Event category: Plenary

Join this closing keynote to hear practical insights and tactical strategies for navigating the complex landscape of AI, technology, talent, and culture, on innovation and productivity. As the leaders who are often charged with creating the right structures and guardrails around what ideation to innovation looks like, HR often feel pressure to harmonize control of brand and behaviour with championing innovation. In this closing keynote, Anna Baird will opensource a few ingredients around Google’s innovation approach, her experience in broader tech and how opportunities to innovate can be executed through digestible activities in your environment and empowerment of your people.  Join us as we unlock the secrets to fostering innovation, empowering your people, and navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape with confidence and agility.

What you will learn:

• Generative AI for Innovation: Discover how Gen AI is empowering (or supercharging) the way organizations create and learn – harnessing your power to drive meaningful change within your organization
• Agility in the ever-changing hybrid working norms: Learn how to leverage new working norms models to enhance productivity, collaboration leading to employee engagement and happiness.
• Embracing Data-Driven Decision Making: Explore strategies for data and analytics to inform strategy and drive business growth.

Discover how micro-moments of mindfulness can enhance your performance. Engage in a restorative breathing exercise followed by a brief guided meditation, designed to reset and calm your nervous system. Recharge and refresh your mind and body, preparing you for a productive and invigorating second half of the conference day.

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure tech environment, burnout and poor mental health are pressing issues affecting the wellbeing and productivity of HR professionals, leaders, and employees alike. However, there are actionable strategies that can make a difference.  In this session, we will explore how prioritizing mental health isn’t just a personal concern—it’s fundamental for organizational success. Discover how fostering a culture that values and supports mental wellbeing not only enhances individual resilience but also cultivates thriving teams and fosters innovation.  Join us as we redefine leadership in the tech industry by placing mental wellbeing at the forefront – and it starts with you!

Key takeaways include:

• Recognizing the signs of burnout and mental health challenges in yourself and your team.
• Learn practical tactics to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace
• Tips for building a nurturing a culture of psychological safety and support where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental health.

Discover how micro-moments of mindfulness can enhance your performance. Engage in a restorative breathing exercise followed by a brief guided meditation, designed to reset and calm your nervous system. Recharge and refresh your mind and body, preparing you for a productive and invigorating second half of the conference day.

Summary: In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, the journey towards DEI requires continuous navigation and adaptation. As senior HR leaders, it’s crucial to explore multifaceted approaches that not only initiate but also sustain momentum in DEI initiatives amidst the backdrop of political and social polarization. This session delves deep into the complexities of maintaining progress, offering actionable insights and practical strategies to fortify organizational commitment. By embracing inclusivity as a cornerstone principle, attendees will uncover innovative tactics to not only navigate challenges but also harness them as opportunities for growth. Join us to discover how to foster a culture of belonging, drive sustainable progress, and champion DEI efforts that resonate with the diverse fabric of our society.

What leaders will learn/practical takeaways:

• Strategic Adaptation: Learn how to dynamically adapt DEI strategies to address the unique challenges posed by political and social polarization, ensuring that initiatives remain relevant and effective in an ever-evolving landscape.
• Engagement Techniques: Explore innovative engagement techniques designed to sustain momentum and commitment across diverse organizational levels, fostering a culture of active participation and inclusivity.
• Navigating Complexity: Gain insights into navigating the complexities of DEI implementation amidst polarization, equipping you with the tools to anticipate and address potential roadblocks while staying true to the overarching goals of equity and inclusion.
• Transformational Leadership: Discover how to cultivate transformational leadership practices that empower HR senior leaders to drive sustainable progress, inspire meaningful change, and champion DEI efforts that resonate deeply within the organization and the broader community.