice President, People & Culture
    BCD Travel

  • Anna Velikoivanenko
    Brand and Communications Director
    DataArt

Europe

The times listed below are in Greenwich Mean Time (London).

  • 8:00am

    Karin Volo
    CEO
    Evoloshen

    AI-Powered Culture – Transforming Business for the Future

    AI is taking the world by storm…and it can easily be overwhelming considering how quickly it is growing and how rapidly everything is changing. While it is exciting and will certainly revolutionise the way we do business, there is no denying that we still need people and our human to human connection. Here are key points that will be covered:

    • AI as a Productivity Booster: Learn how AI can streamline operations and unlock workforce potential.
    • Building a Trust-Driven Culture: Understand the importance of trust and transparency in an AI-powered workplace.
    • Creating a People-First Culture: Empowering employees through AI and proven culture strategies.
  • 8:30am

    Diego Biasi
    Founder and CEO
    BPRESS

    How being purpose-driven keeps you human in a world dominated by change and the growing impact of AI

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

  • 9:00am

    Christian Dahl
    Executive Vice President, People & Culture
    BCD Travel

    Back to the office… or not? Unlocking the potential of remote work

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    In this talk, Christian Dahl celebrates the new ways of working and highlights BCD’s virtual work options, and shares Work from Anywhere policy tips. Discover how these practices enhance employee wellbeing and boost engagement, fostering a more connected and productive workforce in today’s evolving landscape.

  • 9:30am

    Anna Velikoivanenko
    Brand and Communications Director
    DataArt

    Partners for Progress: An Appealing Modern EVP

    Anna will share the journey of building a unique, people-first culture at DataArt, a global software engineering firm. Emphasizing the importance of partnership, open communication, and flexibility, she will highlight how DataArt’s flat organizational structure and Scandinavian-inspired leadership model foster collaboration, equity, and employee satisfaction. The talk also features DataArt’s approach to remote work, professional growth opportunities, and a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP) to attract and retain top talent. Anna`s talk will provide a fresh perspective on how to create inspiring, people-centric workplaces, drawing on DataArt’s success as a model.

UK & Ireland Speakers

  • “Ruairí Conroy serves as Vice President of Sales Development and Galway Site Lead at Diligent, where he oversees a team of 70 people, driving growth across the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions. Diligent is the global leader in modern governance, offering comprehensive SaaS solutions in governance, risk, compliance, audit, and ESG. Under his leadership, the European Hub was established in Galway in 2020, further solidifying Diligent’s footprint in the region.

    Ruairí’s career spans senior leadership roles at industry-leading companies such as SiteMinder, AdRoll, and Google, where he honed his expertise in sales strategy, marketing, and cultivating high-performing team cultures. In addition to his role at Diligent, he contributes to academia as a part-time lecturer at the University of Galway, bridging the gap between the classroom and the workplace to enrich student learning experiences.”

    Ruairi Conroy
    Vice President of Sales Development and Galway Site Lead
    Diligent

  • Sophie Tomlinson
    Client Director
    H&H

  • Director of Global Employee Engagement at Foundever, Naomi has worked in HR and people roles for over 15 years. In her current role she oversees the employee voice, reward and recognition and health & well-being programs at Foundever, a global CX company with 170,000 associates in 45 countries.

    Naomi Oerton
    Director, Global Employee Engagement
    Foundever

  • Bethany Mullett
    Head of Culture & Engagement
    Smart DCC

  • Jack is the Managing Director of Client Operations at Ipsos Karian and Box. He has worked in the employee experience space for 12 years, working with the likes of Lloyds Banking Group, Credit Suisse and Coca-Cola to better understand and improve their employees’ experience at work. Prior to joining the IK&B team, Jack led the Consulting Team at a company specialising in employee wellbeing, owned by industry leading thinker Professor Sir Cary Cooper.

    Jack Evans
    Managing Director of Client Operations
    Ipsos Karian and Box

  • Matt is a Managing Director for Protiviti, a global Business Consulting firm. He is a highly motivated senior leader with over 20 years’ experience across a broad number of industries. Matt works as a trusted advisor to C suite clients, solving their complex problems and leads Protiviti’s People Advisory and Change practice in the UK. This involves advising clients on ways they can improve their employee experience, enhance working culture and energise change and transformation initiatives.

    Matt Duncan
    Managing Director
    Protiviti

  • Adam Bassant
    Logistics Director
    Hovis®

  • Scott has worked in communications for over 25 years and is the founder of Inspiring Change, a Dublin- based collective consultancy that helps organisations to build better cultures. Before that he worked in AIB, one of Ireland’s two pillar banks where he was a key part of the award-winning Internal Comms & Engagement team.  He has also produced over 120 episodes of the Building Better Cultures Podcast.  A proud Scot, he has lived in Dublin for almost 25 years with his wife and three children.

    Scott McInnes
    Founder
    Inspiring Change

  • Cathy joined Texthelp in 2022 as the company’s first Chief People Officer. With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Cathy was inspired by Texthelp’s strong purpose and values. As a global leader in inclusive technology, Texthelp has positively impacted the lives of over 250 million people with a vision to empower the literacy and learning of over 1 billion by 2030. Cathy is dedicated to creating a best-in-class global employee experience where everyone is supported to reach their full potential. She is focused on building an inclusive, global community that celebrates diversity and fosters a high-performance culture.

    Prior to Texthelp, Cathy spent nearly a decade as Senior Director – Talent at Liberty IT, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual Insurance, where Liberty IT was recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ and earned a Top 10 spot in the UK and Ireland Best Workplaces rankings in 2021. Before Liberty IT, Cathy served as HR Manager for IKEA UK & Ireland, where she led the HR strategy for the business.

    Cathy Donnelly
    Chief People Officer
    Texthelp

UK & Ireland

The times listed below are in Greenwich Mean Time (London).

  • 10:00am

    Ruairi Conroy
    Vice President of Sales Development and Galway Site Lead
    Diligent

    The Talent Compass: Guiding Your Team to Their North Star

    In today’s competitive landscape, retaining top talent goes beyond competitive salaries and perks. It requires a deeper, purpose-driven approach that aligns employees’ personal aspirations with the organisation’s mission. In this session, Ruairí Conroy, VP of Sales Development and Galway Site Lead at Diligent, will present a strategic framework designed to guide employees in finding their ‘North Star.’

    The session will explore Diligent’s Personal Development Plan (PDP), focusing on how the PDP framework helps employees discover their ‘why,’ set meaningful long-term goals, and navigate their career journey with clear, actionable steps. Ruairí will share insights on how framework empowers managers to engage in meaningful check-ins, provide continuous support, and create a culture of growth and development.

    Attendees will leave with practical strategies to enhance talent retention, foster employee engagement, and build a purpose-driven culture where employees and organisations thrive together.

  • 10.30am

    Sophie Tomlinson
    Client Director
    H&H

    Nailing the narrative – how a single campaign can leave a legacy
    Want to create impactful internal communications that cut through the noise and hit the sweet spot? Hear from Sophie, as she uses real-life examples to demonstrate how H&H works with its clients to align their narrative to business outcomes, so every employee feels engaged, inspired and connected to their purpose.

  • 11.00am

    Naomi Oerton
    Director, Global Employee Engagement
    Foundever

    On a mission: how we are co-creating the future work experience with our people

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    A deep dive into the Employee Voice program at Foundever. This talk will explore how to leverage the collective genius of your workforce to make impactful change.

  • 11.30am

    Bethany Mullett
    Head of Culture & Engagement
    Smart DCC

    Turning Voices into Value: How Smart DCC Transforms Employee Feedback into Real Impact

    In today’s competitive landscape, every company runs engagement surveys, but can they genuinely say they turn insights into meaningful action? At Smart DCC, we’re mastering the art of leveraging employee voice to drive impactful change. In this session, discover how our Engagement Champion Network collaborates with leadership to transform survey data into strategic initiatives that align with our core values. Learn how we bridge the gap between insight and action, creating an environment where every employee feels heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Whether you’re looking to revitalise your engagement strategy or deepen your commitment to employee-driven success, this talk will provide actionable insights and inspiring examples from our journey.

  • 12:00pm

    BREAK

  • 12.30pm

    Jack Evans
    Managing Director of Client Operations
    Ipsos Karian and Box

    In the face of high levels of workplace strain, the corporate wellness market is thriving; valued at $61.2bn in 2021, it is projected to grow to $94.6bn by 2026. However, this raises questions about the effectiveness of current wellbeing programmes and whether employers are doing the right things to improve employee wellbeing.

    To better understand the landscape, we’ve interviewed over 2,500 UK employees to uncover what’s driving burnout, who needs support the most and the critical role that leaders and managers can play. This session will uncover the key findings and takeaways for HR practitioners.

  • 1.00pm

    Matt Duncan
    Managing Director
    Protiviti

    How to improve experience in the workplace through a lens of inter-generational inclusion.

  • 1.30pm

    Adam Bassant
    Logistics Director
    Hovis®

    Empowering People: The Heart of Hovis® Logistics

    Join us as we share stories of our people, the driving force of making Hovis® Logistics a success. We will discuss our commitment to employee development, our strategies for supporting wellbeing, and our efforts to create an inclusive culture. Learn about our leadership’s journey from the ground up, our succession planning initiatives, and our engagement strategies that have led to impressive retention and engagement scores.

  • 2.00pm

    Cathy Donnelly
    Chief People Officer
    Texthelp

    Building an Inspiring Workplace: Empowering Employees with Inclusive Cultures

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    At Texthelp, we believe in the importance of creating cultures that not only accept differences but actively celebrates, embraces and empowers them. In this session, Cathy Donnelly, Chief People Officer at Texthelp, will share the journey that led Texthelp to be named among the Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in 2024.

    Drawing on practical examples and the company’s commitment to a people-first culture, Cathy will explore how fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation and engagement has been the cornerstone of Texthelp’s success. She will offer actionable insights into how organisations can create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

    Attendees will gain an understanding of:

    • The strategies Texthelp uses to prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across its global teams.
    • How employee wellbeing, leadership development and communication are integral to driving engagement and reducing turnover.
    • Practical initiatives, such as employee resource groups (ERGs), free access to inclusive tools and innovative benefits and strategies that foster a sense of belonging and community.
    • The measurable outcomes that have resulted from Texthelp’s people-centric strategy, including a significant decrease in attrition rates and an increase in employee engagement and satisfaction.

    Join this insightful case study to discover how you can apply these learnings to elevate your own workplace culture and inspire positive change within your organisation.

  • 2.30pm

    Scott McInnes
    Founder
    Inspiring Change

    Strengthening Connection to Drive Performance

    Organisations often struggle to create a strong sense of connection with their employees.  Now that those employees aren’t even all in one place anymore, that struggle has gotten more difficult.  As a result, the sense of connection between employees and their work, colleagues and organisations is under more pressure than ever before.

    In the longer term, those organisations that overcome these challenges, navigating this changing way of working and building strong connections, will succeed where others won’t.

    But what drives connection and what is the benefit of people at work being more connected – for them and the organisation?  We’ve built a model that we believe talks to the key elements of strong human connection that we’ll share with you so you can test how well connected your people are to your organisation.

  • 3.00pm

    Sam McNeill & Tom Billington
    SongDivision

    Inspiring Workplaces That Rock!

    Get ready for 30 minutes of high-energy, music-fuelled engagement with SongDivision!

    Join us as we create an entirely original song about The PeopleFirst Global Summit —live and in real time.

    You’ll experience how SongDivision harnesses the power of music to amplify company culture, reinforce organisational values, and unite your people.

    Led by world-class facilitators and musicians who have toured with the likes of The Killers and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, this collaborative session will show you firsthand how music can inspire & unite your team and bring your key messages to life!

    And don’t worry—no musical experience is required.

  • 3.30pm

    BREAK

Latin America Speakers

  • Gustavo Tavares

    Latam Ambassador and Judge

    Inspiring Workplaces

  • Caio Infante
    Regional Vice President, Brazil
    Radancy

  • is a seasoned leader in talent marketing and workforce strategy with a passion for building high-performing, diverse teams. As Senior Program Manager, Strategy & Planning at PagerDuty, Karen drives initiatives that foster cultural transformation and operational efficiency, enhancing talent acquisition and retention. With over a decade of experience in tech at prominent companies like Amazon Web Services and Alarm.com, Karen is committed to creating inclusive environments where employees can innovate, excel, and have fun at work.

    Karen Neov
    Sr. Program Manager II, Strategy & Planning
    PagerDuty

  • Catherine Clayton
    Sr Director, Global Culture and Engagement
    Concentrix

  • Bahar Ozkan
    Sr. Director, Global Corporate Wellbeing
    Concentrix

Latin America

The times listed below are in Greenwich Mean Time (London).

  • 4.30pm

    Gustavo Tavares
    LATAM Ambassador & Judge
    Inspiring Workplaces

    Caio Infante
    Regional Vice President, Brazil
    Radancy

    How AI is shaping the candidate experience

    • Understand What Motivates Your Ideal Candidates: Gain deep insights into the driving forces behind your target candidates’ decisions.
    • Learn how to create content that truly resonates and builds meaningful connections in the age of AI.
    • Leverage AI for Authentic Content: Discover how to craft genuine, transparent content that informs, educates, and converts candidates effectively.
    • Explore the evolving landscape of content creation and the critical role AI plays in enhancing your messaging strategy.
  • 5.00pm

    Karen Neov
    Sr. Program Manager II, Strategy & Planning
    PagerDuty

    Foster a Culture of Belonging Across Global Teams

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    In today’s global workplace, fostering a culture of belonging and enabling individuals to thrive requires intentional, values-driven strategies. This talk will share how our organization creates an inclusive environment through values-driven leadership and robust employee programs. Discover how our hybrid work model, in-person events and offsites, and unique programs like Champions Club help unite and empower teams across the globe. Learn practical steps to build a thriving, connected workforce no matter where you are.

  • 5.30pm

    Catherine Clayton
    Sr Director, Global Culture and Engagement
    Concentrix

    Bahar Ozkan
    Sr. Director, Global Corporate Wellbeing
    Concentrix

    Case Study from the Global #1 Inspiring Workplace: Concentrix
    Empowering Wellbeing, Inclusivity, and Belonging: A Holistic Approach

    In this talk, we will explore how Concentrix has woven wellbeing, inclusivity, and belonging into the very fabric of its workplace culture. By prioritizing employee wellbeing through tailored support and innovative stress management tools, such as cutting-edge wearable technology that tracks key wellbeing indicators, we have fostered an environment of psychological safety and engagement. Attendees will discover the transformative impact of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which empower neurodivergent employees and promote inclusivity, as well as grassroots initiatives like the “Healthy Habits Circles” that enhance team dynamics and cohesion.

    Attendees will hear:

    • How Concentrix has implemented cutting-edge wearable technology to proactively manage stress and enhance employee engagement
    • How collaboration between our Mental Wellness Partners and Culture Partners has been instrumental in creating localized solutions for employee wellbeing to foster our culture of togetherness.
    • How Concentrix empowers neurodivergent employees through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), particularly the Dynamics group
    • How Concentrix maintained a strong culture, inclusion and wellbeing focus during the integration with Webhelp, a period marked by high stress.
  • 6:00pm

    BREAK

North America Speakers

  • Simpson…Greg Simpson is the Managing Director at Agent In Engagement, a consultancy dedicated to helping company leaders provide compelling reasons for talented individuals to join, engage, and grow within their organizations. In both corporate and consulting settings, Greg has created award-winning workplace experiences for employees at all levels of Fortune 150 companies, including Accenture, State Farm Insurance Companies, Deutsche Bank, and Microsoft. Firmly believing that an engaged workforce is the foundation of organizational success, he is on a mission to design more meaningful, productive, and engaging workplace experiences that benefit both companies and their employees.

    Greg Simpson
    Managing Director
    Agent In Engagement

  • Joe Dicianno, Ph.D. is a Director, Talent Management and Organizational Development at UPMC, an Author of A Busy Leader’s Guide to Caring Leadership, a leadership coach and adjunct at University of Pittsburgh for People Analytics. Joe has previously worked in leadership roles in construction, the restaurant industry, and in the military.  Joe’s passion for leadership is the driving force behind his work in Talent Management.  Joe and his team at UPMC have won several awards (including multiple years at Inspiring Workplaces) for workplace culture, leadership, executive development, and employee listening.

    Joe Dicianno
    Director, Talent Management & Organizational Development
    UPMC

  • LaShana Stokes, M.Ed. is an experienced transformational leader with over 27 years in higher education and more recently the healthcare industry. Her demonstrated track record of leadership skills has translated seamlessly from higher education to healthcare in her role as Chief of Staff at UPMC, serving as a liaison to the Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management Officer. One of her top priorities is establishing collaborative working relationships to identify needs, design plans and identify intersections. She has received numerous awards in higher education for her research on piloting first year experience courses specifically for underrepresented populations and in the healthcare industry promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and has presented at regional, national and international conferences on the topics.

    LaShana Stokes
    Chief of Staff, Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management
    UPMC

  • Harvey Deutschendorf is an emotional intelligence expert, speaker and internationally published author of The Other Kind of Smart, Simple Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success. www.theotherkindofsmart.com His latest book, Emotional Intelligence Game Changers, 101 Simple Ways to Win at Work + Life, was released in August 2023.

    Harvey is a regular contributor to FAST COMPANY with 150+ articles and writes a column for HR PROFESSIONALS MAGAZINE. Harvey is a certified trainer for CANFIELD SUCCESS PRINCIPLES.  In 2015 he was recognized as one of the TOP THOUGHT LEADERS IN TRUST by TRUST ACROSS AMERICA. Harvey is a TEDx Speaker with TEDx Beacon Street, Boston. Harvey doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. He used emotional intelligence to overcome a difficult upbringing and is passionate about sharing what he has learned to help others live more rewarding, fulfilling lives through his writing and speaking.

    Harvey Deutschendorf
    CEO 
    Harmony House Press

  • Robert Glazer is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency and the recipient of numerous industry and company culture awards, including Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Awards two years in a row. He is the author of the inspirational newsletter Friday Forward, and the #1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today and international bestselling author of five books: Elevate, Friday Forward, How To Thrive In The Virtual Workplace, Moving To Outcomes and Performance Partnerships.  He is a sought-after speaker by companies and organizations around the world and is the host of The Elevate Podcast.

    Robert Glazer
    Founder, Chairman Of The Board
    Acceleration Partners

  • Misty Johnson Oratokhai, Esq. is the Chief Operating Officer for NCC, where she is responsible for the operations of NCC, with oversight for functional areas that support the delivery of individualized, person-centered services to children and individuals of differing abilities. With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources management, Labor and Employment, as well as Organizational Training and Development and Operations, Oratokhai has a proven track record of driving transformative initiatives in high growth and complex organizations across the non-profit, healthcare, publishing, commercial transportation, and sports and entertainment business landscapes. She holds a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and is a multi-award winning professional for her contributions to advancing people-centric programs. Oratokhai is dedicated to sharing critical information to support the forward progression of organizations with innovative methods for streamlining operations and increasing efficiencies, transforming culture, developing people and aligning human capital goals with strategic plans.

    Misty J. Oratokhai, Esq.
    Chief Operating Officer
    National Children’s Center

  • Ashok Seetharaman
    Head Of Human Resources – USA
    Tata Consultancy Services

  • Parul Kapoor is the Chief Talent and Culture Officer at Calix, where she leads a global team supporting 1,900 employees worldwide.  With over 20 years of Human Resource experience, Parul is dedicated to fostering high-performing teams and implementing innovative HR strategies that drive rapid business growth and empower employees. She excels at cultivating a positive global remote work culture that enables success for both individuals and the organization. Parul’s executive leadership skills have been instrumental in solving complex business challenges in dynamic environments. These include navigating international mergers and acquisitions and rapidly scaling teams to meet evolving business needs. Her passion for the future of HR is evident in her commitment to driving positive change and creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.

    Parul Kapoor
    CHRO
    Calix

  • D’Mar Phillips is an accomplished and people-centered HR executive with over two decades of experience leading transformative human resources strategies across various industries. As the Vice President of People & Culture at RS Americas, D’Mar excels at creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces that foster talent development, engagement, and organizational growth. His leadership style is rooted in strategic collaboration, where he partners with senior leaders to drive business outcomes through influential people management and culture-building initiatives.  In his current role at RS Americas, D’Mar oversees global people operations, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion while leading succession planning, performance management, and employee engagement efforts. His proudest accomplishments come from being a father, raising his two teenagers, and co-parenting his mother with his brother.

    D’Mar Phillips
    VP of People – Americas
    RS Americas

North America

The times listed below are in Greenwich Mean Time (London).

  • 7.00pm
    Greg Simpson
    Managing Director
    Agent In Engagement
    The ‘Not-So-Secret’ Employee Experience Notebook
    Are you looking for actionable ideas to improve employee experience in your organization? You’ve heard about The ‘Not-So-Secret’ Employee Experience Notebook, right? In this session, we’ll use a live demonstration and real-world examples to show you how to leverage this ‘Notebook’ to ensure your employees thrive in today’s workplace.
  • 7.30pm

    Joe Dicianno
    Director, Talent Management & Organizational Development
    UPMC

    LaShana Stokes
    Chief of Staff, Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management
    UPMC

    Life Changing Medicine requires Life Changing Experiences

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    A Spotlight on Best Practices from UPMC:
    • MyVoice and Employee Listening
    • Belonging, Diversity, and Inclusion
    • Learning and Development
      • Leaders
      • Physicians
  • 8.00pm

    Harvey Deutschendorf
    CEO, Emotional Intelligence Expert, Speaker and Internationally Published Author
    Harmony House Press

    Emotions Drive People, People Drive Productivity

    We know that a large percentage of effort in the workplace is due to discretionary effort. That effort comes about when employees feel they are safe, belong, are heard, recognized and appreciated. This presentation gives insights into tried-and-true ways that work for making your organization’s staff give all of themselves in their efforts

  • 8.30pm

    Robert Glazer
    Founder, Chairman Of The Board
    Acceleration Partners

    Changing How People Leave Your Company For The Better

  • 9pm

    Misty J. Oratokhai, Esq.
    Chief Operating Officer
    National Children’s Center

    The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaningful Workplaces

    The objective of this presentation is to define purpose within the context of work, highlighting that it is essential to move beyond viewing it as a series of tasks. Instead, focus on the intrinsic elements that highlight individual contributions and the significance of each person’s role within the broader organizational strategy, aligning with the company’s values and goals, as well as employees’ personal goals. This involves discussing what provides each individual with a sense of fulfillment and how that connects to their work.
    Exploring the benefits and positive impacts for both employers and employees, we will examine how aligning personal goals with organizational objectives fosters a purpose-driven culture. Additionally, we will look at examples of companies that have successfully created purpose-driven cultures, enhancing employee experiences and overall organizational success.
  • 9:30pm

    D’Mar Phillips
    VP of People – Americas
    RS Americas

    Creating a Culture of Belonging in a Multi-Generation Workforce

    For the first time in history, our workforce spans more generations than ever! Generational tensions have always existed, eroding engagement, and creating divides in our workplaces. This session aims to give you the tools needed to create belonging across our multi-generational workforce.

  • 10:00pm

    Ashok Seetharaman
    Head Of Human Resources – USA
    Tata Consultancy Services

    Digital Harmony: Humanizing HR with Technology.

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

  • 10:30pm

    Parul Kapoor
    CHRO
    Calix

    Fostering a Great Culture Through Seasons of Change and Growth

    Your opportunity to hear a case study from a 2024 Inspiring Workplace. Learn what makes their workplace award-winning and gain actionable insights to elevate your own workplace culture.

    Join Parul Kapoor, Chief Talent and Culture Officer at Calix, for an insightful session on the transformative journey of Calix. Discover how Calix has navigated significant changes and how the company has fostered a strong culture through seasons of growth and challenges.

    In this session, Parul will share the guiding principles and values that have driven Calix’s success. Learn about the innovative and how to lead a company through transformation while maintaining a people-first culture.